EXCLUSIVE INTERVIEW: Christian Worship Artist BJ Putnam on Faith, Music and Family

Up and coming Christian worship Artist BJ Putnam resides in Phoenix,Arizona and has been working with Grammy Award winner Israel Houghton to go to the next level.  Putnam was invited by Houghton to sing on former Hillsong matriarch Darlene Zschech's latest album "Revealing Jesus." and has been touring with Houghton and Zschech this spring.

We Thank BJ for taking the time out of his schedule to talk with BREATHEcast.  

BREATHEcast: Tell me about you latest project.  What is different about this one compared to your previous releases?

"I would say the songs.  I was really intentional in trying to write good songs that connect with people.  I tend to think congregational a lot since that has been my world for so long.  I belive we were able to accomplish that with this album."

BREATHEcast: What can fans expect and why do they need to buy this one?

"Well I feel it is my mission to help people everywhere experience God's presence.  In his presence we are changed.  I feel we have captured the presence of God on this project and I believe as people listen to this album that lives will be transformed."

BREATHEcast: How would you describe your sound to a potential fan who has never heard your music before?

"Well my prayer is that this is the sound of worship.  The sound of people who are passionately in love with Jesus.  I have been a part of a multi-cultural church for nearly 14 years so I definitely feel it is a multi-cultural multi-generational sound.  I believe you will hear elements of pop, rock and soul uniquely blended together to create a Kingdom sound." 

BREATHEcast: Who are some of your musical influences? 

"I have definitely had a lot of influences through the years from the first time I heard Chicago on the radio to Peter Gabriel to Prince to John Mayer to Johnny Cash and the list goes on.  I definitely was blown away the first time I heard good music in church.  I was about 14 or 15 and walked in to The Eagles Nest Christian Embassy and heard my now good friend Israel Houghton lead worship.  Israel was definitely a big influence on my life not only musically but in modeling character and a heart of true worship. Darlene Zschech changed worship for everybody.  I will never forget running Shout To The Lord into the ground and it still never got old! That's why it was such a huge honor to be a part of her new live project Revealing Jesus.  I am still being influenced especially in what God is doing in the worship community today through people like William Mcdowell, Brian and Jenn Johnson, Jesus Culture and of course Hillsong."

BREATHEcast: From where do you receive inspiration for your songwriting?

"Everywhere! God is so good and I can't help but write about what he has done in my life.  I have seen his goodness and faithfulness in my life.  I will say that the shower and the car have been great venues for some good song ideas!  I usually always have the bible open when I am in a writing session and there is no better words to use than the word of God."

BREATHEcast: How do you write songs and deliver performances that you can be sure will resonate with fans?

"Well I think I write a lot out of my walk and experience with God.  The song "Here For You" was written from an encounter I had with the Lord in 2011 and I will never be the same.  I feel that some of these songs reflect that transparency."

BREATHEcast: How much of your personal experiences do you share in your music?  Do you ever worry about oversharing?

"I think a lot of my music is from personal experience and I don't believe you can ever overshare what God has done in and through your life.  I think people connect with authentic worship music that says we want you more and more, more than anything else.  It's Jesus."

BREATHEcast: What do you think differentiates you from other artists?

"This may sound like false humility but I haven't ever really thought about that.  I don't think that is my focus.  I believe I am a worshiper and I want to help others worship Jesus."

BREATHEcast: What has been the most satisfying moment of your career thus far?  What is one thing that you have yet to achieve that is really important to you?

"I would say being a part of the kingdom of God in my local church for 14 years has been something I thank God for.  Being able to pour into and raise up younger worship leaders has gradually become a passion for me.  It's kind of tough to give "One thing" because there are many things I am believing for.  I would have to say I want to point people to Jesus.  The more I can do that the more and more I feel I am doing what I was created to do."

BREATHEcast: How did you get involved in music?  When was the moment that you first knew you wanted to be an artist?

"I have always been around music.  My parents are both very musical and they were always singing and playing music whether at home or in church.  I don't think there was a light bulb moment for me.  It was just something I couldn't get away from and something I definitely love to do."

BREATHEcast: What is your spiritual background?  Why did you choose to sing Christian music as opposed to secular?

"I have been in church my whole life.  I consider myself blessed to be raised in a Godly home.  I remember accepting Christ when I was around 7.  I rasied my hand during an altar call and I told my mom I wanted Jesus.  I love the church and love to sing to and about Jesus.  It's what I was born to do."

BREATHEcast: How do you balance your career with your family?

"I have an amazing family.  My wife Melody is so loving and supporting and is an amazing Pastor and woman of God.  The love I have for my two boys Miles and Max are such a reminder to me of how God loves us as his children there is nothing I wouldn't do for them and there is nothing they could ever do that would change that.  I do my best to be home as often as I can and facetime when I can't."