Lara Martin is a Christian worship artist from the U.K. who has traveled all over the world leading people in worship. She has sang at the world famous Wembley arena and released an extensive collection of music and released her first full length solo record entitled Pearl in 2012. 

We want to thank Lara for taking the time to share with Breathecast more about her life and ministry. 

BreatheCast: You released your album 'Pearl' last year (2012) how do you feel it has been recieved?

LM: 'Pearl' was a significant record for me as it was my first solo project.  For years I had been part of congregational church albums and many of my songs featured on these.  During this time I was also writing personal songs about my own journey and experiences, some of which you can now hear on 'Pearl'.  I have been overwhelmed at how well 'Pearl' has been received given that people knew me more as a worship leader than as a solo artist.  Listeners have found these songs have ministered to them because they have been able to identify with the lyrics in some of the circumstances I sing of. On the launch night of 'Pearl' I was greatly encouraged by how many people showed their support by travelling in from all across the UK including some from the Christian media in the UK. I have been blessed to have radio play from both Christian and secular stations since then, including BBC radio who showed their support."

BreatheCast: What was your experience like singing at Wembley Stadium last year?

LM: "Wembley is such an iconic landmark in the UK so the opportunity to take part in an event on this grand scale was truly an honour. In fact to hear the famous phrase 'HELLO WEMBLEY' being shouted out by Christian artists was surreal. What we were really saying was , 'Hello Church' because that day Wembley became a house of worship. To hear tens of thousands of voices raised in praise and worship is something I will never forget. For Christians to gather in this way was a huge statement to the rest of Great Britain. A statement that said  'Jesus' is still very much alive today and so is His church! Wembley is a place already known for its worship, whether it be aimed at a rock/pop superstar or a sporting hero but the only one to take centre stage that day was 'Jesus'.  In fact before any of the bands went on stage we gathered together in a room overlooking the stadium, knelt down and worshipped together. Not one person remained standing. Right from the out-set we were making the focus of the day Jesus and not us."

 BreatheCast: How do you feel worship styles in the U.K. is different than worship music in America, if any?

LM: "I don't think it's a question of styles being different, but more an issue of acceptance. In my opinion it seems the US listeners are more ready to accept and embrace different expressions/styles of worship. This is very much evident in the sheer number of Christian radio stations there are available. In contrast, Christian music has limited 'air play' here in the UK." 

 BreatheCast: Tell us the story behind your powerful song, "Soothe"?

LM: "Like many women across the world I have had my own struggles with pregnancy resulting in numerous miscarriages over the years.  The most recent of these happened whilst in the middle of recording the 'Pearl' record.  'Soothe' wasn't even written at this point.  Sadly, we got the news that we had lost a baby girl, so this song is in honour of her and the other babies we lost before her. I'm encouraged and overwhelmed at how much this song has soothed other people who suddenly find themselves in a similar situation.  I found myself in such emotional pain all over again but knew the only thing I could do was to throw myself on God and offer that 'pain' as worship. The words of 'Soothe' pretty much tumbled out in that sacred moment with God. Since then, I've been  honoured to perform this song at Remembrance Services in Cathedrals with the charity 'www.SayingGoodbye.org', who offer support for anyone who has suffered baby loss whether it be through miscarriage, still birth or in infancy.  All that said,  I'm pleased to tell you that God has been faithful and has blessed me with two wonderful sons aged 8 and 3. I offer 'Soothe' as a free download on my website."

BreatheCast: How did you start your work with World Vision?

LM: "I had been aware of World Vision for quiet some time and in fact knew some of the UK staff.  In my home church, we were privileged on one occasion to host a World Vision event which led my husband & I to sponsoring a child in India.  I was honoured to be invited to represent WV as an artist ambassador and am already looking forward to being involved in some upcoming events this year, starting with a field trip to Africa next month."

BreatheCast: If you could collaborate with one Secular Artist and one Christian Artist, who would you choose?

LM: "I would love to collaborate with country artist Vince Gill.  I have admired his song writing for years and I lust love his voice -  it's as smooth as velvet.  A christian artist I'd like to collaborate with would have to be Michael W Smith - Michael is one of the great songwriters of our age.  He has written some great worship songs that are filled with truth and depth."

 
BreatheCast: Are you writing any new songs yet?

LM: "I don't think I'm ever not writing something. I always have a voice recorder at the ready to capture thoughts and ideas throughout my day...having a cell phone is brilliant for this.  A few years ago I attended a Song Camp hosted by the Nashville Songwriters Association in Nashville and they handed me tools for writing that have changed my approach ever since. In fact a great deal of what they taught me outworked itself in my 'Pearl' album and songs written since. Whether it be a Christian or secular song there are some principles in the crafting stage which apply to both. Why just have a 'good' song when it can be a 'better' song. Songwriting is a craft that I want to continually get better at so I guess with every new song I write it's a step forward."

BreatheCast: Do you have a favorite scripture as a band or a truth that you guys use a lot? If not, what are some personal favorite verses of yours?

LM: "A truth I continually remind myself of is that God's timing is always perfect. Ecclesiastes 3:11 tells us that He makes everything beautiful in its time. From time to time we may raise the question, "When God?". In fact the song, 'Here is Jesus' asks a similar question in the opening Lyrics, "Why, why this delay?'. One of my on-going prayers is "Lord help me to tell what time it is" Once I know what time it is, I'm able to respond appropriately. I've learnt and am still learning that worshipping my way through everything be it good or bad is a vital key to living a life of peace. When you're at peace with God, you will be at peace with yourself and the world around you."  

BreatheCast: What are your touring plans for this Fall 2013?

LM: "There are lots of great plans for the Fall this year, details of which we are still finalizing. At this stage though I can tell you that 'Pearl' will be going on the road and venues will appear on my website from September. The next series of 'Saying Goodbye' remembrance services  begin again in September through to December in Cathedrals across the UK. I'll also be performing at a number of World Vision events later in the year. Of course I'll continue to minister in churches and at conferences on-goingly. Details will be made available for all of the above on my website very soon."