What began as a vision for Delirious? frontman Martin Smith and his wife Anna over a year ago has finally come to fruition this past week.  Some of the world’s greatest songwriters were brought together for the Compassionart songwriter’s retreat in an effort to create ongoing global relief for the poorest of the poor. Setting out to write 10-12 songs, these songwriters far surpassed that goal completing 22 new songs during the retreat held last week at the House of Cantle in Perthshire, Scotland.  The songs are to be given to the world not just to sing, but also to raise money for the relief of suffering around the planet.  One hundred per cent of the proceeds derived from the songs will go directly to charity. 

Working together toward a common goal involving no personal gain, internationally recognised songwriters attending the retreat included: Paul Baloche, Steven Curtis Chapman, Stu Garrard (Delirious?), Israel Houghton, Tim Hughes, Graham Kendrick, Andy Park, Matt Redman, Martin Smith (Delirious?), Michael W. Smith and Darlene Zschech. While many of the writers were only professional acquaintances at the beginning of the week, by the end of the week they not only created what may come to be world changing songs, but also life-long friendships.

“I can’t even tell you how rewarding it was to hang out with people who really get you and what you’re about,” Paul Baloche says. “It’s a great way to start a new year, that’s for sure. That deep connection has made all the difference in collaborating together.”

“We’ve done it; we just need to record these songs now,” confirms Martin.  “It’s been awesome. I’m proud, in awe, exhilarated and tired. Good days, great days.”

 In addition to the songwriters, the publishers, managers, copyright institutes and agents involved have all waived their rights and are donating their efforts on this project to Compassionart, a charity based in Littlehampton that is dedicated to seeing works of art generate income for the poorest of the poor. One half of the monies received over the songs’ lifetimes will go to the songwriters’ charity of choice, and the other 50 per cent will go to a charitable project agreed upon by all the songwriters involved, which is still being discussed.

For more information on the Compassionart songwriter’s retreat, go to http://compassionart.co.uk/, www.delirious.co.uk/livingroom/blog.php

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