Sarah Macintosh
With talent-driven music, and a passion-driven ministry, Sarah MacIntosh isn't your run-of-the-mill singer/songwriter. "I don't remember a time in my life when I didn't sing," explains the Texas-born-and-raised MacIntosh. "My dad was a worship leader, and I always sang back-up vocals at church." At the age of 19, MacIntosh picked up the guitar and, aly an avid er and journaler, the transition to writing songs was an easy one. Drawing influences from charismatic artists such as Jonatha Brooke, Muse, Bjork and even Enya, it's no wonder that Sarah MacIntosh's music is nothing short of captivating. MacIntosh is also quick to note other sources of inspiration, such as worship leaders Matt Redman, Tim Hughes, as well as legendary writer, C. S. Lewis. Since that humble beginning, MacIntosh has made an incredible mark on the Christian music community by fronting the critically-acclaimed rock band, Chasing Furies, for which she was the lead singer and songwriter. MacIntosh has also shared the stage with Michael W. Smith and Matt Redman as a background vocalist, and has lent her passionate voice to recordings including "Can You Hear Us Now" (David Crowder Band) and "Worship Again" (Michael W. Smith).Following a change of focus that led MacIntosh and her husband to ministry positions at Horizon Christian Fellowship in San Diego, MacIntosh is poised to release her first record as a solo artist, a project that features all original songs and a renewed personal purpose. "I would sing these new songs at various churches and venues, but I didn't have anything recorded to give to people. So I decided I would record an album that reflects who I am right now. 'If someone were to sit down and talk with me, what would they hear me saying?' I asked myself. This new record is the answer to that question."The album is called "The Waiters, the Watchers, the Listeners, the Keepers and Me", and features husband Jonathon MacIntosh as producer, Brent Milligan on bass, and Vinnie Colaiuta (Sting) on drums. MacIntosh shares some insight about the title: "This is a line from one of the songs ("Sunshine"), that is talking about Christians being y for the rapture. I envisioned us waiting like the wise virgins in Matthew 25:1-13 who wait with their oil lamps full, 'knowing neither the day nor the hour in which the Son of Man is coming.' The song is an invitation to non-believers to join me and this camp of people who are waiting for the day to break - for the sunshine. It's an invitation to join us - the waiters, the watchers, the listeners, the keepers... and me."The gentle but driving force behind the music of Sarah MacIntosh is her leave-you-breathless vocal style, showcasing not only a haunting vulnerability but also a conviction that is completely and purely honest. Supporting this powerhouse vocalist is a dynamic pop/rock sound that has evidently been crafted with the same care and attention that MacIntosh puts into her emotive and heartfelt lyrics. "These songs have been bubbling up inside me for quite some time now," MacIntosh explains, "Recently there have been towering highs and plummeting lows in my life, all of which have been carefully guarded by my Savior, Jesus. It's these things that have been written about on scraps of paper, tattered journals and my faithful Mac. They have finally come out of my mouth in melody."For an artist like Sarah MacIntosh, writing is less about generating the next big hit, and more about processing information, experiences and lessons. In "Where You'll Find Him", MacIntosh was inspired by a college course on the books of Romans, where this verse jumped out at her: "For the truth about God is known to them instinctively. God has put this knowledge in their hearts." (Romans 1:19) "This led me on a search through the Bible for different scriptures on God's invisible qualities that we all see, and should know Him from. The song is for those who act like He hasn't shown Himself to them, when in fact, He has."Another personal highlight for MacIntosh on the record is "My Jesus", a song inspired by Psalms 72:18, which says: "Blessed be the Lord God, the God of Israel, who only does wondrous things!" "I couldn't stop thinking about those two words: 'only' and 'wondrous'," MacIntosh explains. "How amazing is that, that our God ONLY does wondrous things?"Singer/songwriter Sarah MacIntosh is returning to the international Christian music stage with a new record, fresh focus, and a dynamic sound - but it's a genuine heart of gold that sets this artist apart: "I believe we are here on this earth to worship God, and to lead other people to Him. As far as I know, the best way that I can do both of these things is through music! My hope is that these songs are deep and thought provoking enough to draw people into a closer relationship with the Lord."
Releases
The Waiters, The Watchers, The Listeners, The Keepers & Me
- Release 7/8/2008 Buy CD
