David Vaters: I started writing at 15 years old and, as a result, I probably have written over 500 songs. However, with a smile, I don't want to say they are all great songs! I was super interested in poetry, including Psalms, and so late at night I would just read and write songs based on influences and stories of the bible. At 16, I was offered a 4-single recording deal which was on condition that I quit school and work with the label full-time. However, my parents just dismissed that one pretty fast.

David: I guess I had done pop, anthem rock and folk music and I just kinda landed on the Americana genre of music. However, my next album is an evolution of that and moves into a more pop rock feel. You will hear other influences, like Lennon, Mumford and Sons, Bowie and yes, a little Springsteen. I guess the Lord directs your path as you go along. I just love good, well-written music and I just try to write the best way God has given me to do so.

David: Well... I'm not sure how you knew that? Yes, Larry -- to me -- was the quintessential artist. He wrote what he wanted to without being influenced by what was expected of him by the industry or the church. He was honest in his songwriting and wrote what he felt God wanted him to say. I think that is really lacking in Christian music today. So I respect him a lot for that. I did actually work with him a few years prior to his passing on a remake of a song which I recorded in the UK and might release later this year or next.

David: I have heard that. A lot of people tell me they hear a little Dylan and Tom Petty. I really did not listen to much Springsteen, but that is quite a compliment for you to say so.

David: Well. My wife, Susie, really is responsible for pushing me into the studio. She really felt that I needed to record the songs I had written recently. The songs were written in a way that I had never experienced before. There was a few months of writing songs almost every night or so. I would wake up--or be woken up--with the lyrics and/or music in my head and could not get back to sleep. So, at 2, 3, sometimes 4 in the morning I was--I won't say "forced," but maybe "driven" to get up and go to the keyboard or guitar. I would write the songs in less than an hour, sometimes 20 minutes, and then record them on my iPhone and then go back to bed. To add to that, I would have to say that I did not write these songs; God did. I was just the scribe that took dictation. So, back to the approach of the project of a two volume set, we really just had so much material that it was a natural thing to do. So we took the tour bus, and over a couple months, went back and forth to Alabama, Nashville and Texas to record twenty-some odd songs.

David: Well, besides my church, we are thinking of touring the two albums in 2018. So stay tuned and we will let ya'll know the dates and cities!

David: Love that question. It's the easiest to answer. I pray to accomplish what the Lord himself told us to accomplish, which is to be heard, heal, and raise up! Mark 16:15 right?

To be heard throughout the world, HEAL those who need a touch from God and to raise up those who need the good news! Interestingly enough, my music is being picked up mostly by secular radio and not Christian radio. I've been told point-blank by Christian stations that I don't fit. That I don't sound like MercyMe, Casting Crowns or Jeremy Camp, to name a few. It's all great music and I appreciate what these guys are doing for the church, but my music seems to resonate both inside and outside the church. So, to that end, what I discovered is that the Christian radio industry seems to like staying in a box and working with the majors to keep it that way. I get it; the major labels work on formulas that work and make money. So, I think being heard on the secular airwaves, and now streaming, is where God has directed my path!

So I give a shout out to all independent Christian artists out there! Go be heard! It is possible to do it! In the first 3 months as an independent artist of releasing A Voice in the wilderness Vol 1, we were Number 1 worldwide on Reverbnation, had over 3 million+ streams on digital music services, the Top 100 rock album in Australia, Top 2 Rock album in Mexico, secular radio play in countries like Spain, UK, Russia, Australia and videos on YouTube in the hundreds of thousands of views! I understand now that we have been the top two videos on GodTube recently, so hopefully the Christian community will get to hear my music more and more! So I really appreciate this interview with you guys! I just want to live Mark 16:15. Thank you kindly for this opportunity and blessings to you!