Transparent Christian Magazine

I met David Byrd at the CIA Summit in Nashville, Tennessee earlier this year.  He was engaging and genuine and recently I had a chance to catch up with him and discuss his ministry!

Transparent: It was great to meet you in person earlier this year at the CIA Summit. What has been going on with your ministry since then?
David: It was great to meet you as well.  Since the CIA Summit I have been leading worship and performing throughout Central Florida, Arkansas, Texas and Louisiana.  I have been invited to minister in several states during the fall.  I‘ve been doing some writing as well.  In fact, one of the newest songs I have written has been ministering to folks in worship services already!

Transparent: I understand that you are a multi-instrumentalist. What do you play, and what are your favorite instruments to play live?
David: I wouldn’t really count any instrument other than piano/keys as instruments I would play live.  I started playing guitar when I was 7 years old, followed by trombone and baritone horn in middle school.  I began playing piano in high school and have really enjoyed it as a main instrument along with my voice.  I still write using guitar sometimes and would love to play guitar better.

Transparent: Some great things are happening in your ministry. What do you attribute all of the recent interest in your ministry and your music?
David: The other night I was laying awake thinking and praying at the end of the day, and the word “accelerate” came to my mind.  I looked up the word, and I got excited when I read the definition.
Accelerate – “to quicken the natural or ordinary progression or process of; as, to accelerate the growth of a plant, the increase of wealth, etc. God is the accelerating force behind my growth!  Perseverance has also been a big factor in my “sudden” success.  God requires us to run the race to the finish.  As I have been diligent to do my part, and be faithful to the calling on my heart, He has been faithful to open doors for me that I am unable to open.

Transparent: How is God blowing your mind lately?
David: Daily He is revealing Himself to me as I go about my daily routine.  I have been able to share His love with several people lately and shine as an example of His character to others.  I am so humbled when I consider how God uses this unlikely yielded vessel for His glory!

Transparent: I know last album was well received. When are we going to hear some new music?
David: I am working on BIG things, including organizing a live concert in the fall which will be recorded for audio and video reproduction.  There are also plans for a new project which will hopefully be recorded in the spring of 2010.  It will have at least one and maybe two duets with some “big-name” artists, and will be recorded in California with producer Randy Emata and some of the best studio musicians on the planet!  I wish I could tell all the details now, but you’ll just have to wait!

Transparent: Tell me about a performance recently that left a big impression on you.
David: One of my pastor friends invited me to do a night of worship at their church recently.  I bought a ticket, flew there and was blown away by the reception I was given and how they honored me as a man of God.  Not only were they receptive to what I do as a worshiper, but they hosted me with grace and generosity!  So, the thing that blew me away most was the goodness of God displayed through these folks.  Not only were my expenses met, but they truly surprised me with how wonderfully they treated me!

Transparent: The first time I heard your CD, I was blown away by your voice. When did you first start singing and when did you know you had a gift?
David: I think I was born singing!  My mom said I used to tie my jump rope to my little red wagon and sing using the handle as the microphone.  I would sing to neighbors, the mailman and anyone who would listen!

When I was in High School, I began to realize that I could sing pretty well and honestly, if it weren’t for music I probably wouldn’t have gone on to college, much less earn a Masters Degree in music!  I often thank God for keeping me focused on developing my voice, and putting me in situations where I was pushed to do more than I could do at the time!

Transparent: How can people find your music, and can you describe your sound?
David: Folks can find my music at www.davidbyrdministries.com or www.indieheaven.com/artists.davidbyrd The album “A Day To Remember” is also available on iTunes, and at CD Baby.  Now for the hard part!  I would describe myself as a unique artist with a voice somewhat reminiscent of Dallas Holm.  Does that tell you how old I am?  I write what I like to hear, so there are a few different styles represented on my album from country rock, to pop, gospel and even some jazz influences. I am all about the worship factor though, so you could compare me to Trent Cory, Ricardo Sanchez and Jonathan Stockstill too!  Worship leader/artist.  That about sums it up!

Transparent: Do you have anything else to declare?
David: I am now a Ministry Staff Member with the Christian Independent Alliance which is a department of Artists in Christian Testimony International.  This means that people can now donate to support my ministry and receive a tax receipt for doing so!  I believe that God will provide for every need associated with the album!
Please check out my latest blog at www.davidbyrdministries.com.  It shows in more detail how you can be a part of what God is doing!