Interview: Mack Brock
Multi-Platinum songwriter and worship leader Mack Brock talks exclusively to Louder Than The Music about his recent signing to Centricity Music, the release of his new single, 'Just Like You've Always Done', and his plans to record a new album. We also touch on his time as a founding member of Elevation Worship, where he co-wrote the popular worship anthem, 'O Come to the Altar', and discover which well known songwriter he'd most like to write with in the future!
Hi Mack, thanks for talking to us, first up, for anyone who isn't familiar with your music, tell us a little about yourself and how you get started making music?
My dad is a pastor, and my mom is a drummer. I grew up playing music with my mom and leading worship at my dad’s church. Everything else has just come along, building off of those days, from one season to the next.
You've just signed with Centricity Music - how did that come about, and what made you decide to join that label now?
One of my oldest friends, James Duke, is A&R at Centricity - I’ve known James for over 15 years. He’s one of the first musicians I met when I was moved to Charlotte, and I’ve worked on several projects with him over the years. So to partner with him and the centricity team felt really natural from the beginning. They are an amazing group of people, and I love working with them.
We're loving your new single, 'Just Like You've Always Done', what's the inspiration behind that song?
I just love songs about the faithfulness of God - I always have. I’m drawn to writing about that characteristic because I find so much hope and peace in knowing that God stays consistent and steady, no matter how chaotic the world around us gets. He is such an anchor, and I need to remind myself of that as often as possible.
Can we expect more new releases from you in the near future?
Yes! I’m currently working on a full album and excited to share these new songs in 2024.
Going back to your days in Elevation Worship, when did you realise just how influential that group could be, and how do you feel looking back now on the success they've experienced?
Even from the early days, when nobody outside of our church was listening to our music, we were proud and excited about the songs that were coming out of that church. We always believed in what we were writing, and it was just a cool thing to witness the gradual growth of those songs and seeing how they slowly started to connect to churches outside of Elevation. I’m grateful to have been a part of that building process.
You've written, or co-written, some incredible worship songs over the years - if you had to pick your favorite (or maybe top 3?!) what would it be and why?
Tough one! There are so many songs - new and old - that I really love and really love to lead. Do It Again and O Come to the Altar are two old ones that I still love leading to this day. I love the dynamics of the room when I get to lead those songs. They still carry a lot of power in my heart. A newer song that I have loved leading over the past year is called Time and Time Again, which I wrote with Josh Baldwin and Hank Bentley. Josh released it on Bethel’s last album and I’m excited for it to be on my upcoming record.
Talking of co-writing - you've written with so many talented songwriters, but is there anyone who you've never written with who you'd love to write a song with one day?
I have gotten to write with so many heroes of mine that I looked up to growing up and learning about worship and songwriting. It’s such a gift to see how the Lord has allowed me to do that! I’ve never written with Martin Smith though, and when I was first leading worship back in high school and college, Delirious single handedly had the biggest influence on me. I would love to write with him one day.
What is your favorite album of all time?
All time?! Man… that’s hard. I really love Sam’s Town by The Killers. Pet Sounds by The Beach Boys. Logic Will Break Your Heart by The Stills.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
When You Were Young by The Killers
What does the next year hold for you?
New album! I can’t wait to release it.
