Marvin Sapp

ARW: Tell me about the night of the live recording for the new project, Thirsty.

MS: The night of the live recording was unbelievable. We went to a church in our city called Resurrection Life Church. It seats about 4,000 people. We had about 3,000 there. It was a mind-blowing, life-changing experience because I really had the opportunity to minister songs that ministered to me. A lot of people don’t know, but during that period – the recording process – within that 90-day span, I lost three people that were indeed important to my personal growth. At the beginning of the recording process, my father – my natural father – passed away. He wasn’t only my father, but he was a member of my church. I went through the whole process of eulogizing him, burying him and trying to encourage the family when I needed encouragement. After that, my musical mentor passed away, L. Craig Tyson, who co-founded Tyscot Records. And 30 days after that, my spiritual father passed away….the day before my live recording. So after doing the live recording, a week later, we had to be back at the same church to eulogize him as well. It was really traumatic. But honestly, these songs - every last song - gave me the strength I needed and really kept me encouraged while losing three major men who helped to shape who I am today.

ARW: I love the project; you really shine as a live artist.

MS: Yes, I think I’m a better live artist. I like to feed off the energy of the people. In the studio, you’ve really got to create something. The audience is already there; I like to “reach out and touch the people”. I like to touch them, not physically. But I like to feel what they feel, draw off their emotions and see their tears. It really helps to direct me as how I can minister to them. Everyone can’t really do that. You really have to be sensitive to the move of the Spirit.

ARW: Tell me about Thirsty, the title.

MS: Thirsty is a song that speaks to God refocusing me. During the time while I was starting my church, I went through a lot of opposition. It’s difficult when you’re raised up in a city, step out and start to do the will of God. Sometimes when you make the decision to do the will of God, you face opposition. That was extremely different for me. As I travel, I’ve always been celebrated. For the last 17 years, from Commissioned to solo artist to multiple Grammy, Dove, etc….I’ve always been celebrated. So finding myself in a position of not being celebrated, I found myself trying to do things to receive the applause of the people in my city – not that people weren’t celebrating me across the nation. I felt like it didn’t make sense; I’m a son of this city. I’ve excelled in the area that now I’m facing opposition in because making the decision to do the will of God for my life. It didn’t feel good.