However, on the heels of his fifth studio release, Camp has set his prize on sharing his message loud and clear with fans come November 25, 2008 with the aptly titled release, Speaking Louder Than Before (BEC Recordings).
"At this point, I have a more clear-cut purpose and vision of what I'm meant to do. I'm more purposeful in what I'm sharing. I see the hurt, the lack of direction, in this new generation," the former youth leader says of the album directed squarely at youth. "I always had a passion for youth, but this album is really aimed at them."
Speaking Louder Than Before isn't so much about Camp turning up the volume as it is finding greater clarity in what God's called him to do. And while he continues to grow and mature as an artist and a man, it only makes sense that this rocker with a preacher's heart would use his platform to proclaim - louder than ever - the message he knows today's kids need to hear.
In addition to the record and with the idea of serving the younger generation, Camp has created commentaries that feature him in a video song-by-song for the whole album. These teaching supplements will be available whether a physical or digital CD is purchased. Camp also has a youth pastor email sign-up list on his site to start a network for sharing.
With a purpose in hand, The Camp clan was planning to settle down in Jeremy's home state of Indiana, build a home, plant some roots. It seemed like the right time to take that next step. But as he was reading his Bible one day, Camp says he sensed God saying "don't put your tent pegs in too deep here". Soon after, he felt directed to move his family to Nashville. Since relocating, he's found his place, encouraging other artists by sharing what he's learned.
Camp admits he's "the busiest I've ever been", balancing work and family life (wife Adrienne and daughters Isabella, nearly four, and Arianne, two). It helps that the Camps have made a commitment not to be apart for more than a week at a time. "My priority is my family - the girls are at such a crucial age that I just want to pour into them even more - but I also know what I'm called to do. We tell the girls, 'Dad's going out and sharing Jesus with people.'"
Taking this project to heart, Camp began recording Speaking Louder Than Before in May 2008 with Grammy-winning producer Brown Bannister (Amy Grant, Michael W Smith, Third Day, Rich Mullins). Once in the studio, Camp recorded for five straight days, 12 hours each day, with some of Nashville's best session players backing him up and offering input that resulted in a larger sound than ever before. With its epic feel, haunting strings and plenty of ear candy, Louder goes far beyond any of Camp's previous projects, but the inspiration solidly remains the same.
The album's first multi-format single, the inspiring, melodic "There Will Be A Day", will be available for download on iTunes from September 23.
On the web: www.jeremycamp.com
