Writing Songs of Revival: An Interview with Ian Chew
In February this year, Awaken Generation’s very own Ian Chew, released his first EP titled “Tribe & Tongue”. Nearly four months later, we unravel the mystery of who the real Ian Chew is, and find out more about the stories, inspirations and hurdles on his journey writing and releasing these songs of revival.
1. You released the EP 'Tribe & Tongue' in February- how have you been since then?
I’m so thankful for the support and encouragement I received for ‘Tribe & Tongue’ since its release. I’m mostly moved and humbled to hear from people how they’ve been personally blessed by the songs. I realized people have different songs that they like, and I love that. Everyone relates to the songs differently, depending on their seasons.
I remember also feeling relieved I’ve finally gotten the songs out officially, after almost 3 years since I had the idea and vision for this project. To be honest, I’ve pretty much just let the songs do what they need to do, and go where they need to go. What I’ve been mainly focusing on is my role in Awaken Generation (AG) as Worship Leading Mentor and School Overseer, and of course the AG Music live worship album that we release every year.
2. A lot of people find you mysterious, so, can you tell us who the real Ian Chew is?
I’m someone who is generally reserved and takes a while to warm up to someone, but if you come talk to me I promise I’m usually friendly. I'm an internal processor, and I like to think that I’m pretty chill – nothing intense or in-your-face. I’m not the type who has plenty of friends, instead I mostly hang out with a small group of people that I’m most comfortable with.
I’ve been really enjoying learning how to cook, and recently started bread-making. I’ve also been into playing chess and watching chess videos. I’m certainly turning into quite a chess geek. I’m a coffee lover too, but definitely not a coffee snob. Favourite sport is soccer – I've been playing that ever since I was a kid. For real though, connect with me on my social media and you may get to know the real me better.
3. Tell us a little about the calling on your life to be a worship revivalist, and your journey leading up to full-time ministry!
It began when I was a student in Singapore Poly CRU. The full-time call wasn’t a dramatic encounter where I heard the voice of God, but it was more a heart and burden for missions that grew gradually the more I spent time in the community and serving Him. It was a long process waiting for the right time, and after I finally completed my bachelor’s degree, I took a year to pray for God to open doors if I was meant to be in full-time ministry.
That year was 2015, which incidentally was the year I enrolled myself for vocal mentoring at AG; not knowing it was also the pioneer cohort. I was merely looking to grow in my vocals, and I stumbled upon AG’s website and the 1-year mentoring program resonated with me. It was through my time there that I got to know the senior leaders Calvin and Alarice, and eventually they heard about my story. In short, I was offered the opportunity to join the AG team on staff, and have not looked back ever since. The entire journey of finally stepping into full-time ministry is a testament to God’s perfect timing and faithfulness. You can read more of my story in a blog I wrote earlier for AG.
4. Why did you write and release this EP?
Jesus was said to be 30 years old when He was led into the wilderness to fast for 40 days, and immediately after, began His 3-year public ministry. It was a milestone for me, turning 30 in 2018. I was led to go on a similar period of prayer and fasting. In the middle of that journey, one of the things that God put on my heart was to write an album of songs that would sow into the revival of nations. I shared this with Josh Yeoh, and that led to us co-writing the song ‘Tribe & Tongue’ – which eventually became the name of the EP. Also, as a worship leader and songwriter in AG, it felt like a natural step for me to take in my songwriting journey. Recording an EP seemed a great way to share with people these songs that I was penning.
The title track off Ian Chew’s EP “Tribe & Tongue”, co-written by Ian Chew and Josh Yeoh.
5. Were there any stories or funny moments from the making of this EP?
I’m horrible at posing in front of the camera. When I had to take photos for the album, it was an incredibly awkward and unnatural experience for me. I dreaded the thought of taking photos and plastering my face everywhere on social media and streaming platforms. When the time came to design the artwork and covers for the album, I showed it to some friends for comments and feedback. They ended up imitating my poses. The hot favourite was the one where I looked like I had a neck pain. I must say though, shoutout to Nathaniel Leong who is an outstanding photographer, and I’d recommend anyone to work with him.
6. Were there any hurdles that you had to overcome as part of this?
To be honest the biggest obstacle was myself. The questioning and doubting of whether I’m “qualified” to produce a music album was real. Sometimes I battled with thoughts that I was doing it out of self-motivated ambition. It seemed cool and an accomplishment to have a personal music album. At the same time, I had so much fear that the songs wouldn’t be “successful” – however success is measured in the eyes of men.
I reminded myself of how God laid that vision in my heart 3 years ago, because at that moment it seemed the realest thing to me. These songs might not reach millions, but it may reach the 1 or 2 who needed to hear a song that would encourage them. I re-aligned myself to the truth that success in the Kingdom is measured not by impact but by obedience. These songs belong to the Lord anyway and He can do whatever He wishes to do with it.
7. Any words of encouragement for those listening to your EP/ songwriters who have the heart to write and release music?
Let the process of songwriting itself be an act of worship. I believe the most powerful songs come out from the time we spend in His presence. Before we even worry about cutting an album and releasing music, let songs come out from genuine encounters with the Lord.
Songwriting is a craft, and that means we can grow in it. Keep writing and you’ll find yourself writing better songs. Find ways or places that can help you improve and go to the next level as a songwriter. I’ve noticed that most of the time even professionals get better with each album they release.
Ian Chew is the School Overseer and Resident Worship Leading Mentor at our AG School. With the calling of being a worship revivalist, Ian’s desire is to see God release forerunners to write powerful, prophetic songs for the nations. To follow more of Ian Chew’s work, follow him on Instagram, listen to his music on Spotify, and subscribe to his Youtube channel!