Vicky Beeching
Genre: Pop/Rock
Official Web Site
Vicky Beeching Bibliography: (click on each album cover to view tracks and Vicky Beeching lyrics)
Vicky Beeching Biography How does a classically trained, Oxford educated young woman become an innovative force for change in modern worship? One step at a time.
VICKY BEECHING
The Journey
There is no such thing as happenstance in the novel of a person's life. It is outlined and written by the Creator of the world, long before she is born. The plot thickens, climaxes and shakes out as she grows into the journey that has been planned for her. Step by step, page by page.
For Vicky Beeching, the journey began in Canterbury, England, as the introspective and gifted daughter of a passionate, music-collecting dad and a songwriter/worship leader mom. The very week Vicky was born, she was whisked off to church. Her heart has been rooted there ever since.
Now, with the limited release of a five-song EP in May, The Journey'her first U.S. release with Sparrow Records'Vicky Beeching's tender heart for worship has taken flight. The world will finally hear the music that has been gracing the ears of England since 1997. And it's high time.
But first, the back-story'
At age seven, Vicky began playing the piano, and her natural gifts as a composer began to emerge. Captivated by seemingly unlimited piano sounds, young Vicky played as far into the night as her parents would allow. Often, to stall for more time at the piano, she'd ask her mom to tell her about Jesus, although she'd heard the story many times. Sometimes it worked; sometimes it didn't, but along the way, His story began to fine-tune Vicky's heart. She marked November 3, 1986 on her piano book'the date of her first piano lesson, and the day of her salvation.
By age 11, this classically trained pianist had composed her first song, but wanting more freedom of expression, Vicky taught herself how to play guitar. As her relationship with God deepened, alone in her room with the guitar, songs of devotion and praise poured out. Then one Sunday morning, her mom was sick and couldn't lead worship at church as was customary, so young Vicky was given the charge'yet another providential opportunity. Barely into her teen years, Vicky became a regular worship leader for her church youth group and at local events. Then while at the Soul Survivor conference, she was encouraged to submit a song for what would be called The People's Album. Her song, 'Search Me O God' was chosen for the project and sung by Beth Redman. Another marker on the journey's path.
In 1998, Vicky set out for Oxford University, to pursue a theology degree that would support the calling she felt for worship ministry. It was a challenging four years during which she continued to sharpen her songwriting skills. Vineyard UK picked up 'There Is No God Like Our God' for Hungry, one of the best-selling Vineyard releases of all time. And in 2000, 'All That I Need' and 'At All Times' were accepted for Surrender, another VMG UK release.
When graduation rolled around, God strengthened Vicky's calling: 'I was finishing up at Oxford, and all my friends were accepting high profile business jobs,' she says of that time in her life. 'Recruiters were on campus interviewing, saying 'Come work for us'' And they would joke around, saying 'We want to buy your soul.' But it wasn't really a joke. It was the reality. So many of my contemporaries were signing up for the dream, moving off to London to make their fortunes'.' Vicky knew that a career in the business world could be a valid calling in life. But not for her. 'The 'buy your soul' comment really hit me between the eyes,' she says in retrospect. 'I knew it was decision time for me.'
That week, the words to 'Above All Else' came: May all other goals bow down to this journey of loving you more' 'I recognized it immediately as a reflection of my mission,' Vicky says, 'what I knew God had called me to do. And the song just confirmed that, above all, whatever is going on in life, the central focus of my life is to pursue God.'
After college, Vicky continued her training as a worship leader under the mentorship of Brenton Brown at Oxford Vineyard Church. Her songwriting skills and understanding of music theory sharpened with the influence of Brian Doerksen ('Come Now Is the Time to Worship'). And while there, the electric guitar became her worship instrument of choice.
Fast-forward to 2004'
Vicky's passionate songwriting captured the attention of Sparrow Records, and she made the jump across the pond to record her U.S. EP debut, The Journey, set to release May 24. Produced by Steve Hindalong (City on a Hill, writer of 'God Of Wonders') and Christopher Stevens (TobyMac, Shawn McDonald), this five-song limited EP is an electrified expression of God's faithfulness and the worshiper's response to Him.
But her artistry is more than modern, more than culturally relevant. It has deep roots. 'It's so important to me to write lyrics with excellent theology because I believe songwriting is one of the most powerful vehicles for communicating truth to this media-based generation,' says Vicky, who often teaches worship and songwriting workshops. 'So I take it really seriously'.'
Steve Hindalong echoes that, saying, 'Vicky is a gifted servant with a faithful spirit and a true passion for worship. Her songs come from a deep place in her soul; and she sings with an unguarded beautiful heart.'
With unflinchingly melodic and memorable songs like 'Yesterday, Today & Forever,' 'Created to Worship' and 'Stronger Than the Storm,' The Journey puts Vicky Beeching on par with Tomlin, Redman, David Crowder Band and others as an innovator in modern worship.
But coming to the U.S. to record her songs was only part of the motivation. The larger factor has been a keen sense of God's call on this season in her life'a challenging and pivotal turn that is teaching her to stay focused on what matters most. Vicky remains committed to church ministry and enjoys contributing to the worship team at her new home church, stateside. Now, at age 25, she sees the bigger picture. Her calling carries a responsibility beyond herself, a heartfelt desire to use her gifts to teach the next generation, especially other young women. 'I have a real heart for women worship leaders and often play and teach at women's events, Vicky says. 'I want female worship leaders to not feel out on a limb, as many don't know any other female worship leaders in their area.'
Vicky thinks forward, not on the possibilities of success and acclaim, but in expectation of a larger, more important feat ahead, in which faithfulness is the key. 'I have long had a real expectation of God wanting to do more in worship than we're accustomed to,' she continues. 'Within evangelicalism and in the church, I believe we will see the power of God break out in a way that significantly, dramatically change people's lives. Through worship, people will come to faith, as they hear from God in the music.'
If you ask Vicky Beeching, that's what makes the journey worth it. Walking in faith toward whatever God has for you, using your gifts and living your life to reach out to those who need to experience Him. 'My main goal, in life and as expressed in the songs on The Journey, is seeing Him more clearly, deepening that relationship and giving people words to voice their hearts' expression toward him. My mission is to give people a vision of walking into the presence of God. And for those who don't know Him, to paint a picture of who He is.
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