From his new label home, FairTrade Services, Platinum-selling artist Mark Schultz sees a Sept. 4 release of his first studio project in three years, All Things Possible (7-36211-60449-1). Produced by Pete Kipley (MercyMe, Phil Wickham) and Seth Mosley (Newsboys), the album is available from Provident Distribution.

You and your wife, Kate, spent some time in Italy preparing music for All Things Possible. Why Italy?

Kate is an Italian citizen, but had never met any of her relatives in Sicily or Italy, so we thought that it would be a great opportunity to do that, as well as get to spend some time together as a couple—she had just finished medical residency, and we hadn't seen much of each other. We joked that we have been married for seven years and are still newlyweds. Taking time off from touring let us both experience life together as well as get filled up creatively.

What is your wife Kate’s role in your music ministry?

She is an unbelievable resource for songwriting. She knows words and has such a gift with crafting lyrics. She is a great sounding board, and I have learned that trusting her instincts is invaluable. She is a gifted writer, both with song lyrics and books.

How does this project pull from any of your real-life experiences (as you often do)?

One of the songs on this record called “Haven't Met You Yet” is about our first child, Ryan. I wanted to let him know how excited his mom and dad were that he was coming into the world. Someday he will look back and see how special that time was for us, maybe even when he is getting ready for his own child. It will be nice to have that memory on a record he can share with his own kids.

Tell us about the first single from this album. Why was it chosen as the lead?

I think it sums up my vision for not just this record, but for my life. I want to stretch myself and my faith, to do things that I know on my own are not possible, but with God they are. I want to dream big dreams, pray big prayers and expect God to come through. I want Him to use my life to have an impact for His kingdom.

What are the some of the other significant songs and why?

“One Day” is a song that was inspired by a young boy in my concert. I was singing the song “I Am,” and I looked out in the audience and saw him in a wheelchair with his eyes closed, arms raised and tears running down his cheek with a smile on his face. I got choked up thinking that one day he would meet God and get to step out of his wheelchair and never have to use it again. I loved his faith, and that moment really moved me.

How did production and recording go on the new album?

Great! I worked with a young guy named Seth Mosley who really brought a sense of freshness to the songs. I had more fun recording this album than any I can think of in the past. He was full of energy, and everything went so quickly. Also, he plays almost every instrument, so we had an idea what the finished product would sound like after an hour or so of writing a song. It was awesome!

You’ve enjoyed a great career and ministry. To what you do you attribute that success?

Being surrounded by godly people who God has blessed with incredible gifts. I am just a small part; I am surrounded by a great cloud of witnesses who spur me on to greater things every day.

On an unrelated subject, I see you visited the set of The Hobbit. What was that like?

Really neat! We had a show in New Zealand and took some time to see the set. My guitarist, Brian, is a huge fan and so I had almost as much fun seeing him take it all in as I did in seeing it myself. He was like a kid in a candy store!

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