GRAMMY-winning artist and worship leader Chris Tomlin offers his new studio release, Burning Lights (5-09996-070775-8, $13.99, sixstepsrecords/EMI CMG Distribution), in stores Jan. 8.

How did you decide on the project’s title, Burning Lights?

The title, Burning Lights, comes from a lyric within the final song on the record called “Shepherd Boy.” It says, “I’m just a shepherd boy / singing to a choir of burning lights.”

You’ve said this album took you and producer Jason Ingram much longer than usual. Good things are worth the wait, right?

I sure hope so. We were determined that we would not settle for “good enough.” I don’t have a cruise control setting. We really worked hard on this project, and I am very grateful for each of these songs and all of the guys who worked to make it what it became. It was a true privilege to work with Jason Ingram on this record; he is a genius.

Why was “Whom Shall I Fear [God of Angel Armies]” chosen as the first single?

Interestingly, when we first “finished” the record, this song did not even exist. I wrote “Whom Shall I Fear” with Ed Cash, and it came very late in the process. Once the song was alive, however, I knew it was a game changer. It’s the first single because I feel it most represents my music and the kind of song I want to be about. I am never interested in just a perfectly crafted pop song. I am always praying for songs that can not only play on radio but that can find their way into the fabric of the Church and go way past me. I feel this is one of those songs.

What do you hope your listeners will take away from listening to this recording?

As always, I hope this music fills them with a passion, a faith, a hope, a fire, and a love for God.

Anything special Christian retailers should know about this project?

I just want to say thank you once again for your support of my music and being a massive help in getting the music to the people.

What should fans anticipate in your spring tour with Kari Jobe?

I have huge expectations for the 2013 tour and am very excited and honored to have Kari joining us. It has always been important to me that whoever comes out with us on tour must possess a real passion and heart to lead the people to worship God. You are not going to find a more sincere heart than Kari. With my good friend Louie Giglio joining us on much of the tour as well, I know it’s going to be the best yet.

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