Pigeon Opinion Featuring an Interview with Fishburn

The Flame by Fishburn is an uplifting and emotionally resonant Christian contemporary/electronic pop track that centers on themes of renewal, faith, and rediscovery. Featuring vocals from Caroline Brooks, the song carries a clear spiritual message about returning to the light of Jesus after a period of distance or doubt.

Interview with Fishburn

1. What was the moment or experience that led you to frame *“The Flame”* around rediscovering faith after a period of distance?

I came across the demo of this (I wrote it in 2011) after my father passed in 2018 & it was partly what inspired me to create Christian music. The song was representing my time at the moment as "being in the darkness" and I was looking for some "light".

2. How did working with vocalist Caroline Brooks shape the emotional tone and delivery of the track?

That was the easy part...I was looking for a singer after i had finished the demo with my (non-professional) voice on it and her voice stood out to me after listening to others and she blew it away.

3. In what ways does your background in electronic production and Billboard Dance Chart experience influence how you approach Christian contemporary music today?

I personally don't listen to contemporary Christian stations of follow the music. I just create what I like & then cater to it to what I'm familiar with which is more to the dance/pop side. As a DJ for decades, I know what moves me & what moves a dancefloor. It's actually been a challenge for me to tone down the "club" style of music I've produed into more pop-friendly songs that can reach a bigger audience.

4. How do you balance modern dance/pop production with the reverent tone typically associated with worship and faith-driven music?

Again, that's been part of the challenge. I dipped my foot into this arena about 6 years ago during Covid and heard the feedback of my songs are "too dancey, doesn't match the vibe we're looking for, need more folksy...etc...). I've taken that to heart and peeled back layers to bring out the emotions & instruments for taking into an untested territory with my production skills.

5. What does the metaphor of “The Flame” represent for you personally — and how did that shape the songwriting?

In 2009, I lost my business, was going through a divorce and was at the lowest part of my life. I had never experienced anything like that. I did realize that many Christian songs are also love songs, just redirected to Christ instead of another human being. I was looking for light oin the darkness and wasn't finding it with anyone...so I prayed...and I got my song.

6. As the first release from the *BUKRA* project, how does this track set the tone for what listeners can expect from the yearlong series?

I've actually mapped it out... Themes of the songs are as follows:

The Flame (LOOKING FOR LIGHT) - May 20, 2026

The Baker Woman (ORIGINS) - June 12, 2026

Take It Away (ASKING FOR SALVATION) - July 3, 2026

Pray To Me (SURRENDER TO ME) - July 24, 2026

Falling Down (STRUGGLING TO DO WHAT'S RIGHT) - Aug. 14, 2026

Shepherd Me O God (SEEKING PROTECTION) - Sept. 4, 2026

Final Frontier (SAVING US FOR HEAVEN) - Oct. 2, 2026

Known All Along (KNOWING HIS LOVE) - Oct. 30, 2026

The Other Side (ANTICIPATING MEETING JESUS) - Nov.. 27, 2026

You Get Me (UNDERSTANDING HIS PURPOSE) - Dec. 25, 2026

Jesus Dance With Me (ANTICIPATING ENTERING HEAVEN) - Jan. 22, 2027

Take Me To The River (KEEP FEEDING US) - Feb. 19, 2027

Wayfaring Stranger - (MOVING ON THE JOURNEY) - Mar. 19, 2027

I'm very excited to release each song into the world as a process instead of just dumping an album out all at once & have songs disappear by the wayside.

7. How do you approach writing lyrics that are both spiritually specific and still accessible to listeners outside the Christian music space?

That's the tricky part, and I guess it's part of ego and what my goals are for my songs. I already know I'm in a niche corner of the music spectrum. I know I can change a few words & the song isn't a Christian song anymore. I sell cars during the week & I know probably most of my co-workers have never listed to a Christian song ever...I"m not doing this because of ego or desire to be popular. My lyrics just come to me and I feel in my heart & soul that different souls on this planet will hear these little messages of mine & maybe it will make their day just a little bit better.

8. What role does collaboration with different vocalists play in expressing different facets of your message and sound?

While writing my songs, I already have the kernel of the message I'm sending & know from who's perspective who is singing the song. Some of my songs are first person, other songs are of Jesus singing to us, and other songs just tell a story. Each one is different. If it's a song that Jesus is singing to us, I want to pick a male singer to represent Him and His voice. If it's a song that I hear a female singing in my head as I create it, I choose a female singer with the inflections & nuances I'm desiring to be in the final song.

9. How has your creative identity changed since shifting from mainstream electronic production to faith-centered music in 2020?

My creative identity has changed my desire of putting out a wider variety of my songs. This Bukra project will consist of 3 versions of each song...The Main Version, The Acoustic/Live version...and the Dance Club/Pop Remix. Hopefully each version will touch someone & maybe have them check out the other versions. Regardless, more variety will hit more ears & hearts.

10. When listeners finish *“The Flame,”* what feeling or sense of direction do you hope they carry with them?

I hope that maybe every now & then, someone is led to hear the song at the right time of their lives when they need to hear that all is not lost in the darkness. Look for the Light and they'll leave the dark behind.

(•)> That's all, Folks! Check out Fishburn - The Flame on the Pigeon Opinion Playlist