Trent Smith, a songwriter and worship artist/leader from Northern California, has recently signed a publishing agreement with Highest Praise Productions, Inc., the parent company of TheWorshipCommunity.Com and other worship-related websites and venues.

“Singer-songwriter Trent Smith brings a unique perspective and undeniable talent to the stage. Whether fronting a band or performing “unplugged,” he touches audiences with his honest style and skill.
Trent grew up in the coastal town of Homer, Alaska. He began playing violin at the age of seven and also taught himself piano. After high school he added guitar and song-writing to the repertoire. Trent is known for passion vocals and deep poetic lyrics, matched by musical “chops.” His stage appearances include Spirit West Coast Monterey main stage, Golden State Festival, Bayside Church of Granite Bay, Capital Christian Center Sacramento, Twin Lakes Church of Santa Cruz and many smaller venues headlining and opening for other acts. Trent won Integrity Music’s “Best New Worship Song” award at their 2008 Christian Songwriting Conference and has garnered praise from various industry professionals and music publications. He also serves as a full time worship pastor and volunteers playing music in local schools and events. Trent currently lives in Northern California with his wife Deborah, and two young children Elijah and Tiana.”

On a more personal note, Trent shares about one of his life challenges.  “I also live with Multiple Sclerosis, which is pretty interesting as it relates to my music–I was on track to be a professional violinist when the condition hit me at age 18–it’s quite a story–where God has led me etc… Twice, the disease has taken away my physical ability to play instruments by impairing the motor skills of my left side.”

Trent is a welcome addition to the growing catalog of worship music written by what I call “grass roots” worship leaders and songwriters.  His song, “Halleujah!  I Am Free” is the current Featured Song on HighestPraise.Com and TheWorshipCommunity.Com and has also been featured on Worship Leader Magazine’s “SongDISCovery” CD this year.  The entire collection of original songs on his new CD are a refreshing blend or creative lyrics, devotion, and material for both personal enjoyment, edification, and corporate worship.

Our desire as a production/publishing company is to give a greater platform to worship artists and songwriters so that the gift of their music can be enjoyed by the thousands of worshipers who are exposed to the materials promoted through the HPP network.  Trent’s story is a classic example of our strategy in using our online communities and social networking.  Trent, like so many other songwriters, began to upload lyrics and showcase his original songs through the “Song Center” area of the forums on TheWorshipCommunity.Com.  It wasn’t long before everyone was noticing the quality and value of these compositions.

More of Trent’s songs will be available soon.  Follow his ministry at TrentSmithMusic.Com. If  you are a member of TheWorshipCommunity.Com, be sure and look for Trent’s friendly conversations in the forums as “Trent“.