Christian music producer seeks local talent
By Sarah Whitman
Senior Staff Writer
LUTZ — Tucked away in The Sanctuary community off Livingston Avenue is the home of Christian music producer Nick Coetzee. Open the front door, walk inside and there, just passed the kitchen, is a production and recording studio where artists from all over the world come to make their music dreams a reality.
Locally, however, Coetzee’s business is virtually unknown.
“I don’t think people in the area even know we’re here,” Coetzee said. “I want local songwriters and musicians to know I’d love to help them.”
Coetzee, a native South African, began making music as a student in the late 1980s. He studied jazz piano, production and arranging. After opening his heart to Christianity, he decided to merge his love for music with his love for God.
“I wanted to do more than just make music for a living,” he said. “I wanted to make music with a positive message.”
Coetzee worked as a worship director for churches overseas until coming to the United States in 1995. Then, in addition to overseeing music at churches, he began working as an independent producer. His label and production company Rain Music has since produced more than 60 CDS. He co-produced the first recording of “Shout to the Lor,” a hit made popular by Hillsong. Other artists on his client list include Alisha Merritt, David Baroni and rock artist Skyline Circle.
Mark Robins, a worship leader from the United Kingdom, came to record with Rain Music Feb. 2. He came with songs already written, hoping to learn from the best.
“I was working with Roy Fields and he suggested Nick to me,” Robins said. “He is a genius.”
After arriving in Florida on a rainy day, Robins immediately knew the trip was worth it.
“I can record a song at home but I can only take the music so far,” Robins said. “When I got here this morning and we starting working, the first song we did, Nick was able to make it fresh and change up the song structure. The song vastly improved.”
Coetzee said he could do the same for local artists. He can offer advice, provide a recording space, produce and potentially sign the artist to distribute music on the Rain Music label. Coetzee uses state of the art equipment, and provides clients with the use of instruments such as keyboard and guitar.
He said not all artists have to be Christian or Gospel, but he will not produce music he opposes lyrically.
“I know there’s got to be a lot of great talent right here,” he said. “I can take their music to a higher level. They don’t have to have a band. Sometimes there are songwriters who need help finding musicians. I can help them with that.”
Artists that record with Rain Music are promoted heavily online.
“In the music world, the business side is no longer about getting albums in stores and touring,” Coetzee said. “It’s about Internet downloads. It’s a whole new era.”
In addition to his work with Rain, Coetzee is currently the music director and a music teacher at The River of Tampa Bay Church, an evangelical Christian church in Tampa.
“His music brings excitement to the church,” said pastoral intern Josh Kight. “It is encouraging and uplifting.”
Inspiring young people is important to Coetzee.
“Young people need music with a positive Christian message,” he said. “They need to know its important not only to lead a good life but to lead a life with Christ. Contemporary Christian music is a way of sharing the Gospel outside of church.”
Some of Coetzee’s personal contemporary Christian favorites are Jesus Culture, Kurt Franklyn and Hillsong. He works with clients to turn them into similar professionals.
“It’s great recording with Nick because he’s willing to take the time to make the music great,” Robins said. “If we have to work into the night, he’s willing to do that.”
Coetzee welcomes any songwriters, singers or musicians to contact Rain Music and learn what it takes to turn ideas into albums. The cost to record varies depending on the project.
For information, visit www.rainmusic.org or call (813) 949-8780.
