One time I went to a worship conference in Halifax with my folks. Brian Doerkson and Robim Mark were both there. It was a Friday, Saturday thing where each of them would do a concert with their bands. Robin was Friday night, Brian was Saturday night. During the rest of the time there were workships on worship leading and songwriting and whatever else. It was a long time ago and I’m surprised I can remember this much. At one point each of them had a Q&A session where we could ask them seemingly anything. Brian Doerkson enters his session and immediately proclaims to us that “I DON’T have time to co write with you!”
I remember thinking in my head at the time: “That’s an interesting way to start a conversation…”
While also thinking: “I’ve got two other friends who I already like playing music with anyway…”
And also thinking: “That makes sense, he has a big family to take care of.”
Then Brian D. talked about this worship leading and song writing, and this fantastic musical he was putting together.
Fortress 144 was definitely the song of his with the best bass part.