It’s not easy to track down Israel Houghton these days as he’s been busy, busy, busy with the release of his recent live offering, Alive in South Africa. Now as Songs4Worship.com catches up with Israel, we get the skinny on this unique recording experience and more.

Songs4Worship.com: I understand that recording in South Africa was the fulfillment of a long-time dream for you. Did it meet or exceed your expectations?

Israel Houghton: We had high hopes and high expectations, and it more than exceeded any dreams or expectation. I think what really blew our minds was the overwhelming response of the people there and how they loved the old music we had done, but they really responded to the new stuff. So I just think the way just poured love out to us made us feel very welcome.

S4W.com: As an artist, that just has to be the best feeling to connect globally like that. It would be enough of a rush, I would think, to have U.S. audiences know your music, but globally, that would be even more incredible.

Israel: That is so fulfilling, and it is kind of what we live for. It’s one of those things that says “If they’re singing it in Australia and translating it into Chinese and Japanese,” then the real purpose of worship is being fulfilled.

Listen to clips from Live in South Africaa or buy the album from Songs4Worship.com!

S4W.com: In the two weeks that you spent preparing for the taping in South Africa, what were some of the most memorable experiences?

Israel: I think in the songwriting process we always have to mindful of “How is this going to translate?” Sometimes the best barometer is just what we feel internally in the writing process. And if it starts moving us, there’s a good chance we’re going to present it in a way that moves other people. That was the really fun part—the creative process of watching songs unfold and develop.

S4W.com: I know that picking favorite songs are like picking favorite children, (which I hear is a no-no in parenting), but go ahead and tell us about a favorite track on the project.

Israel:I really enjoyed doing “Not Forgotten,” because I saw how powerful it was performing it in front of these people. Off the second disc, I really like “To Worship You I Live.” I really like where that’s going because it leads into “Alpha and Omega” and these really cool moments of worship.

S4W.com: As a worship leader with name recognition and lots of recent accolades, how do you not get caught up in all of that? Is it difficult?

Israel: The way I don’t get caught up in it is I just don’t get around it. I surround myself with people who keep things very normal, real and grounded. I think it would be difficult without anchors in my life because you could get very used to riding around in limos, staying in nice hotels and all of that. So I come home and make sure the garbage is taken out. Or you change a few diapers, and you know you’re back home.