Hot on the heels of Casting Crowns' newest release, A Live Worship Experience--which captures the worshipful heart and passionate delivery of Casting Crowns' shows--Mark Hall answered six questions about the new project and memorable moments from the stage over the years.

1.  Does knowing you're recording a live album change the way you
perform on that particular night? How so?

It's always a little nervy when you're recording a live record. You know you only get one shot at each song. You want the experience to be as normal as possible for the audience, even though there's nothing really normal about it: microphones, crew people, cameras and interruptions all through the night. The funny thing is most of the nerves are happening right before you start. Once you're into it, you just forget about them and you're just having church with your people.

2.  How many shows would you say you've played since the beginning with Casting Crowns?

My wife Melanie did the math, and it looks like we have done about 1,200 concerts since we started with Provident!
 
3.  From all this time, what are some of your favorite, or most memorable, moments from performing live?

I love it when there is a transformation in the crowd. Sometimes a crowd that's not very lively can come alive halfway through the night during the worship moment. I love to see a husband that perhaps was dragged in there by his wife suddenly start listening and receiving and praying with us. Seeing people saved during our concert. I've seen the lights come on in people's hearts.
 

Casting Crowns' Thrive Tour Recap

4.  Who've been some of your favorite artists to tour with, and why?

Rebecca St. James was the very first artist that we performed with and she and her family taught us much about life on the road. They were sweet people. Steven Curtis Chapman will always be a hero of mine and I love traveling with him. Also, Matthew West was a delight to hang out with. We began writing together after we toured together.

5.  In your current live show, which is the part of the night that you most look forward to?

I love the beginning of our concerts. There is such an excitement building. When we finally take the stage, we keep things very high-energy for the first three songs. It's fun watching kids jump up and down and people waving their arms and worship. That's probably my favorite part of the night.
 
6.  Got any favorite venues you've played in?

This year we were able to play two very special places. One was Carnegie Hall, which was definitely a mindblower for us. And the other was Red Rocks in Colorado. It was so beautiful.

Get A Live Worship Experience on iTunes here.