Joy Whitlock – Interview
There are times when I feel almost guilty about being me, I have what has to be one of the greatest jobs in the world. I get to be exposed to some of the best music in the Indie Christian Music scene and I get to interact with the talented artists who create this music. The young lady I get to interview here is no exception, I have been enjoying her music since I first Got her Debut Album “God and a Girl.” Joy Whitlock’s Album creates a grand mix of talented musical abilities and thought provoking lyrics. So let’s sit down with Joy and find out what there is behind the lyrics.
[JT] – First off Joy I wanted to thank you for agreeing to do this interview. Could you please explain to the everyone how you would describe your style of music?
I would describe my style as a wide variety. Some songs are quiet and acoustic while others are loud and aggressive. And yet there’s one song on the album that has a mandolin appearance. So, it definitely covers the spectrum, in my opinion.
[JT] – Who are some of your musical influences?
I have to give credit to the one musician who kind of sparked my interest and love for music, and that is Sarah McLachlan. I don’t agree with much of the things she says and believes, but she has an amazing and rare talent. The words and melodies that she creates are absolutely breathtaking. No one composes songs the way she does. Some musicians who inspire me today are Jennifer Knapp, Lifehouse, Phil Wickham, Wavorly.
[JT] – Can you tell me a little about your musical upbringing?
Both my father and my mother are musical people. I grew up singing in church with my family….which I did not enjoy at the time. Growing up, I went through the normal New Kids on the Block phase and then somehow got into rap music. The first song I ever wrote was a rap song when I was 12 years old. And, for those who ask, I will not sing it! I don’t remember it!
[JT] – Do you consider what you are doing to be your ministry? What kinds of other things are you currently involved in?
In a way, I do consider my music as my ministry. But I am of the opinion that when we become followers of Christ, our entire lives become our ministry. So, my music is but a part of it. Right now, I am not touring. I spend much of my time here at home in Memphis. But that doesn’t mean that I cannot minister. The way I treat my parents, my family, the example that I show to my nieces and nephew, the way I treat the person in line with me at the store….these are all a part of my ministry…my life.
[JT] – Could you tell me about your spiritual Upbringing?
My dad was a minister from the time I was born. My grandfather was, and still is, a minister. I was raised in church and heard the gospel every Sunday. I prayed the sinner’s prayer when I was 5 and even walked the aisle when I was 12. But I honestly believe that my heart had nothing to do with those actions. I lived a broken and wretched life up until the age of 24…when I first met Jesus Christ in a movie theater.
[JT] – Your CD is called “God and a Girl” how did this title come about, and what is the inspiration behind the album?
The album was originally going to be called Don’t Look Down, but one day the phrase God and a girl just hit me out of nowhere and I knew instantly that was the title of my album. The inspiration for the album was my life. I am an introvert. I tend to hold and process things internally. The only comfortable way for me to get them out was through song. I soon discovered that music was the best way that I could communicate with God. I didn’t plan or intend for the songs to turn out the way they did as far as content. But when all of the songs had been written, I looked at them as a whole, and they were all conversations between me and God, with the exception of Traces of You and Day of the Lord….which then led me to the discovery of calling the album God and a girl. Because these songs really are conversations between God and a girl.
[JT] – Where do you find inspiration for you music?
Life inspires me. And I realize that is a very general statement, but it is true. The things that happen in the span of one’s life are often beyond explanation and even understanding…especially as a Christian. Specifically what inspired me on God and a girl was confusion, pain, temptation, utter sorrow, joy, and so on. And I dare to say that if there is a second album, I am sure these will be the inspiration there, as well. Maybe my outlook and interpretation will be different, though.
[JT] – What do you find most exciting about the writing and recording process?
Writing takes on many forms. For me, sometimes it is gruesome because I actually have to be honest with myself and God. Recording is a complete joy! To enter a studio with nothing but a shell of a song, and then come out with something bigger than you ever imagined is indescribable. I have had the honor of working with producers like Jeff Powell, Curry Webber, and James Joseph. And it felt as if they knew exactly what I was thinking when I wrote the song. I know that God put us all together to compliment one another. Creating is such a beautiful thing. It is truly a gift from our Father who was the very first Creator. It is precious.
[JT] – What has God been teaching you lately?
I recently discovered a Christian poet by the name of Amy Carmichael. I have honestly only read fully one poem written by her. It is called No Scar. I cannot get past this one…or move on to another…to enjoy the rest of her work. The last stanza, in particular, has been written in my minds eye.
“No wound? No scar?
Yet, as the Master shall the servant be,
And pierced are the feet that follow Me.
But thine are whole; can he have followed far
Who hast no wound or scar?”
Every time I read this poem, or recite it in my mind, it is as if God Himself is asking me, “Joy, you have no wound? No scar? Don’t you know that as the Master shall the servant be?” My scars are few, and that saddens me. I, all too often, tuck tail and run from the things God places in my life. I no longer want to be this way. God is showing me that this life here is serious. This life here is short. He is showing me how to examine my life and my heart against Scripture and in the light if His Son, and discover that I am lacking. He is showing me how beautiful are the scars upon the hands and feet of Jesus. And that I don’t have to be afraid of the wounds that will produce scars of my own. If I hurt, I want to hurt for Him. If I cry, I want to cry for Him. If I am wounded, may it be for righteousness sake. Then, when I finally get to face Him one day soon, I can humbly display the scars of following Him.
[JT] – Are there any artists, producers, etc. that you’d just love to work with?
I would really like to work with Curry Weber and James Joseph again. We got a sample of their work on Beautiful and Behind the Scenes, but I know there is so much more to their talent. I would like to do an entire record with them. Ever since I became a follower of Jesus, it has been in my heart to sing with Jennifer Knapp. She put a voice to my struggles before God gave me my own. I admire and respect her as an artist and as a person and a follower of Jesus. I fully believe that God will give me the opportunity, and honor, to meet her one day. Maybe not in this life…..but surely in the one to come.
[JT] – I deal with a lot of Indie and Unsigned Artists, and as a newly signed artist what advice would give to all the artists and bands out there?
Prepare yourself..that’s what I would say. And get rid of all your expectations. It’s not glamorous. Its definitely not like it’s portrayed in Hollywood. Thank goodness! Bottom line… Either do it with and for God, or don’t do it at all.
[JT] – My favorite song on your CD “God and a Girl” is “Holding on to me”, aside from the great pop hook the lyrics are what really grab me. Can you tell me more about the background of this song?
This song was actually written by three other writers that was specifically chosen as the first radio single from the album. To me, it is about God’s grip…firm and forever.
[JT] – Any last thoughts or comments?
It’s all about God. For God. Nothing else matters. Nothing. It doesn’t matter how many CDs I sell or how many top 10 singles I have. When I stand before the throne of God, He is not going to ask me how many CDs I sold or how many fans I have. He will ask me, ask us, what we did with His Son. “When the Son of Man comes, will He find faith upon the earth?” Jesus….there’s nothing else.
[JT] – I also end each interview with some of the questions from James Lipton and the “Inside the Actors Studio so here they are as well.
* What is your favorite word?*
Eternity
*What sound or noise do you love?*
Thunder. The Bible describes God’s voice that way….thundering. I can’t wait to find out what it really sounds like.
*What sound or noise do you hate?*
Trains and motorcycles
*What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?*
photography
*What profession would you not like to do? *
Those silly people who call at all hours of the night trying to sell you something. Oh! And a bill collector…..bad job.
Well that’s it, I got to sit down with Joy Whitlock (virtually) you can also see the CD review I did of her album “God and Girl” at www.jtindie.com and be sure to check out Joy’s website at www.joywhitlock.com You can Pick up the CD at Amazon.com as well as at Ardent Records
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