Todd Agnew Interview
It is just a fact, some days are just better than others. Today was one of the better days. Today I get to Sit down and Virtually Interview one of my favorite Artists. A while back I was lucky enough to make some connections at ardent records and they were nice enough to send me several CD’s two of which were Todd Agnew, “Grace like Rain” and “Better Questions”. At that time I had a passing knowledge of Todd’s work, after all, who hasn’t sung “Grace Like Rain” or “My Jesus” So when I got the chance to Interview Todd Agnew I was more than happy to do it. So I’ll Quit Stalling and get right to the Interview
[JT] – How would you describe your sound?
[TA] – I think it’s kind of a compilation. It’s usually hard to describe. I guess maybe a songwriter willing to try all genres, but still try to say something.
[JT] – Who are some of your musical influences?
[TA] – A little bit of everything. Definitely CCM and Christian Rock guys: Rich Mullins and Charlie Peacock being the foremost of those. Oh and definitely Michael W. Smith, growing up. Outside of that, songwriters, like David Wilcox. The old blues guys, Stevie Ray, Lightning Hopkins, Albert King, and the newer guys like Doyle Bramhall II. And then definitely some gospel, old r&b, older country, and of course, rock. I mean, don’t all of us wish we could be in Journey anyway.
[JT] – can you tell me a little about your (individual) musical upbringing?
[TA] – I wasn’t a normal kid cutting my teeth on pop radio. My earliest memories are of listening to classical music in the house and hanging out with my dad in the garage listening to NPR. So I grew up on all different kinds of music. Blues, folk, jazz. A little of everything.
[JT] – Could you tell me about your spiritual Upbringing?
[TA] – I’m one of those fortunate kids who grew up in a strong Christian home. I learned about God and the truths of the Bible at a very young age. That really laid a foundation for all that was to come.
[JT] – At your website, toddagnew.com, I can see you have a busy touring schedule, What is it you find the most rewarding about touring?
[TA] – I have always enjoyed the road. I think the main reason is that God’s heart is for people. He cares about them much more than the music. And so we have a powerful opportunity to be a part of His work among His children when we are out there. There is nothing like seeing God move in a life.
[JT] – What do you find the most challenging about touring?
[TA] – I never really thought touring was hard. But then I had a family. And now everything is different. It is definitely more difficult to leave those you love at home to go out and work. But that’s where God has us for right now.
[JT] – Do you consider what you are doing to be your ministry? What kinds of other things are you currently involved in?
[TA] – Our musical career is definitely part of the ministry in my life. My wife and I are part of a recovery ministry in our church. And I try to mentor other worship leaders and younger musicians along the way as well.
[JT] – You have a song titles “My Jesus” Could you tell me what was the inspiration for this Song?
[TA] – To be honest, one day I was standing on a walkway overlooking the lobby of a large, popular church and had the thought, “Is every single person in this church beautiful?” That led me to wondering what kind of people would be in the church Jesus desired. So I began to study the life and teachings of Christ very carefully, taking nothing for granted. I was slightly surprised at what I found. And I found that I wanted to be like Him, to be the church He wanted, more than I wanted to be “successful,” or popular. I wanted to continue to find out who He was, and how I could be like Him.
[JT] – Where do you find inspiration for you music?
[TA] – It definitely starts in the Bible. I don’t usually have a good quiet time and then write a song. God teaches me things and I walk them out for about a year before they start turning into music. I have time to take the intellectual concept and begin to walk it out in my life. I can talk about it with my group of friends. To dig deeper into this truth. And then eventually, sometimes, it turns into a song.
[JT] – On your Myspace Page I noticed one of the songs is Testify by Joy Whitlock. I got to interview her and Reviewed her CD God and A girl. I was just wondering what your Impression of her?
[TA] – I love Joy. She is so raw and honest about where she is and what God is doing in her life. And on top of that, she is a great writer with an amazing voice. She was going to a church where I was leading worship and we met. I heard her sing one day and was blown away. I have really enjoyed getting to know her and am still excited to see how God is going to use her, both inside this industry and outside.
[JT] – I have to ask this Question, You wrote “Grace Like Rain” What has to be one of the defining Worship songs of the generation. How did that come about.
[TA] – My friend Chris Collins was an intern at our church at the time. He didn’t grow up in church, so although he connected with the lyrics of some of the hymns I used from time to time, he never connected to the music. He came in the office one day saying, “Todd, I love the Amazing Grace song you played. I wrote some new music for it.” I responded, as most of us do, “Man, I’m not sure you can do that.” I mean, that song is foundational for a great part of the church. But as he played it for me, I realized there was something special about it. I wrote the chorus, and honestly, we forgot about it. But a few months later, we were doing a night of worship for our youth. I mentioned the song, and fortunately Chris remembered it. We used it that night and God really moved powerfully.
[JT] – I noticed that you had a Podcast and Video Podcast for awhile, what was that process like for you and why did you stop?
[TA] – The podcast process was pretty natural for me. I’m a teacher at heart so I enjoy sharing in different formats. I plan on picking it up again. I dropped it kind of accidentally. I moved to Texas and didn’t have easy access to the studio to record anymore. And I’ve been spending a lot of time learning to be a husband and a father. But I’m starting to figure out at least the schedule of doing this, and will probably buy a mic and start doing more podcast stuff with Garage band. Or maybe I should just finally hook up my ProTools stuff.
[JT] – Do you have any plans for A new CD?
[TA] – We are finishing mixing right now. It should come out in October. It’s called “Need.” You heard it first right here.
[JT] – Are there any artists, producers, etc. that you’d just love to work with?
[TA] – I love learning from people. I got the chance to meet one of my favorites this year, Charlie Peacock. I would love to work on a project with him sometime. Even in our short conversation, he really helped me see things in a different way.
[JT] – What music have you been listening to?
[TA] – I always listen to a lot of music. The new Kings of Leon CD is killer. Andrew Peterson is one of my favorite songwriters of this generation and he just released a live project called Appendix C. Unfortunately we’re so deep in the record right now that I’m not getting to listen to much else. And when I can, I don’t really want to.
[JT] – What advice would give to artists/bands that are just starting out?
[TA] – I usually tell people two things:
1) God is more concerned with your heart than your ability. I definitely think you need to practice. But if you are spending more time on your look, your show,or even your music, than you are on becoming more like Christ, I think you’re going to have a problem. On the other hand, if you become the person God wants you to be, I think God will take you where He want you.
2) If you want to play, if you want to minister, then get out there and do it. Too many people wait around for their “big break.” If God has called you to play for people, then go find people to play for. Don’t wait to be famous. Go play for a Sunday School class. Call up the little church down the road and play for their youth group. They may pay you in pizza, but you’re doing what you’re called to do.
[JT] – What do you guys do to relax TV, Games, xbox 360 Guitar Hero?
[TA] – On the road, we enjoy a lot of things. Mostly we probably just make up dumb games and enjoy those. Sometimes we actually get to play basketball or tennis or something. We do play 360 from time to time. I don’t know what about killing each other is so bonding for guys, but it is.
[JT] – Tell me about your new CD? what was the Inspiration behind it. and when can I get a copy to review?
[TA] – The new CD is called “Need.” We are just finishing mixing it right now. I’m actually sitting on the couch while we’re printing a mix of “Jesus the Hope of Glory.” We have been working on this record for over a year now, so the inspiration has come from many different places. But here at the end of it, I am recognizing that we believe we need so many things. But at the end, Christ is all we truly need.
As far as getting a copy, I’m sure Ardent will be glad to get you a copy as soon as it’s done.
[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?*
To use probably “stellar”. Out of everything, maybe “circumnavigate”. But you never get to use that.
*What sound or noise do you love?*
I love the sound of anyone singing their heart out. Even if it’s not very good.
*What sound or noise do you hate?*
As long as we’re talking about singing, I hate the sound of someone doing an over exaggerated country drawl. If you don’t really sound like that, don’t do it fraudulently. It’s painful to listen to.
*What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?*
Maybe a professional basketball player. Because I’m really terrible at basketball. So, I would get paid millions of dollars to sit on a bench. And I would have to go to practice so I would get in shape. But the season is so long. So maybe pro football. But then I would get hit. So maybe the kicker. The backup kicker.
*What profession would you not like to do? *
I don’t think I would like anything to do with how you look: modeling, fashion, hairdressing, makeup. I think we focus way too much on that already, and I prefer the simple. I don’t think I could handle being in the middle of it all the time. Or working at Bath and Body. That places smells so strong. Couldn’t take it.
Well that is for the Interview. You can be sure that you will be hearing more of Todd Agnew on the show and When Ardent Gets me a Copy of the New CD you can be doubly sure that I will get the Review to you just as soon as possible.
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