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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I got to tell you all that I’m starting to feel extremely blessed. When I started this Podcast and the website at www.jtindie.com I never thought that a year later I would Interviewing talented artists and writing CD reviews of some the best music I have ever heard.

Like the review I did for Anadara and her album “A Little Closer” Now the blessing continues as I get to Interview Anadara about her music and her life.

So let’s sit down with Anadara and find out what makes her tick and where her passions for music came from.

[JT] – I guess the first question I have and one that several people on the podcast have asked me, is Anadara your real name?
Yes, Anadara is my real name  “Anadara” is a species of a seashell and is the name of the sailboat my parents sailed on their honeymoon. My dad was an avid sailor.

[JT] – How long have you been performing?
In High School I was very involved in musical theater but it wasn’t until college that I started writing songs on performing at local coffee houses. So, I guess I’ve been performing as a singer/songwriter for about 12 years now. Time flies!

[JT] – Why did you decide to enter the Christian Music Scene?
I’ve always written about what is going on in my life and heart and so naturally my faith in God has . My main motivation for performing and creating music is to bring hope and healing to people. The greatest hope and healing I have known in my own life comes from my faith in Jesus Christ, and so

[JT] – How would you describe your sound
I think the term “pop folk” best describes my sound. People are most often saying I remind them of Nichole Nordeman or Joni Mitchell.

[JT] – Who are some of your musical influences?
I LOVE so many artists and style but main influences are probably Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Fernando Ortega, Amy Grant, Dar Williams, Shawn Colvin and Switchfoot.

[JT] – Can you tell me a little about your musical upbringing?
My mother was a professional singer and so I grew up going to hear her sing. She sang a lot of the popular songs of the ‘70s and ’80s. She was also on the worship team at our church and so I was exposed and influenced through the rehearsals we held at our home each week. I started taking piano when I was 4 years old and remember writing some of my first songs when I was about 8 years old. I loved sitting at the piano and making out the worship songs on the chord sheets the team would leave behind. When I was 13 years old I started taking voice lessons and got very involved in choir and Community Theater. My High School was very supportive of the arts which I’m very grateful for.

[JT] – Do you consider what you are doing to be your ministry? What kinds of other things are you currently involved in?
Yes, I do consider it my ministry as I think it is what I have been the best equipped to do in order to make a difference in peoples lives. As I mentioned before, I long to bring hope and healing to people and know that God uses music powerfully to bring those into people’s lives. I also represent Compassion International at a number of my concerts so part of what I do through my music involves informing and encouraging people to become a part of the work that Compassion International is doing to release children from poverty all over the world. www.compassioninternational.com

[JT] – Could you tell me about your spiritual Upbringing?
I was raised attending a non-denominational Christian church that was part of the Calvary Chapel family. My mom and dad divorced when I was six and so I lived with my mom who was a believer. Her twin sister, my aunt, lived with us for a number of years and our faith was a very central part of our daily lives. My mom was on the worship team and I was a part of Pioneer Girls (like Girl Scouts for Christian girls). In other words we were very involved in our church and I was blessed to live in a community that offered a lot of extracurricular activities for young kids. The church we attended eventually split and absorbed into other local churches, but my mom and I never really got plugged back into another church.

A number of things happened that made me disillusioned about being part of a church family and I figured I would just stop going to church or involving myself in things like the “Christian Club” at school. A few years into college, my lack of investing in my relationship with God started to catch up with me. I felt hopeless and confused about the meaning of life. The story has many beautiful details but the long and the short of it is that God brought a number of loving people into my life to gently lead me back into the place of trusting Him and getting back involved in a church community. My memories of His faithfulness to me during those years are a fervent reminder that He is still as present in my life to this day. I’ve learned that instead of turning away with my hands full of resentments, I can give them over to God and then be free to extend and receive love, grace, mercy and peace. It’s much better that way!

[JT] – Your newest CD “A Little Closer” you have a song called “I need a Savior”. This is my favorite song of the CD. I know what this song means to me but could you tell me how this song came about?
There is a saying that church is supposed to be a hospital for sinners and not a showcase for saints. “I need a savior” was inspired out of a conversation with a friend of mine where we were saying that of all places, church should be the place where we feel the most comfortable coming as we are. Unfortunately it’s not always that way because we develop this idea that telling the truth about our brokenness would be a weakness. But then if we look at the bible and what it says about our weakness, we find out that it is good news! 2 Corinthians 12:9 “His grace is sufficient for me, for His power is made perfect in weakness”. As I thought about that I realized that the church we attend does a beautiful job of being welcoming and embracing this truth in the gospel. I’m very thankful for the full and reverent worship and the authentic people who look each other in the eye and remember to pray for each other. Most of all I am thankful that I can come through the doors every Sunday saying “I Need a Savior” because that is the posture of heart I pray to wake up with every morning. As the song says, “ If I can’t be broken how can I mend?”.

[JT] – Where do you find inspiration for you music?
I’m usually inspired by what is happening in everyday life. If I am going through something or am particularly struck by a certain incident or circumstance I find that writing about it really helps to sort out and express my emotions. Songwriting is a lot like journaling for me.

[JT] – On your website www.anadara.com I noted that you have done your share of touring.

What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about touring?
The most rewarding part to me is talking to people afterward and getting to be a part of their life for a moment. Music has always been one of the things that God uses to speak to me and so when people come up to me after the concert to tell me what has been stirring in their heart, I feel excited and inspired because I know how important that is how much hope and healing it is bringing the their daily experience of life.

What do you find to be the hardest thing about touring?
I really do love being home and being around for all of the little details of everyday life. It is hard for me to miss a friend’s baby shower or an event at church but a lot of people in Nashville are musicians who are on the road a lot, so it is almost a typical way of life here.

[JT] – What do you find most exciting about the writing and recording process?
It’s like an itch that finally gets scratched when you take an idea into the form of a song. Perhaps I love to communicate and God has given me songwriting as my way to do that best. When I can finally “write” something out it is a relief. Then the gift of being able to record it and get it out to people completes the circle and the song can then take on a life of its own and go reach people wherever they may be.

[JT] – What are your plans for the future?
Oh my. I don’t know and have been learning to make plans loosely. I pray that having children will be in my future. I also plan on continuing to write and record music that will bring hope and healing to people’s hearts. It would be a prayer of mine to continue to have places and people to play this music for “live” as “live” music is becoming a lost art in this age of recording. There is something so important about taking in the beauty of music as it being played live. I hope to keep that alive in my life in the years to come, both in performing and listening.

[JT] – What has God been teaching you lately?
God has been teaching me a lot about motivation and what it means to be motivated by the things of God. Without knowing it I can motivate myself to do a lot of things out of my own will, but if I lose my enthusiasm for something it is hard for me to complete the task. So, I’ve been praying about what “His will” is and am learning that “will” can mean “desire” but can also mean “determination”. I long for my desires to be in line with God’s but also my determinations. I think true power comes from when our desires AND our determinations are in line with God’s.

[JT] – Are there any artists, producers, etc. that you would like to work with?
I would love to work with Charlie Peacock because one common denominator among my favorite CD’s is that he produced them One of those artists being Jon Foreman of Switchfoot who I would also love to work with somehow someday.

[JT] – Who are some of the artists that you have enjoyed sharing the stage with?
It’s usually at festivals that I share a stage with someone and some of the highlights for me have been Chris Tomiin, Third Day, David Crowder, Paul Baloche and Christy Nockels.

[JT] – Any Last Comments?
Thank you for your encouragement and support in my music! It really means so much to me to know that what I put my hands to as I write and record this music is making a difference and striking a chord in peoples lives and hearts.

[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?*
It’s hard to choose a favorite. I want to say “crisp” because I have always been enamored with that word and how it sounds just like its meaning. Ha! But really, “peace” would be a better pick as it seems to be what I savor the most emotionally and physically. It is one of the things I am most thankful for in my faith. Knowing Jesus gives me a peace that I believe I would not know otherwise.

*What sound or noise do you love?*
I love to hear a baby laugh. When they laugh hard it comes from deep in their gut! It’s so joyful and you can’t help but laugh yourself.

*What sound or noise do you hate?*
The sound of my alarm going off in the morning! I am a deep sleeper.

*What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?*
Some kind of physical therapy. I really love working with people and being involved in healing. I’ve realized that is what drives me the most in my music, sharing with people and helping to bring healing.

*What profession would you not like to do? *
Anything involving numbers like accounting or bookkeeping. And you wouldn’t want me to do it either!! .

Well that’s it, I have to tell you all that Anadara has been on my Mp3 player ever since I got the CD and I still find myself playing the album when I find myself needing to re-center myself. Be sure to check out her website at www.anadara.com and pick up her CD “A Little Closer”.

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

When My Good Friends at Wounded Records told me that they had signed The Rose McCoy band and asked me if I wanted to do an interview with the band? I thought about the question just long enough to type the words “Well YEAH!” So today we sit down with the Guys from The Rose McCoy Band and find out what makes them tick.

Could you tell me about the people in your band?
Well my name is Nathan Thurston, I play guitar on a few songs, but I mostly just do the singing and screaming. Ben Dennis plays drums and does background vocals. Charlie Thompson plays guitar and does background screaming. Dustin Lynch plays lead guitar, and Miles Williams play bass.

How did you all meet and how long have been playing together?
Charlie and I have been friends since High School, and we were in a couple bands together in that time (I’m not telling you the names ha ha). We are the only original members of the band. We met our drummer Ben at our first show, who introduced us to his friend Dustin, who had been in a band with Miles. We have been playing together since April of 2008.

Where did the name of your band come from?
The name of our band came from an old civil war era family rivalry that was between a family from Kentucky, and a family from West Virginia. The Hatfields and the McCoys. The McCoy’s daughter, “Rose McCoy” fell in love with a Hatfield, which was highly against the family rules. So it kind of turned into this huge Romeo and Juliet type story.

Why did you decide to enter the Christian Music Scene?
I don’t know that we try to stay in a Christian music scene really. We do believe that we have a God message to bring to our fans, and that’s why we became a Christian band. We have been given a great platform to be up in front of people, and we feel that we have to use that for the right reasons. As far as the music scene itself goes; there are more people in a bar that need to hear God’s message than at a church, so we try to not only play in the Christian scene.

How would you describe your sound?
We have a mixture of different popular genres out there. Basically metal and pop with some added musicality.

Who are some of your musical influences?
My biggest influences are bands like Emery, Alexis on Fire, and Brand New. I know that we all like August Burns Red, Underoath, Burden of a Day, and other bands like that.

Can you tell me a little about your (individual) musical upbringing?
Miles and I actually grew up on Classic rock, and still prefer it to a lot of popular music these days. Dustin and Ben are more of our metal side. They listen to pretty much everything though, including a lot of rap. Charlie also listens to everything, but he and I pretty much share the same favorite bands now.

Do you consider what you are doing to be your ministry?
Yea we believe everything we do involves ministry. How we live our lives and what we stand for. We show these things through everyday life and explain what we believe as truth at our shows. Obviously we don’t know everything but what we do know is God is love and we share that with everyone we meet.

What kinds of other things are you currently involved in?
I’m actually currently still trying to attend college at the moment while trying to hold a part time job and the rest of the guys work when we are home. Honestly other than that we are so busy there isn’t too much we can do

Could you tell me about your spiritual Upbringing?
Charlie and I were both raised in a small town Baptist church and was brought up by strong single Christian mothers.

You are releasing a new CD at the beginning of the year, can you tell me about the CD?
Currently we are working on the finishing touches of our album and honestly haven’t picked a name for it yet. The theme of the album basically has to do with struggle of life with songs about abortion, everyday life, and the struggle of the Christian lifestyle.

What was the Recording process like for this CD?
All of us love the recording process. It’s a really fun process for any musician I would hope. We are recording with our good friend Dustin Burnett, who recorded Augustana, from Smoking Gun studios in Nashville. We are super excited for our CD to come out and hope all of our fans are as well.

Where do you find inspiration for you music?
We find inspiration just like any other musicians find it: by watching our favorite bands and seeing what they can do for crowd they have in front of them.

Can you tell me about your song “Foundations”
This song is basically for anyone that is hiding behind something. Trying to hide their feelings toward someone, or trying to hide your true heart from God. Its for anyone putting on an act to make people think they are different than they really are. Our drummer wrote the lyrics and the basic structure, then we all added in different parts. It was the 4th song we wrote as a band, which is why we know it as “Song 4.”

Was there any one person or one moment that changed your life?
The first time I saw my favorite band in concert I decided that I didnt want to do anything else.

I have seen on your Myspace Page that you are touring a lot What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about touring?
The most rewarding thing would have to be meeting new people and sharing our life with theirs. The Rose McCoy loves to tour!!
What do you find to be the hardest thing about touring?
The hardest is probably leaving our girlfriends and close friends for a while when we are gone.

What advice would give to artists/bands that are just starting out?
Take your time. Don’t try to cut too many corners and save a bunch of money. Image is everything, and spend as much money as possible to make yourself look and sound good to people. Be 150% dedicated, or don’t do it. Do it for the right reasons. Remember that you have a God given talent and he deserves all the glory for any success or recognition you receive.

What are your plans for the future?
We all hope to have lifelong careers in music because we believe ministry through music is what we are called to do. Also hope to get married someday and start loving families. Personally, I am also going to become a teacher of the music ways.

What has God been teaching you lately?
More than ever is trust and faith that God is in ultimate control and when things look rough, we need to trust He knows that everything is going according to His will and we will get there all in His time.

Are there any artists, producers, etc. that you would like to work with?
Producers: Dustin Burnett, Aaron Sprinkle, and Mark Goldman. Artists: We would love to tour with some of our favorite bands, but we will see how our future plays out.

Who are some of the artists that you have enjoyed sharing the stage with?
Emery, Oh Sleeper, The Wedding, The Fold, Showbread, Run Kid Run, Pierce the Veil,
Family Force 5, Relient K, I am Terrified, 6 Pence None the Richer, Clocktower Showdown, and many other great bands not mentioned here.

What music have you been listening to?
I have been listening to a lot of Coldplay lately. I know the other guys are listening to a lot of Mayday Parade as well.

How did you get involved with Wounded Records?
Our manager Mike from “Charis Core Management” started sending out our info to labels very soon after we first signed with him. Wounded was one of the labels to show interest, and in the end they were the one that we chose to sign to.

What do you guys do to relax, TV, Games, xbox 360?
Well we all love playing Xbox; Mainly HALO. Our guitar player is 6′ 8″ and he enjoys playing basketball with his 7′ brother. I love watching “House.”

What are your favorite movies/books/TV Shows?
Like I said, I watch “House” all the time. Home Improvement is still the best though. When it comes to movies the best have got to be: Back to the Future, A Christmas Story, Forest Gump, Oceans 11, Anchorman, Ferris Beuller’s Day Off (and several more of course).

Any Last Comments?
Thanks for the interview and interest in The Rose McCoy and thanks to all reading. We will be releasing our album in February so please stay tuned and keep talking to us! We love all, God bless.

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?*
Love. Think of a better word ha ha

*What sound or noise do you love?*
We love the sound of a c# minor chord blasting through an orange amplifier.

*What sound or noise do you hate?*
Opening the letter from bill collectors… not a good sound

*What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?*
Professional doctor, but unfortunately school is too long.

*What profession would you not like to do? *
Sitting in a cubicle updating bank software for the year 2000.

So that my Interview with guys from Rose McCoy. You can check them out on their Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/therosemccoy You can hear their song called “Foundations” on the website in Episode 45 at www.jtindie.com.

We are continuing with the series of interviews. I consider myself to be very lucky, not only do I get to play some of the best Indie music out there but I also get to interview some extremely talented artists as well. Wounded Records has been a long time supported of JTICMP, going all the way back to Episode#10.

Today we are sitting down and getting to know one of Wounded Records newest bands. With an incredible sound and great message The Tug Fork River Band is clearly a group of artist to keep your eyes on, and with a CD set to come out in the upcoming year be sure to keep your eyes peeled for this band at the summer festivals. So let us get to it and find out what makes this talented group tick.

[JT] – Could you tell me about the people in your band?
First off, I’m Brian I play Bass. Then we have Justin who plays guitar, David plays drums and finally Aaron is our vocalist

[JT] – How did you all meet and how long have been playing together?
David and I met when we were in Jr High and tried to get a band going together for a while and finally we got something going there. Then in High School we met Justin and Aaron who were in a band together and David and I got Justin to join that band. Eventually both bands called it quits and David, Aaron Justin and myself started the Tug Fork River Band

[JT] – Where did the name of your band come from?
Our band name is actually the name of the river that divided the Hatfields and McCoys during their infamous feud.

[JT] – Why did you decide to enter the Christian Music Scene?
We didn’t really “decide” to enter it, it was more of what we felt we are called to do. Especially over this past summer and our subsequent signing to Wounded we feel that GOD is calling us to a ministry through our music.

[JT] – How would you describe your sound
The way I like to describe our sound is Credence Clearwater Revival (CCR) meets 80’s Metallica. We take like the groovey southern rock feel and mix it with some down right good thrashy deathy metal. It may not make sense on paper, so just go listen to our stuff on myspace and you’ll hear what I’m trying to say.

[JT] – Who are some of your musical influences?
Personally: Once Nothing, CCR, Lynyrd Skynyrd, 80’s Metallica, MxPx, Everytime I Die, Ace of Base, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, the Showdown, Haste the Day, Ben Folds, Impending Doom to name a few.

The Band as a Whole: Once Nothing, Trivium, Maylene and the Sons of Disaster, the Showdown, Impending Doom, White Chapel, Lyrnyrd Skynyrd, CCR, Everytime I Die

[JT] – Can you tell me a little about your (individual) musical upbringing?
Aaron has been singing since he was a child and sometime in Jr High/High School he learned to play guitar and I’m pretty sure he can play the piano too.

David has been playing drums and percussion since he was a kid. His entire family is very musical, both his parents play(ed) percussion as well as a slew of other instruments. He also played tuba for a while as well as playing bass and guitar.

Justin played violin for a while in school and took that knowledge over to learning guitar and bass. I know he wants to learn to play piano, drums and tons of other instruments but he hasn’t started that yet.

Brian, I played viola when I was in Jr High and soon after David and I became friends he and his dad started teaching me how to play bass.

[JT] – How did you all come together as a band?
We all went to High School together and were in bands together and separately then and after high school. Eventually all our bands dissolved so we started this one.

[JT] – Do you consider what you are doing to be your ministry? What kinds of other things are you currently involved in?
Yes we do very much so, that is why we are in this band to spread GOD’s word and love to all who will listen.
We are all active in our Churchs’ David and I play on the worship team at our church. We all 4 work full times and Justin, David and I are also in school part to full time.

[JT] – Could you tell me about your spiritual Upbringing?
Sure, I didn’t go to church as a child. It wasn’t that my parents don’t believe its just they weren’t active in their faith. Infact I wasn’t even sure about all that “GOD” stuff until I met David and some other friends in Jr High and High School. Thats when GOD worked in me and through others and showed me he was real. I started my relationship with him and from then it hasn’t been a walk in the park, but GOD has always taken care of me.

[JT] – Your EP is called “The Dirty Dirty” how did this title come about, and what is the inspiration behind it?
Everytime I Die released a cd this year called the Big Dirty and they are one of our influences and so we were joking around once about parody cd names and so thats how we came up with it.

[JT] – Can you tell me about your song “Bad intentions of a Billy Goat“
Its about never giving up when you have something holding you back. The title comes from an old rumor that a billy goat is one of the many reasons why the Chicago Cubs are cursed from ever winning a world series.

[JT] – Where do you find inspiration for you music?
GOD, what we are listening to at the time, anywhere and everywhere honestly

[JT] – Was there any one person or one moment that changed your life?
Other than Jesus, not that I can think of.

[JT] – What advice would give to artists/bands that are just starting out?
Practice as much as possible and play whenever wherever you can and when you are playing live give it 110%, don’t worry about what you look like, just focus on having a good time and doing what you love

[JT] – How did you get involved with Wounded Records?
We met them at Cornerstone 2007 through our friends in Neviah Nevi. We kept in contact with them over the next year and at Cornerstone 2008 we met up and talked some more and they came out to see us play once and thought we would make a good addition to their awesome lineup of bands.

[JT] – What do you find to be the most rewarding thing about touring?
Meeting new people and sharing GOD with them and hanging out with them and all that stuff.

[JT] – What do you find to be the hardest thing about touring?
We haven’t done much touring yet, but from what we have done, its the long drives, little sleep and having shows cancelled. That sucks the most having a show get cancelled.

[JT] – What do you find most exciting about the writing and recording process?
I like hearing the final song recorded and just thinking about how far its come since we began working on it. Knowing that it started a riff or a progression and then it turning into a complete song we practice and then having it recorded and able to thump it in my car its awesome.

[JT] – On your Myspace page you talk about being in the studio to record. What can you tell us about the new project?
Well, as I’m typing this we have the music for the CD completely recorded, we just need to do some final edits and mixes on it then they are complete and we are doing vocals this week. So we are hoping to have it done and into the hands of Bryant and Tanja Duncan of Wounded Records, our label, by mid December. We are hoping for a mid May release of the CD so that we can tour and hit up some of the festivals this summer with it.

[JT] – What has God been teaching you lately?
More like what hasn’t GOD been teaching me lately. We have been doing a devotional as a band after every practice and it has been a really good way to bring us all closer together and closer to GOD for sure.

[JT] – Are there any artists, producers, etc. that you would like to work with?
Work with for the record, i don’t know i can’t really think of anyone off the top of my head. Someone cool though that would only enhance us as people and musicians.

[JT] – Who are some of the artists that you have enjoyed sharing the stage with?
Our friends from Neviah Nevi are always fun to play with as well as the dudes from Of the Son.

[JT] – What music have you been listening to?
Lately, Israel Kamakawiwo’ole, the new Haste the Day, the new Underoath, Bury Your Dead, White Chapel, Impending Doom, Between the Burried and Me, Unearth

[JT] – What do you guys do to relax TV, Games, xbox 360?
Justin and I both like to read. We all like to hang out with our girlfriends and other friends. We all watch TV and movies, listen to music, play our instruments. You know, typical guy stuff.

[JT] – What are your favorite movies/books/TV Shows?
Book: currently Going All the Way by Daniel Wakefield
Movie: Goonies, Star Wars IV-VI, the LOTRs, Stargate, Point Break, Hot Fuzz, Sean of the Dead
TV Shows: I absolutely love the Stargate Series, both SG-1 and Atlantis, the 4400, I’ve been watching Heroes and the Office with my roommates, Futurama, the Simpsons, Family guy

[JT] – Any Last Comments?
Yes, check out our myspace and check out our top friends and make sure you stop by the Wounded Records myspace and take a look at all the awesome bands on their label and support them.

Then in the immortal words of Gary Busey: “Fear is the darkroom where the devil develops his negatives.”

GOD Bless and have a Merry Chrismahankwanzica

[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?*
As of late probably debacle

*What sound or noise do you love?*
The sound of my cell phone ringing and its someome special calling.

*What sound or noise do you hate?*
My alarm clock going off.

*What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?*
Well umm….i’m not sure if you are considering me a full time musican or not, but I am in Culinary School so someday I am going to be a Chef I hope, but if I could do another job other than that I would want to be a foley engineer probably.

*What profession would you not like to do? *
Anything that would keep me behind a desk doing paper work for more than an hour a day.

A great thing happened to me at Vertical Fest. I got the chance to meet all of the bands that were playing there. That includes the band FireFlight. I also got the chance to talk to many of the members and I was able to arrange an Email interview with the band FireFlight. So Here is the Interview with the Band FireFlight.

[JT] – Who are some of your musical influences?
[FF] – I really enjoy many types of music. I grew up listening to country and my first musical influences were Reba McEntire and The Judds, but once I got old enough to get into trouble my cousin let me listen to Red Hot Chili Peppers and Metallica on his walkman and after that I was hooked on Rock. My favorite band of all time is Aerosmith.

[JT] – Can you tell me a little about your (individual) musical upbringing?
[FF] – I loved to sing ever since I was little, I would serenade my family with all of the commercial jingles on tv. In elementary school I participated in a couple of talent shows and thats when we all realized I could sing. I really didn’t start singing alot until I was in high school and started going to church. I joined the choir, and got put on the praise team. Then I took a couple years of vocal lessons. When I graduated from high school, our FCA held a service for the graduating class and I sang a song at the service. Glenn(guitar) and Wendy(Bass)attended that service because Glenn’s brother was also graduating. They approached me afterwards to see if I wanted to be in a band.

[JT] – How did you all come together as a band?
[FF] – We started off in a small town when Glenn decided to form a Christian band. He started out with Wendy (his wife) as bassist, and knew he wanted a female lead singer. He ran into Justin whom he knew from high school and found him to be interested. Then Wendy and He watched me perform at a graduation service ( I graduated with His brother) and they approached me shortly thereafter. Phee came a couple years later after our first drummer left to pursue a student ministry calling

[JT] – Could you tell me about your spiritual Upbringing?
[FF] – I didn’t grow up in the church, but I believed in God. I dedicated my life to Christ my sophmore year of high school when I started going to youth group with a friend. The youth pastors there were very loving and the more I learned about Jesus the more I knew I had found the truth.

[JT] – Your newest CD is called “Unbreakable” how did this title come about, why “Unbreakable” and what is the inspiration behind the album?
[FF] – The cd is named after the first song on the album. But truly does encompass the theme of the project. We set out to create an album that would helpe people find hope for victory in their lives.

[JT] – What are some of the challenges you face being on tour?
[FF] – Its really challenging to be away from your friends and family so much, but God brings us constant encouragement and brings us new joys in every day.

[JT] – What are some of the best thing about being on tour?
[FF] – Being able to meet and play for so many fans, and spending time with the people in the other bands.

[JT] – What do you find most exciting about the writing and recording process?
[FF] – The most exciting part is when you are in the studio and suddenly all of the songs start to come together and you realize that you may have stumbled onto something worth listening to.

[JT] – What are your plans for the future?
[FF] – We head overseas this December back to Germany for the Christmas Rock Night Festival. Other then that we plan to tour as much as possible and spread the message of God’s love every where we can.

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?*
fantastic

*What sound or noise do you love?*
laughter

*What sound or noise do you hate?*
That screeching noise traditional alarm clocks make

*What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?*
Beautician/Makeup Artist

*What profession would you not like to do? *
Librarian

Well I want to start this by letting you know that this interview has been quite a long while in the making. I also want to let you know that the faults for that rest solely on my shoulders. I have simply had to many things going on and as usual it seems that all of those things came upon me all at once. So now I am very pleased to bring you the Interview with Mariah Secrest. Now I met Mariah after I joined IndieHeaven and I knew I wanted to interview her from the first time I heard her music. You can find her music on my podcast at www.jtindie.com as well I’m sure many other places. I have no doubt in saying that Mariah Secrest is a rising star in Christian Music. So now on to the interview.
JT – Who are some of your musical influences?

MS – There’s totally a story! I was studying abroad in Taiwan, and I happened to be there at the same time as a band from the non-profit I used to tour with. I had a very shy Korean roommate who spoke little English. She went with me to their concert, and even though she didn’t have a Christian faith she was quite taken with a worship song that they played. Later that night this quiet, painfully insecure girl confided in me through her broken English, “How can I say this? Music touches my mind. It makes me…thirsty.” I just thought that was so beautiful, that recognition that music causes a yearning in us that mere words can’t express.

JT – You talk about being involved with helping Refugees, can you tell me more about that?

MS – I just really feel that this is what I have to do–how I can serve the world. It doesn’t bother me too much to spend six hours at the computer doing my own booking or promoting, because that’s just part of the service. Sometimes it’s unfortunate to have to look at music as business, but at the same time that’s just the way to get the music out there to maximize people’s access to it. But pulling back from the business aspect for a moment to go hear a concert or watch the sunset or pray reminds me of the great blessing music is and why I do it. I feel like I understand God more through music.

MS – I’m in the planning stages of recording a full-length album with producer MRL, who used to drum for the band Polarboy. He’s a great producer, and I’m really looking forward to the next season of my music.
Lastly I wanted to end the interview with the famous 10 questions of James Lipton on “Inside the Actor’s Studio” but I find that several of the Question just don’t fit so I took the 5 that I thought made the most sense. If I may be so bold as to ask these questions?

What is your favorite word?
Inspire
What sound or noise do you love?
The coffeepot brewing in the morning

When I first came across Amy Courts on Disc Revolt and I was immediately struck by her voice. Behind the angelic voice I found a performer whose lyrics were both spiritual and intelligent (unfortunately a combination that has become rare these days). Well after a bit of back and forth I was able to play some of her music on the podcast. I was then surprised by a little gift in the mail, it seemed that santa came early and I must of been a good boy cause there in my stocking was a pre-release of “These Cold and Rusted Lungs”. A Cd I was happy to review on the site, and the hits just keep on coming. I have been given the chance to sit down (virtually) with Amy and Interview her via Email. I get the chance to talk to her about her music, influences, ministries and more. So please, join us in Jt’s Coffee shop as we talk about this and that as we find out more about the artist Amy Courts and her New CD “These Cold and Rusted Lungs”.

Read the Interview after the Jump.

JT – Who are some of your musical influences?
AC – My biggest influences, early on, were Jennifer Knapp and Sixpence None the Richer. Lyrically and melodically, there was so much richness and depth that I’d never heard in Christian music before. Both were willing to broach topics most in the industry veered away from, so it was encouraging and hopeful, for me as a teenager with angst oozing from my skin, to finally hear songs about real things like pain and hurt and doubts. Since then, I’ve become quite influenced by Patty Griffin’s raw vocal prowess, and have come to love any- and everything by Derek Webb. He’s another who is, in my mind, a bit of a revolutionary. How he writes (musically), and what he’s willing to write about so often flies in the face of the typical contemporary Christian fare. He talks about the Christian’s role in social justice, not just politics. He talks about peace in wartime. He stirs the pot without attacking. It’s inspiring.

JT – Can you tell me a little about your musical upbringing?
AC – I’m the youngest of four girls who were born singing. Seriously, I think I must have been one of those babies who didn’t kick in the womb, but sang. Who knows? But I’ve been singing for as long as I can remember. As a young girl and teenager, my family did the traveling family singer group thing. It was cool for a while, but once I got to high school I was pretty sick of being either “a Courts daughter who sings!” or Melani, Michelle, or Charis’s little sister. So I quit singing in choirs and at church and joined marching band. Once I got to college and finally experienced life in a place where no one knew “the Courts girls” or could compare me to my sisters, I started singing again and learning to play guitar. Then one day a friend of mine wrote a song and I decided I wanted to write songs. So I did.

JT – Your newest CD, “These Cold and rusted Lungs” is really great, can you tell me about the inspiration behind it?
AC – Thank you! It’s so encouraging to hear positive comments, because this record is very much a collection of my life’s snap-shots. It’s not often, as a writer, that songs just fall out in a 20-minute period of time, when you sit with your guitar or at the piano, and the entire song, lyrics and music, just comes to you. Usually, it takes a month or two to flesh out a song to a point where you’re ready to perform it. When it happens, what’s captured is always raw and organic, authentic as can be. And most of these songs were just that: moments that seemed to fall into song without my poking or prodding. They are expressions of me at my weakest or most hopeful, hurting or worried or simply wondering out loud. I consider myself lucky to have an album chock full of those vulnerable, unadulterated, unaffected moments.

JT – Do you consider what you are doing to be your ministry? What kinds of other things are you currently involved in?
AC – I always chuckle when I hear bands answer questions like this with, “We’re not a Christian band – we’re a band made up of guys who happen to be Christians.” It seems backward to me. As a Christ-follower, created by God and in His image, my identity is wrapped up in Christ. So really, I’m a Christian who happens to be an artist…and a wife, and a step-mother, and a friend. Everything I say, do, write, and sing flows from that central identifying mark. So while I don’t want to be glued to the Christian music market and would certainly love to find a home in the mainstream world as well, I can’t undermine the ministry of it. As a child of God and follower of the Gospel, everything I say in my songs – whether they’re about God or relationships or work or whatever – comes from a place where the Holy Spirit lives and breathes. In that sense, everything I do is bound to minister to someone. But I also know that, as a Christian, if I’m not loving others through active service, then I’m not living the Greatest Commandment. And as an artist, it’s not enough to sing about life and hopefully give listeners something real and honest to relate to. If I’m not encouraging them to give themselves to their own communities and to service around the globe, then my voice is wasted on vanity. That’s why I partnered with Mocha Club, an African Aid organization that, with just $7 per month – the cost of two mochas – is able to provide seven Africans with clean water for an entire year, or give 16 Ugandan children living with Malaria life-saving medication. Here at home in Nashville, I’m also involved with the Sudanese Center for Refugees and volunteer with a number of organizations that help the less fortunate or struggling in our communities. It’s not so much a matter of finding or defining my ministry through music, but seeking ways in the every day to serve my neighbors and love my enemies. Eventually, I’ll have to retire from my life as a professional musician. But I won’t – and can’t – retire from my Christianity or from the responsibility to love and serve my neighbors.

JT – From looking at your Myspace page I see that you have a pretty busy touring schedule. What do you find the hardest thing about touring? Likewise what is it that you like the best about touring?
AC – Aside from the obvious downside of being away from home and my husband for long periods of time, and the time it takes to simply book shows, the hardest part about touring is the work it takes to stay healthy. I don’t think I realized until after my first tour just how difficult it is, physically, to spend hours on end – sometimes entire days – cooped up in a car, or how hard it is to sleep in a different room and different bed every night. You lose a lot of sleep and your body goes into overdrive trying to keep endorphins moving. Couple that with the emotional, physical, and spiritual effort that goes into every single show, and it becomes incredibly difficult to stay healthy while giving every audience your very best every night. But, on the other hand, walking away from each performance having been able to share my heart and see the fruit of that vulnerability in peoples’ smiles, tears, and the stories they share makes every grueling moment away from home and on the road worth it. Knowing and seeing the Holy Spirit at work – through me! – is more rewarding and encouraging than anything else.

JT – What do you find most exciting about writing and recording music?
AC – It’s always exhilerating to write a new song and take it to a producer (or an audience) and show them a new baby. Because the writing process is one of such deliberation and vulnerability – especially for me, since most of what I write is me thinking or feeling out loud – it’s a relief to get it all down on paper. Starting with nothing and seeing where it goes is like watching evolution in fast-forward. It all comes out, and it’s kind of like that first day of feeling better after a bad cold. The recording process is different altogether. The amazing thing about it is bringing the different minds and artistic perspectives into the studio and meshing them in a way that works. I was completely blown away with all the final cuts on These Cold and Rusted Lungs, simply because what I took into the studio – these skeletons of songs that said something about me – were turned into these masterful bodies of timeless work that put color and texture to the bones. And when you work with someone like Neilson Hubbard (my producer) and the musicians on the project – from my own husband, Paul, to my drummer, Josh, to these guys I’ve never met, like Kris and Eamon, who all seem to know just what to play and where – it’s euphoric. What I’ve come away with is a full-bodied masterpiece. It’s incredible to be able to call it mine!

JT – Of all the bands I have spoken with, one thing I hear most of all is the difficulty in keeping spiritually grounded (I have had bands talk about being tempted by the secular life and how difficult that can be). Is there anything you do that helps keep you spiritually grounded while being part of the music industry?
AC – That’s a tough question to answer. While I do understand and experience the temptations of secular life, mostly in my worries over whether or not I’ll make the money necessary to sustain a musician’s life on the road, I don’t struggle as much with wanting to take part in the fame and celebrity of it all. Maybe I’m lucky in that the music industry – the Big Guns – hasn’t taken much notice of me, because I haven’t had to deal with parameters set by labels, producers or representatives and thus haven’t had to fight them over content or presentation of my music. I’ve been free to write what I want and what’s real to me. And really, I think it’s the content of the songs I sing that keeps me grounded spiritually. Knowing that every song came from a deeply personal, spiritual place (whether or not it’s about God, Jesus, praying, the Bible, or anything else definitively churchy), and that every single audience deserves a passionate, honest performance keeps me constantly aware of what I’m doing and why. Because I am naturally a person who wears her heart on her sleeve, I can’t pretend from the stage that everything is great when it’s not, or vice versa. I’m forced by nature to always be honest cause they’ll see right through me if I’m not. Besides that, God keeps me humble by letting me worry and then completely shutting me down and making them seem silly in light of His constant affirmation and provision.

JT – You talked of growing up in a singing and performing family and now being a Wife and Step-Mother, I know that this must be a change in your life. Have these things changed the way that perform or changed your outlook on the world?
AC-Oh man…the best and worst things about marriage and family life are the same: being inextricably bound and responsible to other human beings forces you out of yourself and into realms of selflessness you never thought imaginable. Becoming a wife and step-mother changed everything for me. In daily life, it means dying to myself and my desires. Specifically, it means choosing to love and give my best to my husband when I don’t think he deserves it, and more so receiving his unconditional love when I know I don’t deserve it. It means giving him an evening of my devoted attention when I’d rather rest. It means giving up my choice for where to spend vacation time because it’s more important to spend the days off with my step-son who lives a few states away. It means making a concerted effort to know him, love him, and be involved in what interests him, even when it makes no sense to me whatsoever. From the road, it means being deliberate about communicating even after we’ve both had really long days. Sometimes, it means passing up shows I’d like to do, or spending a little extra money to take the family with me. Invariably, though, it means putting them first. It means enjoying the uniqueness and beauty of two (and hopefully more, down the road someday) other people’s worlds, and becoming a person who makes that world better. I don’t have it perfected by any means, but the biggest change has been in learning that selflessness is far and away the most rewarding, satisfying thing I can do or be for them or myself.

JT – On your Myspace page, you are listed as being a contributing writer to www.newpilgrimpress.com and www.myspace.com/stalkingthemuse could you tell me a little more about these?
AC – Both are awesome publications! The New Pilgrim Press is a publication created by one of my dearest college friends, Lauren Geoffrion, who envisioned more for the next generation of Christians. She is a writer herself, and has surrounded herself with other like-minded, progressive Christian thinkers – whom she calls “The Revolutionaries” – who simply write about their own experiences and revelations about spirituality. Sometimes she’ll post quotes from amazing theologians like C.S. Lewis and G.K. Chesterton, and other times she’ll just post thoughts compiled by the revolutionaries. But what she does in offering Truth-conscious forward-thinkers – people like me who often feel caught between progressive, post-modern theory and traditional, fundamental, irrefutable Truth – a place to gather, think together, write, and discuss matters of great importance across the spectrum is really fantastic. Stalking the Muse was the idea of one of Nashville’s biggest music fan who isn’t a musician himself. Being a lover of music and connoisseur of lyrical and melodic prowess, he decided to “stalk the muse” – ask singers, songwriters, artists, and bands what makes them tick, artistically. And he created a myspace entirely devoted to posting their musings and promoting their music and concerts. It’s become an incredible stop on the web for some of the best indie music around!

JT – What are your future plans, musically?
AC – Who knows!? I intend to keep doing what I do until I either can’t do it anymore. I don’t think I’ll ever just quit singing or writing…both are part of who I am. But, professionally speaking, I’ll keep doing it as long as I can afford to. And after that…I’ll do it for fun.

Lastly I wanted to end the interview with the famous 10 questions of James Lipton on “Inside the Actor’s Studio” but I find that several of the Question just don’t fit so I took the 6 that I thought made the most sense. If I may be so bold as to ask these questions?

What is your favorite word?
I’m a fan of “juxtaposed” and “acquiesce”…though it’s hard to find sentences in which to use either.
What is your least favorite word?
I’m afraid I can’t say that here.
What sound or noise do you love?
My husband playing guitar and singing, and babies giggling.
What sound or noise do you hate?
The wheezing sound my laptop makes when it goes into overdrive…it sounds like a dying hampster.
What profession other than your own would you like to attempt?
I’d love to be a writer…a journalist. I’m not all that great at writing novels (I lack the imagination and determination to see it through), but I’d love to write articles for various magazines. That, or be a Theology professor at a university.
What profession would you not like to do?
I really hate retail and food sales!

First off I want to thank Amy Courts, and encourage all of you to check her out, you can find the links here in the article. Also keep a lookout for her new CD “These Cold and rusted Lungs” when it comes out. Well you know, when I first started this project I was very excited about the idea of getting to interview an artist that I enjoyed. What I didn’t expect, and I really should of known better, was to be completely blown away by the depth of her passion both for the music and for Christ. I find myself in the happy position of telling you, my readers, that I am better off from having met, and interviewed, Amy Courts.

JustTerry puts out a weekly Podcast that can be found at www.jtindie.com and can be reached by email at jtindiepodcast@gmail.com