Where do you see music going in the next five
years?
In terms of how people
get their music, the Internet is obviously going to continue to play a big
role, if not even define, the future of the music industry. I can’t help but
imagine that it will continue to go in the direction it is moving now: more and
more songwriters [and] artists being able to get their songs recorded via
affordable home studios and making them available to anyone via the Internet. I
think because the “big record business” is shrinking, it’s going to make those
of us involved in it more passionate and more sincere about the music we’re
making and the reasons we’re making it.
How have developments in technology changed the
way you approach your art/career?
There was a day when
the concept of an album and a theme that ran throughout both musically and
lyrically was an important part of the process. Honestly, I get a little
saddened by it, because I love the creative and spiritual opportunity to take
the listener on a longer and deeper journey. The great thing is that we who
have a message to share and a song to sing can get it to the ears and the
hearts of people everywhere in ways I never would’ve dreamed when I started
recording 20 years ago.
What hasn’t changed for you over the course of
your career?
From the time I first
began writing songs as a teenager until now, there has been one prayer that has
been woven through all the songs I’ve written and the music I’ve made:
“God, I want to know You, and I want to make You known.”
What are your plans with your career over the
next five years?
Following my current
tour, I’m planning to take a little “down time” with my family and pray about
the next season of life, music and ministry. My family is getting more involved
with orphan and adoption advocacy and awareness through the work of
Shaohannah’s Hope. We’ll be making more trips to places around the world. I’ll
also continue, God willing, to set to music stories, experiences and “God
revelations” and create art that will hopefully move those who hear it to
desire more of God for themselves.
What is your advice for the next generation of
artists?
Work really hard at
being great at whatever gifts God has entrusted to you. Remember it is a gift
that has been entrusted and not to be
claimed as your own. Bloom wherever
you are planted; don’t sit around waiting for opportunity to knock, but look
for opportunities around you. There’ve never been more opportunities available
to someone with a message to share. Finally, and of utmost importance, fix your
eyes on Jesus. In the end nothing else matters by comparison.