I wrote and produced the record with a couple of guys: Drew Ramsey and Shannon Sanders. And the three of us began writing for this record - we spread it out probably over about a year, and then we began recording the album, and also finishing up writing while recording some other songs. But I think this is probably the most focused I've been, lyrically speaking, about what it was I wanted to say in a record, because this is really the first time that I've been outward about my faith in Jesus and what He means to me. (For this record) I definitely knew I wanted tell that story in some way, and about the wonderful things He's done for me, but I also wanted it to be in the right way, in the way that God wanted it to be. So I did a lot of praying, and I really am happy with how it turned out. And I think it's a good first step in a sense.
Any favourite tracks on the album?
Hmm, not really, but I think if I had to pick one, "Only a Man" would be the one that I would pick. My wife sings with me on that, and it's probably the most up front song (I've done) about what God has done in my life.
You co-wrote "My Love Remains" with Steven Curtis Chapman. Can you tell us a little bit about that experience?
It was awesome. I've known Steven for a few years now, and we became pretty good friends, and our writing together was a result of sort of picking up that friendship. We had written a couple songs together and "My Love Remains" was one of them, and I thought it would be a good fit on this record.
You've been a believer for almost seven years now. Can you share with us a little bit about your encounter with the Lord?
Sure. Basically, at a time in my life when I despised the things of God and wanted nothing to do with Jesus or the name of Jesus - people would try to get me to go to church from time to time or tell me about Him, but I just wanted nothing to do with it. And in the middle of all of that, He basically one night just showed up, and I was overwhelmed by His Spirit; I was just sitting there talking to my girlfriend, now my wife, and while we were talking -we weren't talking about the Lord or anything like that, but unrelated things- and His name just came out of my mouth - I said "Jesus." And when I said Jesus, I started shaking and I just felt the power of God in me, and I felt myself being delivered from every addiction that I've had. I had a lifestyle of drug use and alcohol, and I could feel myself being completely set free of all that stuff. (laughs) I had always said, "If He is who you guys say He is, He's just going to have to show up and reveal Himself to me," and that's exactly what He did. And when I was sort of done shaking or whatever, I just gave my life to Him right on the spot, and that was the beginning of it for me.
