CT: How has the response been since the release of your solo album Blue on Blue?
Leigh: I've been really amazed by the response. I didn't know what to expect and I was excited. I didn't know how a lot of people would react, but I've been really pleased. The reviews have been really wonderful. I had no idea it was going to be so overwhelming and positive!
Many artists and bands like Switchfoot and Mutemath are refusing the Christian artist label, as they claim to be 'Christian by faith, but not by genre'. Is that the same for your case?
I certainly wouldn't say that. I think the phrase 'I'm Christian by faith, not by genre' makes people turn around even before they listen to the music. Everything I do is coloured by the way I feel about God. I guess in that way, it is a Christian record. On the other hand, I don't want to carry that flag around. At least in my career and my job because it gives people a different idea of what it is. When they hear it, they might find something really wonderful about it, that maybe they wouldn't listen to if you were running around screaming that you're a Christian artist.
Who impacted you in your Christian faith?
I feel like when I was growing up, my family went through a lot, and we were under a lot of stress. A lot of the times, I've seen the way my mother dealt with it, and the way she went to God for everything. Constantly, that has really made a great impact on me.
I also had a really great youth pastor in the church I used to go to. Very inspiring to watch pray, and his messages were really powerful.
What are some big lessons God has taught you throughout your music career?
There's so much! He's there no matter what happens. We're the ones that turn away- He doesn't go anywhere. He's all-knowing and all-powerful. And if we leave our hands open, He can really use you.
How would you reflect on your years with Sixpence None the Richer?
I had a wonderful time with the band. I'm still very connected with Matt, my partner. I felt very blessed to be a part of the band, and I enjoyed travelling so much and spending time together. We had such a good time! We had a wonderful 14 years together.
Who will be your new tour mates this year?
I'll tour with Jars of Clay, starting October. We've known Jars of Clay ever since we almost first started, for around 13 years.
Then, I plan on touring internationally starting from next year, hopefully in Europe.
What's your favourite song on Blue on Blue?
I would say "Just a Little". That song is about when I had to leave my son (Henry, now two-years-old) home for the first time. I had a show in Dallas, it was about 9 am in the morning, and I had to go away for one night. I'm glad he'll be able to listen to that when he gets older and know how much his mom loves him.
