The Talley Trio has been going for a long time. What kinds of things are you still learning while on the road?
Debra- We are continually learning about all aspects of our business and ministry. Technology's advances are leading us into different directions with our ministry and economic changes are forcing change for many groups. The concerns and struggles of our audience help us to focus our approach to choosing songs that speak to many aspects of life in an effort to encourage our listeners. In the last year or so, I have come to view our audience differently. They aren't just people that come out to a concert, but each one is a life story that God is working in. The question is how can we make a difference in their lives in the time we will share with them?
You guys enlisted the help of your fans to help with some of the decisions that were made for your last release, Life Goes On. What encouraged you to seek out their help this time around?
Lauren- Our fans have always been very important to us- after all, that's who buys and enjoys the music. Our record company, Crossroads Music, encouraged us to involve them more directly in the recording process through our TalleyTree-O.com website. We also wanted to provide them with a behind-the-scenes look at what making an album is really like. We asked for their opinions on everything from song arrangements to cover photos and graphics. They really seemed to enjoy it and we learned so much from their input that we're now involving them in a new Talley Trio recording through the TalleyTree-O.com website as well.
What kinds of things did you learn from that process?
Lauren- One of the biggest lessons for us was that fans don't necessarily view a recording the way the artist does! They had some different perspectives on things that we hadn't considered, like, "Why don't you guys smile in all your pictures?" or "The key change in the second verse is awkward." We loved how honest they were and it helped us tremendously. We feel like we came away with a better understanding of what people want from a gospel album, why they enjoy particular songs and why they purchase the music they do. Not only did we want to give people an album of music they helped create, but we wanted to know what lyrics specifically spoke to them the most so we could record songs that ministered to them most effectively. We are all about people and ministering to them where they are in their lives right now.
Tell us about your new single, "My Hope Is In The Lord."
Roger: I first heard this song at a talent showcase in Panama City, FL. I thought it was a great song but I was just sure that someone had already recorded it. I got a cd from the singer, and he told me that his friend named Travis Oaks, a firefighter from Pensacola wrote the song. I took it to both Lauren and Debra, and neither of them thought that the song fit their voice. I never sing a slow, serious ballad, but I believed in this song so much that I decided to record it. Once we began singing the song onstage, I knew that my original assessment was right-people love the song and are ministered to by the lyrics. I'm glad that in uncertain times, we hope hope in the Lord.
Is Lauren planning a new solo recording anytime soon?
Lauren- Yes- finally! I am undertaking the biggest project of my career up to this point and I'm more excited about this than anything I've ever done. The Lord has placed a vision in my heart that I believe is going to minister to a lot of people. I have almost finished writing my first book. It is a compilation of my own personal Bible studies and journal entries chronicling what God has taught me over the last year. I share a lot of personal experiences in this book and I believe God has some great things in store for this project. I go into the studio this month to begin work on a solo recording to go along with the book. I'm producing the album myself, overseeing the book's publishing, building a new website..... and I need a vacation. 
I am planning for all of this to be released in September if everything goes as planned!
Roger, as an artist and producer, you get to see all sides of this industry. Which side do you prefer and why?
Roger: I enjoy traveling, and that's a good thing, since I've been on the road for about 30 years now. I would get bored in a hurry working the same 9 to 5 job every day. I love riding the bus, and being in church services and concerts. I probably like playing piano and accompanying singers more than I like standing and singing, and especially talking on stage. That is something that I have tried to become better at, but it doesn't come natural to me.
I enjoy the recording studio for the same reasons. I get to create music and help other people deliver their best performance without having the pressure of an audience watching. Sometimes when the creative juices are flowing and I'm working with an artist who is really "getting it", its easy to lose track of time, and realize you've been working for hours.
I usually don't get too involved in the 'business" of the industry. I am on the board of Abraham Productions and I enjoy the challenges of promoting Singing In The Sun and Gatlinburg Gathering. With all my jobs in The Talley Trio, thats about all the time I have to devote to the industry.
What are the next steps for the Talley Trio?
Roger: We are currently working on a project of "classic" songs such as Amazing Grace, How Big Is God, He's Alive, and other songs that are favorites. We'll be releasing this CD in the fall. Also coming out is a songbook of all our best songs, with arrangements written exactly as we sing them. We're excited about several trips including a New England Cruise in Oct and a Bahamas Cruise with all the Abraham Productions board groups in March 2010. Our next big event is the Gatlinburg Gathering, Sep 4-6. This is one of the highlights of our year. Information and tickets are available at 1 888 238 6858 or http://www.abrahamproductions.net
What are some things that God has been teaching you lately?
Debra- As I said in the earlier question, I am learning more about myself these days. I think we need to examine ourselves in order to relate to the people we sing to. We all have similar struggles and standing on a stage or platform doesn't make me immune to those things. It makes me more aware of and empathetic to the needs of our audience. I also have been learning to look for God moments that happen every day. It's quite eye opening!
Visit The Talley Trio at http://www.talleytrio.com
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 06/16/2009
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 2
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Thanks for a great interview. Lauren, looking forward to the book & CD. Also, looking forward to hymns CD.
God is good all the time & all the time God is good.
Elaine Harcourt
The Talley Trio is nothing but a class act. Soouthern Gospel has a deep history as it relates to being a family affair so to speak. My grandfather left home at 15, almost 80 years ago, to sing Southern Gospel. (Buford Abner, the Original Swanee River Boy). So it thrills my heart to see families singing and doing it with such quality and full of the spirit!
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