Feature Articles

Tracey Lawrence

C> Obviously you've had a substantial career in Country music up to this point. What was the reason for going into making an inspirational CD after all these years? What factors went in to making that decision?

T> You know, I've had it on my mind for a long time to do this - and I really just felt like this was the right time in my personal life. My children, my family, and I have been a lot more active in our home church over the last couple years than I have been in a really long time. It just felt like it was the right time to do something like this. My parents have been wanting me to do an album like this for a very long time - so that was a big factor as well. I just really wanted to do it and make a different kind of record than people are used to hearing from me. You know, I didn't really grow up being passionate about Gospel music - I was always a huge fan of Country. I felt like there was a way that I could do it that would be very powerful and sing songs that had a great message that could impact people at the same time. I think I achieved that. It was really something I put my heart and soul into. It was a very healthy experience for me. I really enjoyed making this record. It was kind of purging - it allowed me to get into myself a little bit. Just going through the whole song selection process was very healthy for me too.

C> That's very cool. Growing up, I was always that anti-Country music guy. I didn't want to have anything to do with it. However, over the last couple of years I have really grown to love the music and the songwriting in the genre. Over the last few years, there has definitely been an influx in what is called "inspirational Country music" - songs that have a very vague Christian message to them. They are great songs that mean a lot to people - but that aren't what most people would call deep - theologically speaking. Sort of - "feel good country" so to speak. One thing I noticed while listening to this new album The Rock was how much stronger these songs were in that arena. There are still a few that are aimed at the Country market - but for the most part these are very solid, Gospel songs. Was that an intentional move on your part?

T> Yeah, you know I don't want to come across as a hypocrite. I'm not going to be beating anyone over the head with scripture. I'm not going to be preaching to people in my concerts. I had to be sure and make something that didn't represent something that I'm not trying to be. So, I really just wanted to cut stuff that I was passionate about, stuff that I believed in. I wanted songs that reflected that I do believe in and follow God. If I'm totally honest - I can't say that I read my Bible everyday - but I do want to cut music that maybe strikes a chord with people who are like me. I want to make music that moves people's souls and makes them have a brighter day. That's what I tried to do.

C> Also, this record is special to you, not just because these songs reflect your worldview, but also because you road band got to play on this record.

T> Yeah, man, it was a really good decision. You know, I was a little apprehensive at first about using road guys to play on this record. I've been using A-level studio musicians for years on all my records. But, I was pleasantly surprised with just how well these guys played in the studio. I feel like listening to this record that people won't really be able to tell that this wasn't done by guys who play in the studio all the time. It doesn't feel like it's missing anything. They cut to that level. The dynamics are all there. I feel like Julian and I did a great job of making sure all the dynamics and levels were right for each song with the producing and arranging on this record. They played really well. Their energy level was really good. And they're going to play again - I'm going to use them on my next record as well. This is going to be something that I will continue to do.

C> Awesome. What I really noticed the band jammin' on on the record was "Jesus Come Talk to Your Children". That's a really cool song.

T> Yeah, that's a cool song, and they really tore it up on it too. I'm really blessed to have really high caliber players who travel with me. They are guys that are very passionate about what they do. They are also very capable of becoming that A-level studio musician too. They are all just really good players.

C> So let's talk about some of the songs on this record. Are there any that really strike a chord with you. Any that really touch you more than others?

T> You know, the one that really touches me the most - and it probably won't be singled to Gospel or Inspirational Country radio because it's a little more on the dark side - is "I'm Done." You know, that song in particular has really touched me because I've been at that place recently in my own life where you just say "you know what - it's time for me to make some serious changes in my life. I'm not happy with this path of life and I'm going to make these changes and say no to these things that are bad for me." It was a song that just really it me hard. I do think it could be a huge Country record through. It just strikes a chord with people.

C> That's actually what I was thinking when I was listening to the record. Of all the songs on the record - this one just grabs the heart and has a real vulnerability about it. I think Country radio would eat it up. The lyric in it is just really good.

T> It's powerful isn't it?

C> It is. A very good song. So, what role did Julian King play in this record?

T> Well, Julian and I have worked together for a number of years. Julian's been my engineer for a long time on a lot of different projects. Julian and I have a good balance. He's got a really good ear. If I run into a brick wall, structure wise or on a chart, he's always there to fill the void. He's a brilliant producer - been working in the studio a long time. He's just a great person to be with. He's very intelligent - being one of the best engineers in town really helps. He brings a whole lot to the table.

C> Why is it that you think that Country music fans have been so open to the inspirational sounds as opposed to fans of other genres of music?

T> You know, I think the majority of Country music fans are people that wake up everyday, work hard, go to church on Sundays and live the same kind of lives that we Country artists do. That's the biggest majority of people who are Country fans. They're struggling with making touch decisions in life and struggling with their own demons - just like us. They're just normal people trying to get through life. I think our music reflects that. It's always been a part of Country music. There's always been a Gospel thread throughout Country music. It goes all the way back. All the way back to George Jones and Haggard. It's just been a very relevant part of this industry. It seems like it's come back here in the last couple years. A lot of artists are starting to embrace it - I know I was running from it as fast as I could. I think a lot of people are coming back around to it. With where country is, and how bad the economy is - I think in hard time people fall back on their faith. People have to find their strength somewhere.

C> So, you think this is something your fans are going to latch on to?

I think so. You know, for me, I've never done a song search where I looked so hard for material like I did for this record. I was very surprised at the quality of music that I found when I sent out a pitch sheet looking for "gospel" or "inspirational" material. I was really blown away by the caliber of songs that were powerful and had a good message that was sent my way. So, I think it's opened my eyes that this is definitely something that will always be a part of my repertoire. I believe that in all future recordings from me, there will always be this thread of songs that are like the ones found on this record. I think it can be mixed in with the honky tonky stuff and the family oriented stuff really well. This is definitely something that will be a part of what I do from here on out. Saying that - introducing my fan base and Country music fans to this side of me will in turn help my fan base grow.

C> That's cool. Have you played any shows with this kind of music yet?

T> Yeah, I have. And you know, even in the bar situations - just this past November - I played "I'm Done," the current single "Up to Him," and "The Book You've Never Read" all back to back. Just one right after the other - and I got an incredible standing ovation after those songs were finished. That has been the response every time I've performed these songs in concert. Whether it's been a theater, a night club, wherever - the message is that powerful. People are just responding to it. The message is what people are wanting to hear. It's really difficult - after all these years that I've been playing - to introduce new material to an audience and get that kind of response. It takes a while for people to digest it - but they are getting these songs right away. It just tells me that these are the kinds of songs that people are needing to hear right now.

C> That's true now more than ever. Well, it was great talking with you and hearing your heart!

Tracy Lawrence just released his new, Inspirational Country music recording The Rock. For information - visit his website or take a look at his MySpace!