10 Questions with ... Rachael Lampa

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

LABEL:

• Black Fuel Music/220 Entertainment

DISCOGRAPHY:

• All We Need (2011)

1) Catch us up on your musical story. How did you connect with Black Fuel Music/220 Entertainment?

I started recording and touring when I was 14 so THAT routine was I knew. When I realized that I was in this routine was the time that I started to entertain the thought of taking a small break from the whirlwind. I didn't really have a plan for it as far as how long I'd stay out of the game; I only knew that I didn't want it to feel like a game. And it felt like it was getting there. Although I didn't put out any records, I continued to write songs and explore my music as I caught my breath and began to learn who I was outside of music. Only then was I able to have enough clarity to start working on another record.

Not long after I made the decision to start writing for an actual record, I met the guys from Black Fuel through a mutual friend who said that he knew some people that were like-minded and had a new model for what a management company could be like. From that first meeting on, we continued to build our time and a record to go with it. Now we have a record coming out on September 27!

2) You got married last year. Congratulations! Can you tell us a little bit about how you met Brendan? How was the first year of marriage?

Thanks! Brendan McCarthy is an incredible man from Eugene, OR. He is also a singer/songwriter with a huge heart for the youth. He spent a lot of years serving with an organization called Young Life and he continues to serve them through music. He is inspiring and one of those people that you can't help but feel a sense of peace around. That was one thing that drew me to him at first. My life has always been 200 mph so he came along and made me feel like he was just PRESENT. The first year of marriage has been amazing. It's been really cool to learn about God's love for us through each other. We have learned about selflessness (not the easiest, wink, wink), patience and just enjoying life and each other knowing we have each other forever.

3) What's the story behind the new single "Remedy"?

"Remedy" is a simple song about a simple truth. I've found the answer to every question, the cure to the hurt, the remedy for life in Jesus. Sometimes you have to sing about it. It's something to be celebrated and reminded of. He's my Remedy!

4) Is there a message or theme developing on your upcoming album?

I am seeing that everything I have been writing about lately has had a thread of simplicity. Not necessarily in the writing style but more of subject matter. Taking a breath, catching up with myself, even getting married, really allowed me to get a good grasp on the things that matter in life.

5) Do you have inspiring, humorous or interesting stories from your days visiting radio stations?

All of the above! I've absolutely had some speechless moments and taken back by stories from people calling in saying that my song had changed or even saved their life. Those are the moments where you sit back and say, "Look at God."

I've also been to a radio station where they called me Jaci for the first 30 minutes of the interview, and I being15 and confused didn't have the heart to correct the DJ! I've also had a burping contest on the air once (sorry mom) and I vaguely remember human bowling on a skateboard in the hallway on the air at WAY-FM in Nashville. Good times!

6) Who inspires you personally, professionally and/or spiritually?

I've got a few answers for this one but I'll start with my mom. She is such a picture of strength in a woman. She has always been a driven, confident woman but also maintains a tender gentleness. She really loves well; people are drawn to her because of it. I want to love like that. She also has the energy and liveliness of a teenager, which I also admire. She just has a real taste for life.

7) Do you have a favorite song that you perform?

You know, strangely enough I still really enjoy singing "Blessed"! There were times when I never wanted to hear that song again [smile], but somehow when I perform it, I can just let go and worship. It's like a worn pair of shoes. I'm comfortable with that song and I don't have to think too hard about so I can just be free with it.

8) Upcoming tour plans? Where can we find you on the road in the coming months?

I will be on the "Outta Space Love Tour" with Group1 Crew, Shonlock and Rapture Ruckus in October and I will be appearing on the NBC TV show called "The Sing Off" later in the fall!

9) Is there one song that you wish you had written?

Besides "Happy Birthday"? [smile] I would have to say either "Bridge Over Troubled Waters" by Paul Simon or "Overjoyed" by Stevie Wonder.

10) Do you have much time to check out other artists' music? What are you listening to right now?

Yeah! I'm loving Mumford & Sons right now. Also Needtobreathe, Adele and Natasha Bedingfield.