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10 Questions with ... Jimmy Needham
July 2, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
LABEL:
- Inpop Records
DISCOGRAPHY:
- Clear The Stage (2012)
- Nightlights (2010)
- Not Without Love (2008)
- Speak (2006)
1) You released your new album Clear the Stage this spring. What has been the response from listeners since its release?
It's really been a humbling thing to watch because so many people have voiced their gratitude for this record lately. It seems as though it's doing what I had hoped, stirring people's affections for Jesus and enabling genuine repentance. Surprisingly, a lot of pastors and worship leaders have written me, touched by the challenges in this record to pursue sincere, undivided worship.
2) What's the story behind the new AC single "My Victory"?
The Christian has a completely revolutionary hope in the gospel of Christ. First Corinthians 1:30 says that Jesus has "become for us wisdom...righteousness, sanctification and redemption." What a truth! Our victory over sin, addiction and struggle isn't found in our hard work or efforts; it's found in a man, Jesus. As we embrace him in faith we find that he is our victory! This song is a celebration of that.
3) And the story behind the new CHR single "I Will Find You"?
This song was loosely based off a relationship that I had with a former neighbor of mine. He seemed interested as I spoke about the things of God to him, but ultimately one day he told me he didn't want what I was offering. I haven't seen him in years but am constantly encouraged that even the fastest soul can't outrun the pursuing arms of Jesus. It is God who seeks and saves the lost, and I believe that one day God will in fact save my former neighbor.
4) Do you have any humorous stories from radio visits, either in recent days or in days gone by?
There was a station I visited years ago during a promotional tour whose DJ was a bit of a prankster. It was seven in the morning and my wife was at home while I was away. I (foolishly) gave him our home number and he called Kelly but got her voicemail. Off the cuff, he proceeded to impersonate, on air, a Homeland Security agent (which is illegal, by the way) and said that the government found a suspect car in the airport parking lot belonging to her husband (me) and that the agency was going to be bringing us both in for questioning concerning what was in the trunk. Two minutes later, while I'm still in studio, Kelly calls me in a blazing panic: "Jimmy! Don't freak out, but I think Homeland Security is after us." I tried to play along for as long as I could, but I'm a terrible liar. We were laughing so hard that we were crying in the studio.
5) Is there a favorite song that you love to perform live?
I love to play the song I wrote for my daughter, "Daddy's Baby Girl." It's so much fun and the audiences always gets a kick out of it. I sometimes show slides of my daughter during the performance, which makes it a really cool moment in the show.
6) Where can we see you play this summer?
I'll be playing shows and festivals around the country until August. In August I'll be taking a month off as my wife is due with our second daughter on August 16.
7) Who inspires you personally, spiritually and/or musically?
There are too many men and women to count. God has placed so many great and godly people in my life over the years that have helped shape me in my journey with Jesus. If there is one soapbox that I like to stand on, it is the importance of discipleship. We need older people in our life who can pour wisdom into us as we pour into others.
8) Fill in the blank: I can't start the day without:
A vegetable smoothie. Gross, I know. I've come a long way, mom.
9) What song (any song from any time) do you wish you had written?
"Embracing Accusation" by Shane & Shane
10) Do you have much time to check out other artists' music? What are you listening to right now?
Believe or not, I'm listening to a lot of Country these days, particularly Brad Paisley. Man, what a songwriter! I got the new John Mayer record, too. Like I said, a lot of country. [Smile]
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