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10 Questions with ... Natalie Grant
October 26, 2015
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Discography:
- 1999 Natalie Grant
- 2001 Stronger
- 2003 Deeper Life
- 2005 Awaken
- 2005 Believe
- 2008 Relentless
- 2010 Love Revolution
- 2013 Hurricane
1. Birthplace, childhood, schools, jobs, current hometown?
I was born and raised in Seattle, WA. That's also where I went to university to study elementary education because I thought that I would possibly be a first grade teacher. Clearly I took a different path haha! But I grew up in a musical family, always loved to sing, was very involved in music in my local church. But I never knew I'd get to do it for my job! Still the coolest thing ever.
My first real job was at 16 when I got a job as a bank teller at Bank of America. I then moved into accounts payable at a car dealership and when I first moved to Nashville, I worked in accounts payable at Medicare. I'm actually one of the rare recording artists that is good with handling money. Ha!
I now reside with my husband and 3 children in Nashville, TN. But once a Seattle girl - always a Seattle girl! And I am still proud to call that my hometown.
2. What does a normal day at home look like for you?
Chaos - then somewhat controlled chaos - and then more chaos.
On a normal day at home, I first get my twins ready for school, drop them off, and then get my youngest ready for the day. My youngest then usually spends a couple of hours with her nanny while I have a few hours to myself. During this time I spend time with Jesus (I try to do this every day, but in all honesty, this sometimes slips), fit in a workout, and take a few hours to handle business for my touring schedule, non profit organization Hope for Justice, and jewelry and fashion line NG by Natalie Grant.
At that point, it's usually time to pick up the kids from school, help them hurry through their homework before needing to whisk them away to dance or piano lessons. Then I try to make dinner (which sometimes ends up being Chic-Fil-A) and then we snuggle until bedtime.
3. What's the song that you just can't get out of your head right now?
No Longer Slaves by Bethel. My whole family loves this song and we sing it at the top of our lungs. My daughters love to dance to it and I especially love to listen to it to help me with my fear of flying.
4. How much do you travel, what are the challenges? How do you juggle life on the road with wanting to be home?
It depends on the season. But between concerts and travel, it seems to average out to be about 12-14 days a month on the road. The balance is the constant struggle. Whether on the road or at home, the balance between family and work is a challenge and not something I'm sure I'll ever master. I have always viewed my career as a calling and not a job, but my first calling is as a wife and mother. I've made a commitment that the role of wife and mother will always come first, but I have also determined that raising my daughters to see their mom run after her God given calling and stand firm in the truth that God has a grace on our family to do what He has called us to do will help raise them to be world-changers that run after their own God given callings.
I also take my children on the road with me whenever I can, and about 3 years ago, I started taking a good portion of my summers completely off and that has made a big difference in our family life. Every person needs a season of rest.
5. What Artist or Pastor has had the greatest impact on you?
My childhood Jr. High pastor has had an incredible impact on my life and he and his wife are two of my and my husband's closest and dearest friends. He believed in me, loved on me, and championed me through my most awkward teenage years and I still consider him my mentor and friend.
6. What's the last book you read?
I'd love to give a brilliant answer here, but the truth is, every time I try and read ... I fall asleep. So not to over-spiritualize, but the little bit of reading time I do have I give to my bible app for my devotional time in this season of life. I know the days will eventually return that I can take the time to enjoy reading a book.
7. Funniest or most embarrassing moment on the road?
I honestly cannot believe that I'm telling this story, and I'm sure I will regret it later .... But everyone who tours knows that the #1 rule on the bus is that you can't go #2 in the toilet. Several years ago, I was having an "emergency" while we were driving down the interstate and there were no rest stops or gas stations in sight. Sooooooo ........... thank goodness for plastic trash bags. And.... that's all I have to say about that. J Unfortunately everyone in my band who was on the bus knew exactly what was happening ... it's in those moments that I am reminded just how small those buses actually are. They've still never let me live that one down. And now I'm sure some of you reading this won't either. Ha!
8. Take us through a couple songs on your latest project, BE ONE.
"Be One" is my latest single and also the title track from my newest project releasing on November 13th. It's amazing to me how timely the message of "Be One" is - and we didn't necessarily plan it that way. But, it seems like every single day the world we're living in gets crazier and it would be easy to let fear about our future set in. But now is not the time to be afraid ... now is the time to use our greatest weapon ... LOVE. I think sometimes we think there is a greater presence of darkness in the world, but I just think there is currently more of an absence of light. "Be One" is a call to action song that says instead of waiting for a miracle to come - we can take action, step up, and be the miracle for someone else.
"Good Day" is a reflection of a common thread throughout the album which is "you can't always change your circumstances - but you can always change your perspective." Although you may not always be 'happy,' you can always have joy amidst any struggle.
My favorite on the album is a song called "Clean." It is a simple and hopeful message of faith that says no matter who you are, what your story, what your shame, that there is nothing too dirty that can't be made new.
9. What organization/service group are you affiliated with?
I founded an organization in 2005 originally called Abolition International and it is now called Hope for Justice. We provide rescue and restoration to victims of human trafficking and work in 7 different countries on 3 different continents around the world.
10. Person you'd most like to have a discussion with, living or dead.....Deities are excused from this question
Billy Graham. He is such a hero to me. He's someone who has been fully committed to his calling and message, yet has maintained the utmost of integrity as a committed family man through the years.
Bonus Questions
1. Favorite Bible Verse....life verse?
A verse that has always meant a lot to me is 1 Peter 5:10 which says, "The God of all grace, after you have suffered a while, will strengthen, perfect, establish, and settle you." This verse is full of so much promise that He will always make sense and bring purpose out of every hardship.
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