10 Questions with ... Jaime Jamgochian

NAME:Jaime Jamgochian TITLE:Musician WEB:www.jaimejam.com

Label:
Centricity Records

Discography:
Above the Noise (2008)
Reason to Live (2005)

1) Can you pick one highlight from 2007? Or maybe two?

What a year it has been! I think the highlights for me include meeting so many teen girls and seeing their lives get set free from things like eating disorders, low self esteem, etc. The other neat thing that happened is that my single, "Hear My Worship," went #1 on the radio charts. That was kind of fun.

2) Do you have any interesting or funny stories from your visits with radio folks in the past year or so?

I guess some of the funny times at radio for me are when people call in and try to pronounce my last name. It's amazing to hear what people really think my name sounds like. Having them spell it is even better.

3) What's the story behind the single "Sing of Our God"?

We all have times in our lives when we do not "feel" like worshipping God or singing to him. I have been learning so much lately that worship is not about music or songs. "Sing of Our God" was co-written with Jeff Thomas. I got that melody for the chorus in my head and could not get it out, so we wrote it from there. It's supposed to be a challenge to my heart and others to sing of and tell of God's wonders even when we do not "feel" it.

4) Do you have a favorite song to perform live?

My favorite song to perform live is off my new album. It's a song Nichole Nordeman wrote called "Heal the Wounds." It's a piano/vocal ballad and I feel like she wrote it straight from my heart. It has been really cool to see so many people connect with the message of this song.

5) Which do you enjoy more the process or the performance?

For sure the performance or the "live" worship times! I just love teaching new worship songs to crowds and sharing stories about what God was teaching me as I wrote a song. The studio still freaks me out a bit! [Smile]

6) What is the message you hope to convey through "Above the Noise"?

I find that the older I get, the busier I feel with life. There are so many things constantly calling for our attention. I pray that this album helps people to stay focused on lifting Jesus up above the noise in our daily lives. It's in him that we find real life.

7) Do you have a mentor in songwriting? Is there anyone you especially look up to?

When I became a Christian at 21, I interned at a great church called The City Church in Seattle. I would consider Pastor Steve to be the one who really mentored me in what leading worship is all about and writing worship songs. He was the worship pastor of the church at that time.

8) What's your favorite song on the new record?

My favorite song is "The Life I Live," which is the last track on the CD. For some reason I am drawn to the piano/vocal ballads. I wrote this song with a wonderful songwriter and producer Gary Sadler. The words are really the cry of my heart!

9) As you're in the studio working on this new album, was there a moment where you thought, "Wow, now we have a record"?

I think when I was recording the song "The Life I Live." I realized that even if people did not respond to this new album (which I really hope they do), I sensed the "smile" of God in that moment. That we had done all we knew to do with God's help and grace, and that hopefully this album is a sweet offering unto him.

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

Yes, I am a huge Christian music fan! Right now I am listening to my artist friend Jenn Weber's new CD, which is great! I am also really enjoying Brooke Frasier and the new stuff from Hillsong.

1) Who would be a dream artist to record with and why?

Darlene Zschech from Hillsong Church. I really look up to her!

2) Favorite city to visit:

Seattle. I have some great friends there!

3) Favorite book that you've read recently:

"Jesus Calling" by Sarah Young