10 Questions with ... Jimmy Needham

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

LABEL:

• Inpop Records

DISCOGRAPHY:

• Nightlights
• Not Without Love
• Speak

1) What's been happening in life of Jimmy Needham since the release of your last record? Any highlights in life?

We've been very busy on the road. The year I released "Not Without Love," I was on the road 235 days playing shows all around the country and world. I also had the privilege of going on tour with BarlowGirl and Rush of Fools. In 2009, I spent much of the year leading worship at Fellowship of the Woodlands in Northwest Houston. We also got a big furry addition to our family. Her name is Bailey and she's a German Shepherd.

2) What's the story behind the new single "Yours to Take"?

"Yours to Take" is a song with two parts. The first is a celebration. If you partake in the gospel, you know about this. Jesus Christ has done infinitely more for us than we could ever think or imagine. He literally paid it all, giving his whole life on the cross for us. This is good news and I celebrate this in the song. The flip side of the "salvation coin" is what it demands of us. Paul writes in the book of Titus that Jesus died in order to "purchase for himself a people for his own possession" (Titus 2:14). The truth is, Jesus Christ saved us so that we would forever be his, fully committed to him and his agenda. We are no longer our own. We are, in fact, his to take.

3) What is the message you hope to convey on "Nightlights"?

I find that there is a big tension in the Christian music community. On the one hand my mission from the stage is completely about the promotion of Jesus. On the other hand, if you come to my shows, you won't find Jesus in the spotlight, you'll find me. You won't find Jesus' face being sold on paper for $3 at the merchandise booth; you'll find me, beaming out at you with my pearly whites.

My point is, there is a big element of self-promotion that happens in this business and I struggle with it. This really came to a head for me about a year and a half ago. I realized that I had lost my joy for what I did. Stepping out on stage used to be this rewarding experience where my biggest concern was whether the gospel was presented clearly to the folks there. Now it was, how many CDs did I sell tonight? How many folks came? Where is my song on the charts this week? Let me tell you, too much of that can wear a person out. I was spent. If this is what making music was all about, I wanted out.

But praise God for opening my eyes to my sin and to the truth. At about that time, I was reading a book called "The Pursuit of God" by A.W. Tozer. At the end of a chapter he had written the following prayer. It convicted me so deeply then and still does today. "Be Thou exalted over my reputation. Make me ambitious to please Thee, even if as a result I must fall into obscurity and my name be forgotten as a dream." That's the hope of this new record: That we would care so deeply and singularly about the fame of God on Earth that we would be completely indifferent to what happens to our own name in the process. When we see God for who he really is, like a bright blazing sun full of strength and wonder, we can begin to see ourselves properly, as nightlights against a blazing sun.

4) Do you have any humorous or interesting stories from recent radio visits?

This happened a little while ago. My wife wasn't traveling with my on this particular radio tour and we were at a new station one morning for the morning show. It was very early. The DJ brought me on air and asked me where my wife was. I said that she was at home, probably asleep. He then proceeded to pick up the phone and give her a call. I didn't know what was going to happen. It went to her voicemail. The DJ started into this very persuasive story about the fact that he was from the department of Homeland Security and that suspicious cargo had been found in my wife's vehicle. There was going to be a full investigation done and that potential charges could be brought upon her if this matter wasn't cleared up. I wanted to laugh but then, I knew my wife. She would hear that voicemail and believe every word of it without suspecting a thing. Sure enough, two minutes later, while I was still in studio, I get a call from her. "Jimmy, don't panic, but I think Homeland Security has found something in my car! What are we gonna do?!" I tried to roll with it, but I couldn't. The whole studio and I just busted out laughing and the jig was up. It was hilarious!

5) Which do you prefer: the process or the performance, the studio or the stage?

Each one has something unique to it that I love. The studio is where the song really takes form and there is nothing in the world quite like hearing something you created really blossom and grow up. There is such a sense of accomplishment in the studio as well.

The stage is wonderful as well, but in a different way. The thing I treasure most here is the ability to see people connect with lessons God has been teaching me in private. Some of my favorite memories ever are when I'm playing a show and I see the audience deepen in their understanding of the gospel. As a teacher of the Word through song, it is my greatest joy to watch this happen. So when everything is said and done, I suppose I prefer the stage.

6) Any upcoming tour plans? What cities might we find you playing in?

I have a very busy summer playing all over the place, but not necessarily with a particular tour. We are planning out what the fall will look like right this minute and are excited about having some potential tour info to announce in the near future. For details go to jimmyneedham.com or facebook.com/jimmyneedham.

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

I'm very much excited about the song "Moving to Zion." I wanted to start the whole record off with this song because it is the epitome of the new sound that I've tried to create on "Nightlights." It's also super fun live. It's very funky and almost has the feel of an old "spiritual." Plus it is one of those songs that I feel like I communicated exactly what I wanted to. We love to open the show with this one and just jam out for a bit.

8) As you leave the stage, what do you hope the audience takes home with them, other than a CD or t-shirt?

Every record has a different theme, which means every tour season has a different particular message I want to get across. But ultimately what I most want to see my fans take away from my concerts is a deeper treasuring of Jesus Christ. It may sound like a predictable answer but this is not the question to be artsy on. It's the question to be honest on. I care about people seeing us for who we are: broken, sinful and all the time in desperate need of a savior. I care about people seeing God for who he is: bright blazing, wonderful, powerful, holy, gracious and ready to forgive those who run to him. If these things can take place at my shows, I am deeply satisfied with not selling a single CD.

9) What is your favorite city/venue to play?

I don't know if I can name a particular favorite that has been the most fun to play in but I do know that the people of Florida have always been so warm and receptive to me. Thanks, Florida!

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

I'm kind of unusual when it comes to listening to music. Chances are, if I was listening to a handful of artists four years ago, I will be listening to the same artists today. So with that in mind, lately I've been listening to a lot of Stevie Wonder, Michael Buble, Adele, and folks like that. The newest addition to the Jimmy Needham palette has been Jon Foreman and Randy Newman. Honestly, when I'm running or on long drives I'm usually listening to sermon podcasts. I highly recommend checking out my friend Ben Stuart with Breakaway Ministries. One of the best expositors of the Word and communicators I've ever heard.