STEPHANIE STAPLES - Journey Home
Stephanie Staples is an indie artist worth checking out. Her latest CD is entitled ‘Journey Home.’ We recently had the privilege of interviewing Stephanie and learning more about her and her music:
How would you describe your sound to someone who’s not familiar with it?
Reflective/soul-searching.
Do you come from a musical family?
Not really, but my family has always had a great appreciation for music.
What musical interests present or past have shaped your sound or music? - past or present?
When I was little my parents listened to a lot of the “pioneers” of Christian music: Keith Green, Annie Herring and 2nd Chapter of Acts, Dallas Holm. . . Their music had a huge impact on me because it was so full of the Spirit and message of Christ. It’s probably because of those influences that I’ve determined never to write a song(s) full of questions without providing the Answer.
Your latest CD is entitled ‘Journey Home’ - why that title?
I chose “Journey Home” as the title track because I felt it encompassed the whole message of the album. Each song on the CD is about restoration/finding intimacy with our Father.
Are there any particular songs on your latest CD that you’d like to talk about?
All of the songs on the album have a special meaning to me. “Journey Home” was written for a friend of mine who was struggling with her faith, desiring to come back to the Lord but not sure if she had the strength to do so, “As I Anoint You” emphasizes that Christ died for all of us–that it was our sin, not someone else’s that caused Him to suffer such pain, “Humble Heart” is a song of renewal, a simple heart cry of wanting to be closer to Jesus. . . it’s hard to pick just one.
Where do you find inspiration?
I usually find my inspiration in solitude; out in nature, on a walk or a run, just spending time with my Creator. It’s during those times that the creativity begins to flow.
What do you love most about music in general?
Music has always been a way for people to communicate and express themselves. For me, music is a way to reach the “heavens” –and for heaven to reach me. Sometimes I can’t express myself in prayer so I sit down at the piano or pull out my guitar and start writing a new song. And those songs become my prayers. My best and most intimate times with God are usually those sweet moments/hours of communion through song. He uses music to remind me of my true purpose.
What would you hope that someone would take away after listening to your album?
I would hope that they would be drawn into a deeper connection with Christ; that they would realize/be reminded that there’s a God who loves them, who is interested in every detail of their lives, and who longs to be close with them.
Do you have any personal stories from the road/concerts where a listener has been affected by one of your songs that you could share?
“Face to Face” (the title track of my 2nd album) is a song I wrote for a friend of mine who lost her 13-year-old daughter to cancer. Whenever I play that in concert, people come up to me afterwards and tell me their own stories of loss. What I love about “Face to Face” is that it emphasizes that we can know Jesus now. We don’t have to wait until eternity to begin seeing Him.
Have you had a mentor - someone who has encouraged you and supported you along the way?
Both of my parents have been incredible mentors for me. They are so close with the Lord and have experienced His faithfulness so many times and through so many trials. I’ve been blessed to have had them and several other godly men and women provide encouragement and wise counsel over the years.
What are you thankful for these days?
Lately, I’ve just been thankful for the unconditional and faithful love the Father has for me.
What’s God teaching you these days?
To continue looking to Him and to keep trusting Him with every detail of my life; to not worry about what I can/cannot see - but to focus on Him and trust that His ways are perfect. Even when I’m not aware that He is moving, I can rest in the knowledge that He is always working things out for my good and for His purpose.
When you sit and ponder God, what amazes you most about Him?
That He is not limited by our limitations. That He is patient. That He knows exactly what needs to happen in a person’s life in order for them to find their rest in Him.
Thanks Stephanie!
Here are some links to hear song samples and to get in touch with Stephanie:
Tags: interview, stephanie staples
