Exclusive Rachael Lampa Interview

March 2005

Popular Christian singer, Rachael Lampa, has been in the music industry since she was 14. Now an adult, her latest album is called simply "Rachael Lampa". In March 2005 she very kindly granted word-on-the-web an email interview from the US, where she wrote about growing up as a Christian in the public eye and ideas for future music. We hope you enjoy reading her answers...

You have spent most of your teenage years as a public Christian. Now you are officially an adult, and have started co-writing your own songs. How would you say your outlook on faith has changed since you started in the music industry? What has remained the same?

I would say that my outlook on faith has changed immensely over the past few years. If anything, it's all just become more real and tangible than ever. I always knew God, but there was always a sort of distance that I never knew was there until now. I find God everywhere and not just when times are rough or only when I am in church. I see Him everywhere and sense His hands in everything. What remains is the simple person that I always have been before Him. I've always tried to come to Him as a child who needs her Father and I don't ever want to lose that and start to think that I've had enough of Him.

If you could go back in time and give your 14-year-old self some advice, what would it be?

First of all, that is one of the coolest questions I've ever been asked! I would probably sit me down and tell myself that I had nothing to lose if I would only let my "image" actually be the real me. Not what anyone was telling me to be, but just to be as 14 as you can possibly be while loving God and striving to follow Him and serve Him.

Your latest album is called "Rachael Lampa". Is there a theme running through it? How is this different from your other albums? Did you call it after yourself because it is more personal than the other albums?

Yes, this really is the first time that I've actually allowed myself to put it all out on the table. If I were to choose a theme for the record, it would be something about the journey of surrender that begins with a real and honest heart that is willing and wanting to grow.

word-on-the-web sends free daily Bible studies to more than 6,500 subscribers all round the world. What part does the Bible play, both in your music ministry and in your personal life?

It is a major priority for my everyday life aside from spending time with God. It has become so much more than a book of beautiful stories and lessons and good advice. It's actually become a power in me. It's so cool, I actually feel like my spirit is lifting weights when I read the Bible; it is so strengthening.

What would you say is different about audiences in the US and the UK, and in other parts of the world?

I think that although at times there is a bit of a language barrier and difference in culture, I've found that we are all just children in need of God. We are all dealing with different issues in our personal lives, but on a general level we are all in this together and we all just want to hear good music!

Any ideas about what you would like to do on your next album?

I would like to play off of the old-school funk aspect. Maybe a little more Joss Stone meets Maroon 5. It's a little way off, but that's what I am going for I think.

Is there anywhere our subscribers can see you perform in the next few months?

Most of my tour dates are in the "tour dates" section on my website (which is www.rachaellampa.com). We try to keep it as updated as possible.

Rachael, thank you very much for taking the time to answer our questions!