Feature Articles

Lauren Talley

It's been five long years since we've heard from the solo side of you. Why such a long wait between solo albums?

I didn't feel I should do another recording until I had something very specific to say and was truly inspired. I felt that my first three solo albums reflected my searching for my identity as an artist, as far as musical style and song choices, and I'm ok with that. But I knew I needed to grow more spiritually and personally before I did another solo recording, and I think this project has a much deeper and stronger focus, both musically and lyrically, as a result.

You explained on your website months before the release of Songs In the Night that this release was going to be special and that you have definite message to share. What was that message, and what inspired you to be so focused in your message?

Well, two years ago, God allowed me to come to the lowest point of my life. I found myself hurt, angry, lonely, discouraged, frustrated and broken. I guess it was more than my body could take, and I learned that I had mononucleosis for the third time. (I've struggled with chronic fatigue and severe body pain off and on since I was 14.) So for 3 months, I couldn't really do much except lie in bed- daily functions and routines were very difficult. I really needed some answers, so I did the only thing I knew to do- I just dove into my Bible. During those months God changed my whole life. I learned how to respond to painful events in life, how I could move forward and go on through the power of Christ at work in me and how my experience could help others. I wrote in a journal everything I was learning from Scripture, which God later led me to turn into my first book, and I decided to do this album to go along with it. "Songs In The Night" not only documents my spiritual journey, but it's especially for people who are where I was- people who are hurting and need some comfort and inspiration to live the life God has for them.

Several of the songs on this record were inspired by your actual thoughts and dreams. What were those songs and who were the writers who helped you develop those thoughts into songs?

I've always wanted to write a song but I'm a little scared to try it- I'm worried it'll be terrible The title song, "Songs In The Night," comes from my study of Psalm 77, which is the first study in the book. I emailed the essay to Jim Brady and asked him if he could take my writing and make a song out of it, and I think he did a great job.

The other songs on the album were the songs that meant a lot to me during my three months spent in bed and the songs with which I identified. When I heard "Just As I Am" and "All You Need When You Need It," I knew they described me perfectly. I used to lie in bed at night and sing "He Will Carry You" to myself when I couldn't sleep. "The Extra Mile" and "The Wildest Places" were fun songs that made me smile and helped me remember that eventually I'd look back and smile on those times that were hard, and that my pain would be used to help other people. I wanted each song to speak specifically to people who are hurting and remind them that their troubles are just the beginnings of the victories God wants to accomplish in their lives. Each song was handpicked to go along with the theme of the book.

You've always had a great knack for not only picking great original songs, but recording songs by artists in other genres. This album is no different. How hard is the song selection process for you, and was this record any different?

I think most artists will tell you that picking songs is the WORST part of doing an album! Maybe it's just us, but there is usually a moment of panic when you realize your tracking sessions are in two weeks and you only have 5 songs you like. This album was probably a little easier because I already had chosen several songs that I had found encouragement from. "My Life Is In Your Hands" and "Hallelujah Anyhow" have both been recorded by the Brooklyn Tabernacle Choir, but they fit so perfectly with the theme I just couldn't resist singing them. One day I was sitting in a restaurant in my hometown that is locally owned and plays lots of Christian music in the dining room. I heard "In Christ Alone" coming out of the speakers directly above my table and I thought, "I have GOT to sing that song!" That song is my anthem.

This time of your life marks many firsts. Songs In the Night is the first album that you've produced by yourself. Explain that process.

I'm really getting honest here- I wasn't sure I could do it. But I felt strongly that since this project was so personal for me, I should see it through all the way and it should reflect my vision for it. I also felt producing the album was something I needed to do for myself- I needed to prove to myself that I could step out and do it. But I definitely wasn't alone- Jason Webb contributed some great arranging ideas and Van Atkins, chief engineer for Crossroads Music, also is a great pair of ears to have around. Let me also say that my dad has taught me basically everything I know about music, recording and putting an album together, among other things, and I wouldn't be who I am today without that foundation, for which I'll always be grateful.

You also wrote your first book - also called Songs In the Night. Tell us about that.

When all this started, I didn't even intend to write a book. I just wrote down the things God was teaching me in a notebook, because I was afraid I'd forget them if I didn't! One day I was reading the notebook and God said, "There's the book you've always wanted to write." I started organizing my studies into something that would make sense to everyone else, and over the next year the "Songs In The Night" book began to take shape. The book has ten chapters, which include short Bible studies and personal stories from my own experience. It begins with a study called Psalm 77: When Life Hurts and continues on sequentially to talk about how we should respond to painful events and with God's help, how we can go on and live a victorious Christian life. I walk the reader through the study of God's Word using examples from my own life- I want people to know that the Bible applies to real, everyday life and God has something to say about each person's situation.

How does your website tie everything together? What has the response been like so far?

One day while I was sick, I asked God why it had to be so hard just to function every day. He gently said, "How do you think you're going to minister to anyone if you haven't been where they are?" Ouch.

I learned quickly that I had to let people truly see into my heart if I was going to reach them. That's hard for me to do- I'm not the kind of person that wears her feelings on her sleeve. But God's been helping me with that and I LOVE talking to people on my website, http://www.laurentalleyonline.com. That's the place where we all can talk about what's happening in life and how we can live it better. I post a blog, fun videos, new songs- there's always something new. I'm leading an online, interactive study group of the "Songs In The Night" book via the website right now. It's a private, members-only study, but if anyone's interested in joining a future study group, they can find information about it on the home page of http://www.laurentalleyonline.com. Just look for the "Songs In The Night Power Study." And of course, you can find the album, the book, the e-book, audiobook and downloads there too.

How have family, friends and fans reacted to the album and book?

My family and friends have been so encouraging and I'm so blessed to be surrounded by people who genuinely love me and are excited about this new season of my life. Let me also squelch any potential speculation that the Talley Trio might be coming to an end- I'm still very much a part of the family group and we're still going strong. This endeavor is in addition to what I do with the group. As far as friends and fans go, I'm having a hard time keeping the CDs and books in stock! That's exciting for me, but what's even greater is hearing how the whole project is ministering to people. I've already heard so many stories about how people are being encouraged and are changing their lives with God's help. One lady even told me she got a promotion at work! Knowing that this message is touching people makes it all worthwhile.

What has God been teaching you lately, and how are you conveying that in your live concerts?

Oh He teaches me every day. I definitely don't have it all figured out. I'm still learning like everyone else, but on stage I tell people that I know what it's like to feel alone. I spent days hurting and feeling like I couldn't go on. But I also know what it's like to look back on the worst trial of your life and smile, because God's turned it into a blessing far beyond what you could imagine. The key is whether or not we're willing to listen to what He has to say about our lives. We have a choice: we can stay the way we are, or we can let Him change us. It's not easy, but I can happily say it's worth it. I'm going to talk to the readers here for a second:

If you're broken, know that God has a good purpose for you. You don't have to live this way forever and if you'll let Him, He'll teach you during this time and He'll bring about victories in your life that you've never dreamed of. Just wait and listen and learn, and you'll have your own story to tell. Tell me- I'd love to hear from everyone! Just drop in at http://www.laurentalleyonline.com and leave me a note!

Anything else you would like to share.

I think I've said enough...didn't mean to write another book here!

Visit Lauren online at:
http://www.laurentalleyonline.com