Editor-in-Chief Chris Unthank chats with The Talleys‘s Lauren Talley this month about their latest release, the group’s brand new music video, and what the future holds for this popular trio!
Chris Unthank: Give us a run down of what’s been happening with you guys since we last spoke?
Lauren Talley: God has been so good to us! We’ve had our share of tough times like everyone else, but the Lord has blessed and expanded our ministry over the last year. We were so honored to win a Dove Award last year (for the song “The Broken Ones”), release the most highly acclaimed album we’ve ever had, (After All This Time), and now I’m working on my fifth solo recording and we’re loving every day. Life is good.
CU: Tell us about your newest recording – After All This Time.
LT: Well first of all, thank you to AGM for honoring it as the Progressive Recording of the Year at this year’s AGM Awards Celebration! We’re so proud of this recording. It celebrates our 20 years of singing together as a family in our current form. We didn’t really intend this going in, but a theme kind of emerged as the songs came together: Everybody hurts; everybody struggles. Sometimes life is really, really hard, but God is faithful. His blood is enough to cover every sin, and His grace is enough to make it through anything.
CU: You recently debuted the music video to your hit single “The People In the Line.” Tell us about that video and the experience of recording a short-form video like that.
LT: We had no idea that video would catch on like it has! Jared Meyers, who works with us and has his own media production company, came up with the concept, produced and directed the short film. His wife and son star in the film with me, and we tell the story of a woman going about everyday routines when a phone call changes her whole world. I get to play the role of the impatient person who gets aggravated at her and gets mad at drivers on the road. That part didn’t take much acting! Ha! It’s a powerful message. The last time I checked, over 42,000 people have watched it on our Facebook page, plus folks have been watching on YouTube and our website. Pretty awesome.
CU: Why did you choose to debut the video at the AGM Awards earlier this year?
LT: The song was climbing up the charts and we wanted to debut the film while it was still fresh in people’s minds and being played a lot on radio. The AGM Awards was the first major event that took place around that time, so it seemed like a natural fit. We really appreciate AGM’s willingness to feature the film that night, and also for recognizing the work that goes into video production by all gospel artists.
CU: What has the response been like to the video and the song in particular?
LT: It never fails; during the first verse, people chuckle and nudge each other as they recognize themselves in the lyrics. Everybody can identify with getting aggravated in traffic or in long lines. As the song continues and makes the point that people all around us every day are struggling and hurting, and we’re missing opportunities to minister, I can see people start to cry or squirm in their seats as they feel convicted. I sure identify with that message.
CU: What songs seem to be resonating with the audience from the new record?
LT: It’s different on different nights- “People In The Line” always sticks with people, but the crowd really enjoys our remake of “Naaman,” and that’s fun to sing. My mom’s song, “But I Need You More” is also a favorite. “Jesus’ Blood Is Enough” is going to be one of the most powerful songs we’ve ever done.
CU: Lauren – you’ve been trying your hand at songwriting. How has that experience been for you?
LT: Totally unexpected- I was talking to Kenna West about songs for my new album, and she said, “Why don’t you come write with me and some other writers?” And I said yes like I knew what I was doing! Kenna, Sue Smith, Lee Black and Tony Wood have been so encouraging and helpful to me as I get started. I was worried that my ideas wouldn’t be any good, but I feel that the songs that came from those co-writes are going to really connect. I recorded four of those songs on my new project, and I’m very excited about them.
CU: What can we expect from The Talleys this year?
LT: I’ll be releasing a new solo recording later this year, which will feature several collaborations with some of my favorite artists, and the Talleys will be re-releasing several of our favorites from previous years that folks haven’t heard in a while, like “Broken World” and “Up Above.” I’ve also recorded a new version of “The Prayer” with Riley Harrison Clark, and that will be featured on the group’s release as well.
CU: What has God been teaching you lately?
LT: So much. I’ve always been a perfectionist; always wanted to be in control. God’s teaching me to let go and trust Him. To place all my plans in His hands and be on the lookout for what He wants to do in me. He’s teaching me to really look at other people and listen. I’m a slow learner sometimes, but He’s always loving and patient. He’s a a good Father.
For more information on The Talleys, visit them online at www.thetalleys.com.
