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JCH: I noticed that you taught yourself how to play drums when you were very young. Did you play drums in any bands before going solo? Do you see yourself playing them on any future albums?
TT: Yes, when I was a little girl, my parents had a band and they'd go all over Michigan and perform in churches. Every Thursday night they would practice in the front room. Drums, Keys, Bass Guitar, Electric you name it. And man, it got so loud on those summer nights with all the windows open and no air conditioning. It's a wonder the neighbors never called the cops. I was secretly in that band as I would watch from afar every Thursday night thinking that I was the drummer! [Laughs] I went on to play in my high school pep band and my youth group at church for many years. And yes, I played on my "You Have My Heart" CD. And just because you asked, maybe I'll try and put a little something on my new project that I'm currently working on now! That would be sick!
JCH: How do you generally get inspired to write songs? Do you prefer to write autobiographically or just through life's observations?
TT: I think life inspires me to write and the circumstances that surround us as believers. I tend to write a lot about hope and joy for some reason. I guess because those two gifts from the Lord are the very things that have brought my spirit back to life time and time again. Without them, we would die inside.
JCH: Do you prefer playing live or working in the studio?
TT: Definitely live. Studio work is my least favorite thing about being an artist. I always feel the pressure in the studio when I’m working on something new and I just pray that others will like it too when it's finished.
JCH: What advice would you give to struggling artists? How did you get your big break?
TT: Staying true to the calling for your life and the gifts that the Lord has given you is the biggest advice I could give. Never settle. Never be lazy. Work hard for the opportunities in front of you, big or small. Serve others. Be selfless. They will make you stronger. After 12 years in ministry, I don't know that I feel like I've ever gotten my "big break", I just feel honored to still be around at any level on any platform. Many artists get a "big break" and then they're gone after a few years. I'd rather be steady and stable while building a life-long ministry. There is true fulfillment in that for me.
JCH: At what age did you leave Grand Rapids, MI for Nashville? The tulips in Holland are beautiful. Did you ever hop over and see the Tulip Time Festival? Western Michigan is really a beautiful place and good for sledding in the backyard in winter. Do you ever get back there much?
TT: I finally made the move to Nashville in November 1999 and I absolutely love it here. I was just beginning a new project "Set You Free" with Sparrow Records/EMI at that time. Yep, I actually performed at the Tulip Festival a time or two. And, I usually get back to my home town a few times each year. [I’m] always there at Christmas with the family, though. That is a must for me.
JCH: How did you originally get involved with the Women of Faith Conference?
TT: They called me after the tragic death of my husband Trent Lenderink and asked me if I would consider coming to share my testimony and music of love and loss. I eventually said yes and that began a beautiful relationship with WOF.
JCH: Who are your influences? Who would you like to work with musically in the future?
TT: Amy Grant will always be a big influence in my life. I've been a huge fan since I was 9 years old and introduced to her music. The first Christian concert I ever attended was to see her perform. It changed my life forever, as you can see today. It would be a-dream-come-true to work with her one day or to even mow her grass!
JCH: Is it tough being a Christian artist? The public seems to have different expectations for Christian musicians and they expect perfection. That must be an extra pressure that secular artists don't face. What are your thoughts?
TT: I don't find it too hard for me. I try not to put too many expectations on myself, which can be hard as a perfectionist, and I certainly don't let people do that to me. I walk with Jesus every day and ask Him to lead me on and convict me when I'm wrong. People will always have opinions. But, I'm not living for people, I'm living for Jesus and on that journey I hope to inspire people with the truth of the Gospel through the gifts that He has given me. But yes, to whom much is given, much is required and I take this call on my life very seriously.
JCH: Are there times when you just feel like hanging it up and calling it a day? How do you get inspired to keep moving forward?
TT: Every day I feel like that but, my family and friends inspire me to keep moving forward. I've written a couple of books, "Learning to Breathe Again" and "Beyond the Sorrow", but honestly, for me the rest is still unwritten. That is what inspires me the most. What is God up to now? What's next?
JCH: What has been your funniest/oddest experience as a musician?
TT: Not sure really, cause I'm the first to laugh at myself. When things go wrong on the platform, I use it as comedic material!
JCH: What equipment do you and your band use for each aspect; vocals, guitars, bass, drums, etc.?
TT: I use a cordless Shure SM58 Mic, DW Drums and Baby Taylor Guitar.
Be sure to check out "I See Beautiful" from Tammy Trent. It is her latest CD project available in stores everywhere. Tammy is currently in the studios working on her new spring 2008 release.
To learn more about this artist, visit www.tammytrent.com
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