Interview: Ginny Owens
Award-winning singer-songwriter Ginny Owens released her ninth studio album, Love Be The Loudest, last year. LTTM caught up with Ginny to find out more about the story behind the music, plus her thoughts on being successful as an artist.
Tell us a little bit about this new album of yours?
Love Be The Loudest is a collection of songs calling our hearts to let God’s voice of love and truth overpower the voices of doubt, confusion, and the ones of our culture. Because I love pop music but don’t typically love the lyrics, I was inspired to create a more pop-sounding record with lyrics which I hope will encourage listeners and inspire them to think. There are collaborations with Ellie Holcomb, Mike Weaver, Meredith Andrews, and All Sons and Daughters on the project. Perhaps my favorite thing to share about this album is that a portion of each record sale will benefit incredible non-profit organizations who are serving and loving loudly. Check out lovebetheloudest.com to learn more!
Which is your favourite track on the album and why?
It’s hard to choose, but I’d probably have to say “The Fire,” a very personal song about walking through a difficult season. This time last year, I was experiencing vocal pain every time I sang, which, needless to say, isn’t so good for a singer. As I worked to heal my voice, I began having other health issues, and discovered I had a tumor which had to be removed. My voice is finally on the mend, and the tumor turned out to be benign, but I can’t forget what I experienced during the moments of waiting. All I could do was ask God to calm my anxious heart and teach me to trust Him. And He did. Looking back, I realized that as frightening as this season was, I have emerged with a deeper awareness of God’s peace and His love for me. He has shown me once again that He’s always holding me close - especially in the fire.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Well, I got to work with many of my favorites on this project! I’m a huge fan of all my collaborators!
I’d also love the chance to write with Carole King, Stevie Wonder, James Taylor, Jon Mayer, Amy Grant, and Max Martin. (I guess that’s more than one, huh?) They’re all magnificent masters of their craft.
Do you prefer playing live or working in the studio?
I love both. There’s nothing more exhilarating than getting a song to sound exactly how I want it to in the studio, except for when I get to share the story behind the song with an audience.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Thoughtful, “old soul,” pop. In elementary school, I fell in love with Amy Grant’s singer/songwriter style. In high school, I was very influenced by R&B and Gospel, and in college I fell in love with great writers like James Taylor and Carole King. I’m still crazy about soulful grooves, vulnerable lyrics, and memorable melodies that stick in my head.
How would you define success in your career?
Success to me would mean writing music that makes people smile, think, and move toward Jesus. It would also mean always demonstrating integrity - being the same me whether I’m onstage or home alone. Last, but not least, success means making enough money to pay the bills and eat.
What is your favorite album of all time?
I can barely choose which restaurant to eat at, so there’s no way I could choose just one record.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
Yikes! I’d be full of anguish, so I’d listen to “Blessings” by Laura Story.
What does the next year hold for Ginny Owens?
Lots of adventure. Concerts, another album, and hopefully finishing a new book.
