Interview: Alisa Turner
Louder Than The Music caught up with Alisa Turner to talk about her new self-titled album, and why she loves the adventure of being on tour.
Tell us a little bit about this new album?
This album is filled with songs that not only help tell my story but the story of many. There are songs of deep honesty about the difficulties we walk through as well as songs that lead you straight to the one who walks with you through those hard times. You will be reminded of His great love, of His great power, and His great favor upon you.
Which is your favourite track on the album and why?
Oh goodness, this is a tricky one for me. There are many things I love about each song. But the song that takes my breath away each and every time is “Psalm 13.” It allows me to have that moment of unfiltered raw honesty, ask the hard questions that don’t always come with answers. Yet, I still sing that He has been good to me, which is ever true. We can find ourselves in the grip of grief, pain, fear, anxiety and not always sense the Lord’s presence. But what I know, is that He is always with me, that He is always good to me, that no matter how bad it gets, He will redeem it.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
Oh, this is a tricky one too. So many names come to mind but one that I lean more towards is Andrew Peterson. He is a beautiful storyteller through song. He has written many songs that were my go to anthems during certain seasons of life. I would love to sit down and create something beautiful with him!
Do you prefer playing live or working in the studio?
Hands down, live, on the road, in front of people. I go a little stir crazy in the studio haha. I love the writing, collaborating and tracking process. But after a few months, my creativity and drive can kind of hit a wall. When I’m on the road, the longer I’m out there, the greater the adventure becomes. I definitely have no desire to make great music that just sits on a shelf. I want it to fall on the hearts of those who really are in need. And it's such an honor to get to carry these songs to them.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My style of music is worship driven with a mix of story amidst it all. Gosh, honestly the greatest influences come from life and living it. The highs and lows, what the Lord is teaching me, the beauty I find all around me whether in the big or small things. I’m greatly moved by what’s going on around me and that tends to inspire the music that flows on out.
How would you define success in your career?
Whatever your career is, you want to do it well. In the music industry, you hope your music connects with people, that it’s played by radio, that people buy it because that’s how everyone on your team pays to put a roof over their head. But nothing holds a candle to the value of getting an email from someone so touched by a song you wrote and sharing their story of complete devastation, to hope. The Lord uses music and song in such a stunning way. Whether they listen to the song and walk away hopeful and encouraged, or it's the chance to lead others in worship of our Great Father… well there’s just nothing better than that to me.
What has been your career highlight so far?
There have been a lot of small wins and few bigger wins but what is the highlight is getting to say I have a team. And I don’t just have any team around me, I have the best of the best. I stayed Independent for a very long time and worked as hard as I could but never seemed to really make a dent. Now, calling Integrity my label and having them work with me, it’s truly a dream come true. I say it often, it takes a village to make all of this happen. And I've got the best village there is. They’re truly an answer to prayer.
What is your favorite album of all time?
I’m going to go with Adele’s 21 album. From the writing, to the producing, to the way she carries it all, its breathtaking and brilliant!
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?
Probably a Christmas song. Especially if it’s really hot, which I’m not a fan of. :) I’ll want to think of snow falling and a chill in the air. Karen Carpenter’s “I’ll Be Home For Christmas” gets me teary eyed, warm and fuzzy every time!
What does the next year hold for Alisa Turner?
Lately it’s been a lot of travel. We are out on the road promoting the single to radio… in fact, I’m in my hotel room writing this after a day of radio visits. I'm also participating in conferences this Fall. Then, we head back into the writing and tracking process because we’ll release a full-length album next. Very excited about that! I’ve recently signed with the JRA Agency for booking. For me, there’s nothing more important than getting to bring these songs to people who need them most. To be able to spend time with them before and after a concert, hear their story and love on them. That’s why I’m doing this. So, my future holds a lot of touring I think!
