Julianna Zobrist Talks About Her New Album "Shatterproof" and Her Marriage to Chicago Cubs' Ben Zobrist

Recognized pop music artist Julianna Zobrist is gearing up for the release of her highly anticipated full-length album, Shatterproof. Zobrist's debut project will be available online and in stores nationwide July 1, 2016. In anticipation of the full-length recording, Zobrist launched a pre-order on May 6th via iTunes, just in time for Mother's Day. The Shatterproof pre-release offers fans three sneak-peek tracks for select singles "Shatterproof", "Alive", and "The Dawn" with more instant-grat tracks becoming available in the build up to the release on July 1^st. Zobrist's first AC radio single "The Dawn" peaked in the top 30 on the Christian AC Indicator chart. 

Q: Thank you Julianna for doing this interview with us. Tell us a little bit about yourself and your call to sing for our Lord.  

Thank you for having me! I've been married for 10 years to my husband, Ben, and we have three children, Zion (age 7), Kruse (age 4) and Blaise (6 months). I've been singing ever since I can remember. I grew up trained in classical voice and piano, and as the fourth of six children, I would often find myself in the back yard writing poetry. Over time my poetry became songwriting, and I went to Belmont University in Nashville, Tennessee to study music. I worked in the music industry before releasing any music myself. When Ben and I got married, he gave me my first small recording set-up and keyboard. I'm so thankful to continue to be able to do something I love while also being a mom and wife. 

Q: How would you describe your style of music? 

My music is both fun and thought-provoking. It's the type of music you want to listen to while working out or cleaning the house. Each song I write is a story from my past or a lesson I am presently learning, so my hope is that as a listener, people will walk away with some truth to chew on, wrapped up in a joyful and energetic package.  

Q: Congratulations on the release of your new album and single "Shatterproof." I love the title cut "Shatterproof." What does this song mean to you? 

Thank you! Becoming "Shatterproof" has been a concept I have been learning over the past few years. Shatterproof is exposing the spiritual game women play with each other when it comes to comparison. We elevate certain preferences and opinions to be gospel-truth when they are not. When our identity rests in the approval of other women, we will be blown and tossed by the wind. A shatterproof woman finds her security, her identity and her authority in the person and work of Jesus Christ.  

Q: Tell us more about your new album. Did you write any of the songs on the record? Who did you work with for this record? 

I wrote every song on this record. Most of the songs began as poetry or a song concept I had written at the piano. I then took those ideas to my songwriting friends. The evolution of a song from a concept to poetry to lyric to recorded music is a long one. I am humbled and grateful for the brilliant minds I get to work with through those various stages. 

Q: Looking at the song titles of your new album already makes me look forward to hearing them. Your song titles are so intriguing. What are "Jester" and "Cosmic Sanctuary" about? 

"Cosmic Sanctuary" is about awaiting heaven. I have tried to find satisfaction in the goodness of my heart. I have tried to find satisfaction in the behavior of my well-mannered children. I have tried to find satisfaction in the ever-loving, ever-encouraging arms of my husband. I have tried to find satisfaction in best friends or a new pair of heels. The more I try to find satisfaction in anything or anyone other than Christ, the more I come up short. Only the Redeemer of my soul can give me the rest and satisfaction my heart aches for. I long for heaven, a cosmic sanctuary of joy, fullness, love and the sweet face of my Savior.  

"Jester" is about allowing our brokenness to let Jesus take center stage. In today's world, transparency is dangerous if you're seeking approval from the masses. Many people become uncomfortable when they find themselves with someone (especially a woman) who is transparent, vulnerable and aware of her brokenness. It is much more attractive and comfortable to be seen as a spiritual giant-the leader, the "I have it all together" person, but sooner or later, personality always falters. Sooner or later, we come to the end of our pretty pretend. I then realize I'm just like everyone else-a fool, a jester in desperate need of the One who not only exposes the real me but opens my eyes and lovingly makes me His. Instead of hiding or trying to become something I cannot, I sing of our weaknesses. I let my transparency and vulnerability and brokenness put Him center stage.  

Q: Besides singing, you also speak at churches and conferences. What do you feel are some issues the church needs to listen today? 

I think the issue of spiritual bullying is huge. Bullying is a buzzword in today's culture, and it often rears its ugly head among women in the church. We nitpick each other; we condemn one another for having different opinions on vaccinations and homeschooling and organic foods. We as women have become obsessed with this spiritual hierarchy we have created: Who is the most godly woman? Who will be the mentor? Who is the best mother? Who has it all together? It has become much easier to use shame, guilt and passive-aggressive antics to try and get one another to adhere to our preferences, rather than just encouraging and building one another up. 

Q: Being married to the Chicago Cubs' Ben Zobrist, how often do you attend his games? What would you say are some biblical truths that you have incorporated into your own marriage? 

We go to virtually every home game. We (myself and our kids) love going to watch him. It's a way the kids can feel like they're with Dad, supporting him. Ben and I created a six-day rule, where we are not apart for longer than six days. This is our springboard in making calendar decisions, traveling decisions and touring decisions. So the kids and I frequently pack our bags, get on our own flight and meet the team in the cities he's playing in. We keep the family together! 

Ben and I have incorporated Romans 5:8 in our marriage, "but God demonstrates his love for us in that while we were still sinners, Christ died for us." God's motivation for sending His Son was love. His motivation for loving us still, is love. We do not deserve it, but deserving love is not the point. His love just IS. And when we abide in that love, knowing it's a gift and that it was not deserved, we are able to extend that same love toward others. In our home we say "Grace upon Grace." 

 

Tags : Julianna Zobrist ben zobrist Julianna Zobrist shatterproof julianna zobrist interview Julianna Zobrist news Julianna Zobrist new album