Tanya Godsey On the Value of Community, Her New Record & What Constitutes a Good Song

Award-winning singer-songwriter, speaker and worship leader Tanya Godsey, whose artistry occupies the space somewhere between the sincerity of Sara Groves and the passion of Bethel Music's Steffany Gretzinger, releases her third independent, full-length album, Love Lines The Last Horizon, internationally Sept. 30.

Godsey has recorded two widely acclaimed, full-length albums (Telling Time (2011), Nothing Less Than Everything (2009)), taken home the AGMA (Gospel Music Association) International CCM Song of the Year award and shared her music across the country on tour. In addition to Love Lines The Last Horizon, she collaborated with Ben Shive on her self-penned 2014 Christmas Single, "In One," which was heard on KLTY (Dallas) and numerous stations across the country. Godsey was born and raised in Dallas, TX and currently resides with her husband, Jake, and two young children in Murfreesboro, TN. 

Q: Thank you so much Tanya for your time. Let's start with yourself, how did you feel called to sing and write for the Lord?

I grew up the grand daughter and the daughter of Pastors who were also missionaries in foreign fields. So while my calling is deeply personal it also feels very generational. I don't know that you can see compassion and empathy in close range, as I did growing up, and not be affected by it in some way. So while I'm not standing behind a pulpit or traveling to third world countries (yet), I do feel like my desire to bring hope, beauty and truth into the world is in a way a continuation of the same sincere desire and calling planted in generations before me.  

Q: Congratulations on the release of "Love Lines the Last Horizon." It's a very intriguing title, can you tell us what it means?

Thank you so much. The album's title is taken from a lyrical excerpt of one of the songs on the album called "The Same Sun." The beautiful thing about life is also the thing that keeps us trusting God -- it's the truth that no season is final. I think creation illustrates this reality in many ways, including the metaphor of darkness and light. Regardless of how dark the night becomes, the sun will indeed rise and shine again. Sometimes, when you've had all the conversations you can have, read all of the right books, reached out to all of the right people...it becomes apparent that it's less about doing all of the right things and more about simply abiding in God's love and His presence. Sometimes is about waiting for the light to break into the shadow lands...it's about waiting for the love of God to do what no man can do. 

Q: On the first day of the recording of the project, something happened. Can you tell us more about what happened?

I'd like to begin by describing the night before as a Christmas eve of sorts. I was making preparations to go in and record a set of songs I whole heartedly believed in with one of my dream producers, Ben Shive (Mercy Me, Rend Collective, Ellie Holcomb). Everyone in our home had a bit of a twinkle in our eye and a heart full of good expectations. We went to bed so thankful for the opportunity and my husband, who has always been a steady source of stability, couldn't have been more supportive or excited. He has always led our family with unflinching strength and stability. So as you can imagine, there was no way to prepare for the very untimely and unlikely experience of watching him have his first major bout with severe depression and anxiety in the wee hours of the morning we were to begin recording.

This exact moment began a long journey for us as we embraced the amazing opportunity to make this record while walking through this challenging and unexpected journey. Both opportunities changed us in dramatic ways and helped us to learn the value of community, the ministry of presence and the importance of leaning into our relationship with God even more in the absence of understanding, answers and quick fixes. The word we held onto during this season and beyond is in Psalm 130:6: "I wait for the Lord, more than watchmen wait for the morning." This season has taught us so much about abiding in Him.

Q: Tell us more about your lead single "We Are Your Song." What does this song mean to you?

I wrote "We Are Your Song" after an extended period of musical silence. I think over time it's easy to let the noise of the world ring louder than the still and small quiet voice of Scripture and of the Spirit's voice in our lives. The writing of this song was a breakthrough moment in a time when I was able to attune my heart to that still small voice again, and the song wrote itself really quickly as a natural extension of this reawakening.

Q: The proceeds of the single goes to help International Justice Mission, tell us a little more about this ministry and why it's important for you?

I led worship at an If:Gathering last Spring where IJM was featured. It was the first time I was able to really hear the heart behind their mission and the real-life stories of impact. I wanted to donate the proceeds from "We Are Your Song" to further the social justice work they are doing around the world because I believe they are bravely doing the hard work consistent with the Gospel. I've always believed God's heart beats for the disenfranchised, the captive, the broken hearted and scripture supports that without question. I'm hoping lots of people will stream the song and then purchase "We Are Your Song" to benefit the worthy work of IJM. I'm hoping to spread further awareness of what this organization does to encourage others to support their mission in any way they can.

Q: As a songwriter what constitutes a good song for you?

I think a good song has emotional honesty and makes me feel something...whether that's joy or sorrow or any number of feelings on the emotional spectrum.  Good songs go beyond having great songwriting structure, they actually have the power to move me.

Q: For our readers who would like to find out more about you or your music, where can they go?

You can find me at www.tanyagodsey.com and connect with me on the social media site of your choice there.

 

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