Exclusive Interview with Jessa Anderson

Singer-songerwriter Jessa Anderson is back with her much anticipated new album "Whole."  "Whole" follows on the heels of Anderson's highly successful "Not Myself Anymore" which features two Contemporary Christian radio hits singles "Not What I Thought" and "Fireflies."  Recently we have featured a review of "Whole" (see our review section). Now we so honored to be able to catch up with Jessa as she shares with us some of her thoughts on this new record for this Hallels' exclusive interview:

Hallels:  Jessa, thank you so much for doing this interview. Congratulations on your brand new record "Whole."  One of the songs on the record is "Story of Grace."  What is your own story of grace?  

How did you come to know and love Jesus as Lord and Savior?  Thanks so much! I was fortunate to have parents who are saved by the grace of God and raised me in a home where Jesus was the focus. I came to Christ at the age of 4 and was baptized at 7. In the last several years, God has convicted my heart to further delve into the gospel message. I am realizing each day that the message of Christ's sacrifice on my behalf and the grace presented to me with the offer of salvation is just as relevant to the Christian as to the one who is meeting Christ for the first time! 

Hallels:  Many of us have come to love your music with the release of your previous record "Not Myself Anymore."  How is your brand new album "Whole" different or the same as "Not Myself Anymore?"  

I am so excited about Whole because it gave me the chance to grow as a songwriter and musician. I drew inspiration from many genres, and am happy to say there is a wide variety of musical influence on this record. Whole is the record I've always hoped to make! 

Hallels:  Who are some of the songwriter(s) or producer(s) or other guest(s) who have worked with you on this new album?  

Our producer is Brandon Perdue, who produced Not Myself Anymore. My husband Jordan and I co-produced, and we brought in Joe Williams in co-production on "Everything" and "Can't Be Saved". We used a wide variety of musicians for different songs, which resulted in each song really taking on it's own unique voice. We also had the talented Cara Fox come in for cello on a few, which added something really special. We were fortunate to work with a whole slew of talented people! 

Hallels:  What do you think is the take home message that you are trying to convey with "Whole"?

I want people to realize that Jesus Christ is the only thing that truly satisfies. Life can be somewhat of a roller coaster, with the most exhilarating highs and devastating lows. The only constant is Jesus, who lived a perfect life and died that we might be reconciled to God. He paid the penalty for sin and His work on the cross was a finished one, which takes the pressure off of us if we are saved by His grace! We no longer have to fight alone, we can rest in the work of Christ on our behalf.  

Hallels:  One of the songs on the new record is "Idols."  Idolatry is a huge theme in Scripture, yet it's not commonly dealt with in contemporary Christian songs.  Why do you think it's important to sing about it?  And how did the song come about?

I wrote "Idols" after hearing a message at our church in Nashville for exactly the reasons you mentioned. We hear the word idols and it sounds like an Old Testament throwback, not something we deal with now. The truth is, we idolize all sorts of things, from having a "Facebook worthy" lifestyle to making a lot of money. Those things can consume us if we are not consumed by Jesus Christ first. 

Hallels:  On your website, you said that these songs are really about you.  If you were to choose one song from "Whole" that best describes you now, which would it be?  And why?  

I definitely write from a personal perspective, so whether they are about my life or something I've witnessed, I hope people will feel connected by their own experiences! The title track, "Whole", is the one that feels the most "like me". From the writing style to the personal nature of working out what the gospel says about me as a Christ follower, it feels like a comfort zone for me and felt like a great choice for the album title.

Hallels:   For our readers who may want to purchase "Whole" or/and find out more about you, where can they go?  

I am always around at jessaanderson.com, and I'm frequently posting on twitter (twitter.com/jessaanderson), Facebook (facebook.com/jessaanderson) and instagram @jessaanderson. Whole is available on my website and on iTunes April 8th! You can also get more information, including an updated tour calendar, on the site. I'd love to connect with readers through the outlets they love most!  

Tags : Exclusive Interview Jessa Anderson Jessa Anderson Whole Whole