I’ve been working off a backlog of shows lately, and I didn’t want those to go missed here on SPA.net. [We have a mailing list to keep you apprised as these things go out, mind you.] Here’s what’s new:

• Andrew Osenga - 2007-05-06: Exit/In, Nashville, TN, USA (FLAC - AUD)
• Derek Webb - 2006-10-17: Exit 148, ClearBranch UMC, Trussville, AL, USA (FLAC - SBD)
• Derek Webb - 2007-04-22: The Church at Tuscaloosa, Northport, AL, USA (FLAC - SBD)
• Derek Webb - 2007-05-06: Exit/In, Nashville, TN, USA (FLAC - AUD)
• Eric Peters - 2007-05-05: Trinity Baptist Church, Madison, AL, USA (FLAC - AUD)
• Randall Goodgame - 2007-05-05: Trinity Baptist Church, Madison, AL, USA (FLAC - AUD)
• Sandra McCracken - 2007-05-06: Exit/In, Nashville, TN, USA (FLAC - AUD)

Here’s a sample from the show of Randall’s I just put out tonight, with his wife Amy accompanying him on “Susan Coats’s Pants”:

As always, these shows are available on IndieRiver.net for the low-low price of … FREE. We simply ask that you stay online after you’ve downloaded to help us seed the bootlegs [which lets other folks get things faster] and to support the artists by buying their CDs. We know that some of you live in places where the Pegs don’t often play, so this is your opportunity to hear them in concert without spending hundreds of dollars on airfare. [If you wanted to toss some of that money you're not spending our way towards us to help defray the costs of running the site, we will not complain.] Sign up for an IndieRiver account today, and remember to check out the HOWTO to help you get started.

Here is a quick interview I did with Jill.

Hey Jill, thanks for taking the time to do this. The last time we talked you were two weeks from Tyler’s due date. You had just finished a two hour show with Andy and looked like you were ready to get off your feet so…

1. How are things these days? Have they settled down a bit?

   I am not really sure if they have settled down, but I am not home bound like you are in the early days and that is nice! He is seven weeks old today and is the sweetest, easiest little guy. Things are still a bit crazy because my oldest just started kindergarten and I am still not sleeping through the night, so we are really taking each day at a time. Andy is also working a lot on AP’s record so he is really busy too.

2. Are you still writing new material or are all of the creative songwriting energies focused on the baby?

   I am dying to write new songs which is great. At the end of my pregnancy I was just so apathetic and all my ideas were on hold but now I feel the urge to write. Once things settle down I should be able to devote a couple of days to working on stuff for the new CD. I think I have about 4-5 songs that are done or almost done but I am anxious to get the rest done so I can record this winter.

3. The songs you write are so honest and relatable, will you continue that same path with the next project?

   I hope I am getting more and more honest as a songwriter. There is really nothing to lose and no label to please, so I really just write what I want. It is great to lose a lot of the self-imposed boundaries.

I think you and Andy should do a kids record. I know that’s had to have crossed your mind.

We had thought about it, but I don’t know if we can top Slugs and Bugs.

4. Are you gonna take it easy (tour wise) until Andy Peterson’s Christmas tour or will you tour some?

   I have actually been booking shows for this fall, but mainly on weekends. It is hard to do big tours these days with children so I mainly travel on weekends where I can be with them all week. I really love that schedule because it gives me the chance to work and stay at home, the best of both worlds.

5. Do you find it easy or difficult, lifestyle wise juggling husband, family, and career with you and Andy both being full time singer/songwriters?

   Right now it is incredibly difficult but most of the time it is just difficult! It is a challenge to juggle it all, I will be honest, but I don’t know any other way. We wanted a family and we feel called to write and travel and sing so we will always be negotiating what that looks like for us. I think it moves in seasons, some very busy and some home more. It is definitely an interesting life!

6. What are some things God is teaching you right now?

   God is teaching me that I love sleep and I want more of it. OK, so seriously, I think having a new baby and two young kids teaches me a lot about control. I like order and control and occasional peace and quiet and these days are full of sacrifice. He is teaching me to be more selfless and reminding me that nothing I sacrifice could compare to His sacrifice.

7. Is everything in the SPA kosher? I still love the camraderie between all of you!

   Oh, absolutely. A few members left because of trying to distance themselves from the CCM label, something that can really hurt you in the mainstream. We all know that the SPA artists aren’t traditional CCM artists and had little success there, but mainstream promoters who are booking a show don’t know that. They search an artist and see CCM and think, “Yikes, I am not booking them in my club!” That is the sad reality. CCM will always be linked to the SPA because of the publications who have written stories about it and some of our histories in Christian music. Even though the SPA is just a group of songwriters we didn’t want this to hinder anyone’s careers in ANY way. The purpose of the SPA was only to help and it will continue to be that. There was absolutely no animosity and everyone is in complete agreement. I think we will still do some shows together as well, it will just be a less public association.

8. What good music have you listened to lately? Anything influential or worth sharing?

   I still love the David Mead Indiana record and listen to that consistently. I haven’t loved a full record that much in a very long time. I am also listening to the new Crowded House record a lot. I adore Neil Finn and anything he does and have always loved that band.

9. Do you have any huge future plans, say the next 6-12 months?

   I want to write for and record a CD and do some traveling- nothing that huge but if I can do that it will feel like a big accomplishment.

Thanks Jill, for taking the time.

Thanks to you and all the SPA supporters, we are so thankful for you guys!

Houston-based freelance writer Jenni Simmons recently interviewed Jeremy Casella, and part one is now available on jeremycasella.com. Here’s a snippet to whet your appetite:

Jenni: When did you realize that without a doubt, you were meant to be a singer-songwriter?

Jeremy: There was a time when I wanted to pursue some other things, but I realized coming into my early 30’s that there’s really nothing more I could do as well. I’ve always loved music and it’s always felt natural to interact with the world around me using music. You want to spend your life and your time doing something that you feel is the best use of your abilities. As I’ve gotten older, music has become more and more of a passion.

Jenni: I think your calling becomes pretty clear, and something about your 30’s makes it especially clear.

Jeremy: Actually, a couple years ago I was freaking out a little bit about some of my label troubles and I met a guy in Dallas and shared my disappointments with him. He asked me how old I was and I said, ‘about 27.’ He said, ‘Don’t worry because your real work in life begins in your 30’s, and your 20’s are just a primer.’ When I turned 30 about a year ago I really found that to be true. It has given me hope that my 30’s will be productive, a new chapter. I’m glad to leave my 20’s behind - it was a very difficult time, for me anyway. Half the time you’re wondering what you’re doing with yourself. Even though I’m in my early 30’s, I feel like I’m settling into my life’s work in some way.

I’m finding that myself … as I draw close to 30, I’m I’m hitting my stride professionally [and with my hobbies, too].

The whole thing is a good read. Check it out.