Her new album, "I See Beautiful," (See Suite review here) reveals the strong faith that has sustained her following the diving death of her husband Trent Lenderink in September, 2001. Our recent conversation shows more of how deep this faith truly goes. In a word, Tammy Trent is just plain fun!
Tammy, your message is your life: faith lived out, for real, in every circumstance, including the worst. Not every Christian artist would be up to such a task. Do you have a sense of calling in all of this?
Yes, I do. But then again, I've felt a calling to serve Christ my whole life with the gifts He's given me. Now that doesn't mean that I got right back up on the platform a month after I lost my husband so tragically. In fact, it was almost a year later. But serving God doesn't always mean that you have to have all the right answers for the world. In that season of my life, serving the Lord meant to somehow keep breathing and getting up and trusting God when nothing made sense. I was called to that, and that is the real story of hope in Christ.
I love the theme of joy that runs through your music. I thought it was an interesting choice to make "Pray" a dance track; it has the feel of a party. Does that come from your perspective on connecting with God?
"Pray" is a great song. A song of celebration for me, a song that makes me want to move. And it's been so important for me to keep moving and showing others that they can do the same in the middle of their own circumstances. The lyric is simple: as believers, we're in this together. We stand in the gap for one another. Prayer can change anything. But let's not just talk about it, let's do it! "Pray for me and I'll pray for you, it can change all things, I believe so." There is joy in that, for sure!
Your music has a strong urban feel to it. Where does this come from?
Probably from growing up with a drumset in the other room (laughs). I taught myself to play when I was a very little girl, so now, with the love of music and beats, you'll always hear influences of a great groove on many of my tracks. If you listen carefully, you'll hear me playing on some of those tracks! Girl drummers rock !(laughs again)
Do you consider yourself more of a singer or a songwriter?
Probably more of a basketball player (laughing again). Well, there are sooooooo many facets to Tammy Trent and how God created me. I sing, I write books, I speak, I drum, I dance, I cook, I play sports. I love cleaning, but I don't fish! Maybe one day. But if I had to choose one over the other, I'd say I'm a singer at heart. I love performing and entertaining people. There's nothing like a good laugh!
Favorite super-power if you could pick one?
What's super-power? Is that an action hero? Or is that a special power I could have? If it's the latter, I'd love to fly! 'Cause I'm getting tired of taking my clothes off at the airport security check points (laughing)!
As you can see, it is hard to keep Tammy Trent down. Find out more about this amazing woman of God at her website. And don't forget to pick up "I See Beautiful," especially if you need encouragement!
