Q&A-Singer-songwriter Chapman living in the 'Moment'

Singer Steven Curtis Chapman accepts the Grammy award for Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album for ''All Things New'' at the 47th annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Center in Los Angeles, February 13, 2005. On October 23, longtime label home Sparrow Records released ''This Moment,'' Chapman's 16th studio album and his first new project in three years.

By Deborah Evans Price

NASHVILLE (Billboard) - As Christian music's most awarded artist -- with 51 Gospel Music Assn. Dove Awards and five Grammy Awards to his credit -- Steven Curtis Chapman could well afford to rest on his laurels, but complacency isn't in the veteran singer-songwriter's vocabulary.

On October 23, longtime label home Sparrow Records released "This Moment," Chapman's 16th studio album and his first new project in three years.

In the midst of a fall tour, Chapman chatted with Billboard about his new release and his 20th anniversary in Christian music.

Q: When you went in to record "This Moment," what did you want to say at this point in your career?

Chapman: "I wanted to be as honest as I've ever been about everything -- about where I am personally, where I am in my career. The message that came to the surface, the common thread, was you really can't do anything about the future, and you actually can't do anything about the past. Let it rest in God's hands."

Q: After having won 51 Dove Awards, is there a lot of pressure when you make a new album?

Chapman: "Honestly, there was a tremendous amount of pressure, (but) not being put on me from record company people. It was just what I imposed on myself. There were times where it almost shut me down. I was so analytical. Verses of scripture really inspire a lot of my music, and there's one verse in particular, Revelation 1:19, that said, 'Write therefore the things that are seen.' I felt like God was saying, 'Here's really what you need to do -- just write about the things you've seen."'

Q: How does it feel to be taking on a mentor role with new artists?

Chapman: "I feel so honored. It kind of started with Casting Crowns when I got the role of producing and mentoring them and introducing them to the Christian music industry. Of course, they took that little introduction and just went on to pretty much rule and reign at Christian radio, retail and everywhere else, which has been awesome. You gain so much knowledge and wisdom through the years, and you get to pass that on. It's a very, very cool role."

Q: Your sons Caleb and Will are on tour with you, playing in your band. What kind of advice do you give them about the business?

Chapman: "Music is where they would love to spend their life. When you take your sons on tour when they are still in high school, you know you are probably limiting your chances of them getting real excited about going on and cracking textbooks for four more years. The most important thing to me that I want to convey to them is to follow God and to live their lives to honor Him and whatever gifts He's given."

Q: What can you say about your Change for Orphans campaign?

Chapman: "We're collecting loose change, and in each of the cities, we invite a family who are in the process of adopting and need help financially to bring the child home. We bring them onstage and give them the money that we've collected that night by the people in that room. Every night, we've made over $2,000. One night, we had $7,000. We have a matching anonymous donor (who has) matched up to $2,000 every night when we raise at least $2,000. It's really been a blessing."

Reuters/Billboard