The Martins - It’s a New Day | Absolutely Gospel Music

The Martins - It’s a New Day

Recently, I had the privilege to sit down and have a chat with one of Gospel Music's favorite family trio's- The Martins. Siblings Joyce, Jonathon and Judy won the hearts of folks everywhere in the early 90's when they appeared on a Bill Gaither Homecoming video and sang their amazing, acapella arrangement of "He Leadeth Me." We had a great, fun time sitting down and chatting and laughing together about their new release, "New Day."

1. First off, tell us where you've been and what you've been doing the last few years?

We took some time off around 2003. The circumstances surrounding that decision are nobody's business. We began to have challenges, just like every other family has. We felt pressure to perform and have something spiritual to say all the time, so we decided in our best interest and future ministry to just get away. We decided to lay it down and let God decide if it ever gets picked up again. We needed to be refreshed, encouraged and allow God to work in us. About 4-5 years ago we very timidly started doing a few special appearances. It felt right. It felt natural. When we got off the road, we had no intention and no time frame of how long it would take us to heal. We started walking thru the doors that God has opened.

2. Will you be resuming a full-time touring schedule again?

We are as busy as we want to be at this point. We can not do what we were doing before and spend over 200 dates a year on the road. Physically, it is impossible and we do have families and children now that are our responsiblity to be there and care for. Our heart is with our families.

3. This new album, "New Day," produced by Jay DeMarcus, has been a long time coming and there is an excitement about it.

It's been an interesting journey for us the past few years and this new album is the last piece of the puzzle. The songs share what we feel people need to hear from us right now. Jay DeMarcus (Rascal Flatts) is amazing and did an outstanding job. We knew he was a genius before the world did and it was an honor to work with him. He is a masterful craftsman was a joy to work with.

4. Did you start out with a purposeful theme for this project or was it an accident that there is a theme of hope, grace and healing?

We wanted to be completely honest in where we are in our walk with the Lord. We knew exactly what direction we wanted to go in. We found 10 songs that best said what is in our heart and that theme is this: life isn’t perfect, we will fall down, there will be times that you find yourself regretting choices you’ve made. The good news is there is love enough to get you through it. There is nothing He can’t redeem and that is a truth that is steadfast and you can take it all the way to the bank. He can not lie. He is good when things are bad.

5. Which songs individually are your favorite off of the new project?

Jonathan: "Tell Them That I Love Them" to me is a perfect reminder that God's people need to know how deeply He loves them. I picture an old time preacher who has done all he knows to do, said all He knows to say and has given all he can and that the most important thing he can do is tell them that God really loves them!

Joyce: "Unredeemed" this song beautifully speaks to me in that nothing is left shattered, broken or unredeemed. If that doesn't say it, I don't know what does. Nothing separates us from God's love and this song is a perfect reminder to me that there is nothing He can'd mend.

Judy: "All the Love in the World" there are so many people hurting and sometimes as christians we forget that if we'd just show a little love how far that would go with people. There is no one who doesn't need love. The world would just be a better place if there was more love.

6. So, when fans come to a Martins concert, can they expect to still hear some classics that they've come to know and love you by?

Absolutely! There are several songs that we can not stop singing and won't stop singing. We're anxious to introduce our new songs to our fans and friends as well as share our older stuff.

7. Any plans for a new acapella project?

Yes! We can't give any names or details yet, but there is talk and it will happen.

8. What does the future hold for all of you?

It sounds so cliche, but truly, whatever God has! We aren't going to force anything or make plans and put words into God's mouth. We know that the steps of the righteous are ordered by the Lord so we trust Him and want to be obedient to what He has for us.

9. How can your fans get in contact with you?

http://www.martinsonline.com, http://www.facebook/martinsonline, or http://www.twitter/martinsonline

10. Anything else you'd like to share with your fans and friends?

One thing that has sustained us during all this time is the prayers of God's people. We've been encouraged and upheld by that and we are so thankful. Don't stop praying for us. What the devil meant for evil God has meant for good. We want our ministry, families and personal lives to be bathed in prayer so that we can stand against the wars of the devil. Through it all, God has been good and is faithful.

It is evident God has been at work in Joyce, Jonathan and Judy's lives. If this new album is any indication, their future is bright and there is much more to be said and sung from these three talented siblings.