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From record contracts and songwriting deals to a starving artist living out of your car, how have you survived the music business?

Nathan Lee: Faith. And that can be very difficult. But at the end of it all, it's as simple as faith.

Nathan Lee

What's behind the record's title, Risk Everything?

Lee: Let's be honest: You can let God be God, or you can get in his way. So, risk everything and find out what it means. I'm still learning, but I'm willing to take the journey. Some days I fail. Some days I find a deeper meaning of grace.

Risk Everything toys with darker, part angel/part devil themes. Are these songs autobiographical?

Lee: Absolutely. The songs on this album weren't written with hopes to open for the Jonas Brothers. This album wasn't made to help some record company stay in business. I write about the things I bleed for.

Speaking of bleeding, I hear you are adding to your tattoo collection on TLC's LA Ink. Is each design personal?

Lee: Hmmm. I'm pretty sure all of them have been done last minute. I usually knew I was going to the shop, but never really knew what I was gonna' get. Nothing like branding your body without a ton of planning.

As part of a weekly concert series in Nashville called, "Give a Damn Sundays," you donated proceeds to World Vision. What sparked your affiliation with them?

Lee: I worked with World Vision a lot in my twenties. They would give me side jobs for special events, crew work and such. Along the way I fell in love with their passion. I knew I had to do my part. I try my best to help with all that they're doing.

Is social justice a part of your musical platform?

Lee: Helping others is what I try to do. It's not about a platform or "social justice" for me. God doesn't need me to have his back. I'm just trying to help where he leads.

For a musician in the mainstream, what role does faith play in your musical career?

Lee: Faith knows no difference in the industry. Faith knows no difference in a man's past. Faith knows no difference in how you share your art. Faith is simply what gets you out of bed in the morning and leads you to the well. No matter who you are, no matter what you do, the question is: "Are you willing to let faith do what faith does, regardless?"

What one message do you want to communicate to listeners?

Lee: You're not alone.

Homepage photo by Mark Anthony Jeffries; above photo by Jonny Morgan

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