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After years of bombastic endings and symphony-laced records, what compelled you to make a stripped-down acoustic album? 

Sandi Patty: It is the simple version of songs that I am always hearing in my head. Sounds strange, but it's true. I have always learned my songs on the piano first and then accompanied myself as I continued to arrange these songs. So this project is a peek into my musical heart.

With such a vast catalog, how did you decide which songs to re-record on Simply Sandi?

Patty: We did some polling to get a sense of what people request year after year. And I went to iTunes to see what my most downloaded songs were. Did you know "Via Dolorosa" is number one? Neither did I. 

Do you hope to capture a new audience with the re-telling of these "oldies"?

Patty: I'm not sure who will end up relating to this project. I imagine the people who have supported me for, lo, these many years. But I hope it's new and old fans.

After years on major labels, Simply Sandi is being released on your own Stylos Records. What prompted the change? 

Patty: The music industry has gone through so many changes. It just seemed the right time to start my own label. "Stylos" is Greek for "pillar," and I certainly consider Jesus the stabilizing pillar of my life.

The Cincinnati Bengals' Ben Utecht is releasing his debut CD on Stylos as well. What's that about?

Patty: I am a huge NFL fan. I lived in Indianapolis for 30-plus years and am a die-hard Colts fan [for whom Utecht used to play]. Come to find out that as a child, Ben was in my kids club, The Friendship Company, and his mom "made" him listen to all my music. When I heard he sang, I thought, "Yeah right, and I play football!" But he is good! So after a few years of kicking around the idea, he agreed to do a project and I am thrilled to introduce him as an artist. 

This is your fourth year as a featured speaker and entertainer with Women of Faith. How has this influenced you?

Patty: I have found a home as a woman, a mom, a wife, an artist and a person. I so love these women. They are authentic, and they nudge all of us to seek after God's heart first. They make me a better woman of God. I am honored to spend another year with them.

Over the past few years you have written as many books as you have recorded CDs.  Do you prefer the job of author or artist?

Patty: Singing definitely comes easier for me. But as I am becoming more comfortable with words and share the lessons life has taught me, it has encouraged people.

After thirty years of sharing music and life from a public platform, what is the greatest lesson you've learned?

Patty: During the "rough" years, I was doing a radio interview and I was feeling so down. The DJ asked me what I thought my kids had learned through my tough times. I flippantly answered, "Honestly, all I think they have learned is that life is tough. You are gonna make mistakes. And God is always going to love you." And then I thought, "That's not so bad."

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