One of today's most acclaimed and up-and-coming songwriters, Sara Groves is a solo artist who consistently describes her music as something "we" do. Lessons learned while touring have helped broaden her artistic philosophy. Her husband Troy accompanies her on tour as a percussionist, though she regards all of the artists who share the stage with her as family — a community of artists.

How would you describe your album, All Right Here, to someone who hasn't heard your music before?

Sara: I don't think this album is that much of a departure from Conversations. But to someone who hasn't heard us before, I'm a folk singer. That's where it starts. I write the songs on the piano, but the CD allows me to play more, fun instruments that I don't play in live concerts. The folk aspects are on the album, but because of the extra instruments it definitely has more of a rock/pop feel than just folk. Feel free to call me folk/pop, folk/rock — those labels would be accurate. This album is pretty diverse in its style, but hopefully the vocals and my writing provide continuity through the album.

What are some specific moments of diversity on this new album?

Sara: There are two songs, "Tornado" and "You Did That for Me," that contain bluegrass elements. "Maybe There's a Loving God" has percussion that has a Peter Gabriel world-beat sound to it. Then there are songs with a sound similar to that on Conversations, in which the band consists of an acoustic guitar, acoustic piano, hand percussion, and bass. We added a cello to about six songs, along with different variations of string ensembles. John Ketchings, who is amazing, did that for us.

What themes are found on this album?

Sara: The themes are more relational this time. When Jeff Moseley (M2.0/INO Records) heard the album he said he could tell I'm a wife, mom, friend, and daughter — he could see all my roles on this album. Conversations was very devotional, and it was completely true to me at that point in my life. But I feel this album is closer to me as a whole human being — not just the devotional side of my life.

You get excited when you talk about touring. I don't see that too often. Why is that?

Sara: Michael Card modeled to me the most awesome and beautiful thing I've ever seen. He asked us to come with him on his tour, and while we were with him there was such a difference. We played together – I sang backup for him and he sang and played guitar backup for me. He let me sing "El Shaddai," which was a tremendous honor. The whole night, each night, had a very intentional feeling of community and mentoring. He introduced me as "a friend." There was absolutely no feeling of competition.

So how did the community model of touring affect you?

Sara: We wanted to use Mike's model to help someone else the way he helped us. It was so cool to do that for Jason Gay (JasonGay.com). The audiences loved him, and he was a great addition to our night. We were blessed with his guitar and singing talents, and I was able to be for him what Mike was for me – a mentor and a friend. It's such a great model, and I don't think I could ever go back to the other way again.

Be sure to visit Sara's official website, where you'll find the answers to questions such as these:

• You taught high school. What's the number one thing you learned from your students?
• What is it that prompted you to leave teaching school to pursue your calling as a singer/songwriter?
• Your church commissioned you out into the music ministry – what was that like?
• When did you start writing and performing music? How did you get into writing and performing?

Learn more about Sara and her music at our artist page for her. Click here to read our review of Sara's All Right Here album. You can listen to song clips and purchase your own copy at Musicforce.com.

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