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David Phelps
The acclaimed singer touches on his departure from the Gaither Vocal Band and his new Christmas release One Wintry Night.
By Andree Farias
posted 12/03/07
You've been a solo artist for a number of years already, after an acclaimed stint with the Gaither Vocal Band. Was it difficult to leave that huge platform and step out on your own?
David Phelps: While it was a hard decision to make, it has been very rewarding. Being with the Gaithers was a dream come true and an opportunity that I'll never forget. But this is where I'm supposed to be now. I really feel like I followed God to this place.
What's the biggest difference between performing in a quartet and flying solo besides not having three other voices accompanying you?
Phelps: The biggest thing for me is that I'm responsible for it all. The GVB was an easy job. I stepped on the stage, they handed me the mic, and I sang. Now I'm always planning and thinking ahead to what's next [for me and my music].
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Favorite Christmas gift ever received?
Espresso machine
Where are you from originally?
Texas
Favorite place you've traveled to
Australia
Best meal you prepare?
Roasted pork loin
Pet peeve?
Not following through
Your most annoying habit?
Not listening
What makes you laugh?
Awkward situations
Last good book you read?
The Husband by Dean Koontz
Last good movie you saw?
Mr. Magorium's Wonder Emporium
Song you wish you had written?
"I Know What Love Is" [popularized by Celine Dion]
Favorite Christmas song?
"O Holy Night"
Age you became a Christian?
7
Your favorite Bible verse?
Psalm 139
Last lesson God taught you?
Be still and wait.
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For One Wintry Night, your newest Christmas album, you didn't use the typical approach to making a Christmas album, but decided to go conceptual instead. Why?
Phelps: Instead of making a collection of my favorite Christmas songs, I wanted to tell the story of Christmas. I wanted to approach this record like I do a non-seasonal project—this one just happens to be about Christmas.
In a way, One Wintry Night is like a mini-musical, with different styles and tendencies throughout. Is it tough to replicate this breadth in a live setting?
Phelps: Not at all. It really is what I do and it makes for an interesting evening. I have a great band that has a great handle on all the varying styles.
What's your favorite song on the new Christmas album and why?
Phelps: Of course you know I like them all for different reasons. "One Wintry Night" sticks out to me because of the message—the idea of God stepping into his own creation.
What's your most cherished Christmas memory?
Phelps: We take our kids shopping for a family in need each year. I love the way my children react when we're picking out gifts for other kids.
For more about David Phelps, visit our site's artist page. You can read our review of his Christmas album One Wintry Night by clicking here. Visit Christianbook.com to listen to song clips and buy the music.
© Andree Farias, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.
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