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You might say that tobyMac is one of the last true entertainers in Christian music. The former dc Talker isn't content with recording gold-selling albums, scoring No. 1 singles, and amassing critical acclaim. He wants to bring the fun, disco balls and all, to everything he does—his recording sessions, his concerts, his tour bus. His third album, the long-awaited Portable Sounds (coming next week from Forefront/EMI), has plenty of that, but it also sheds light on tobyMac's serious side—one that's prayerful, devotional, and in-tune with the person of God. In this conversation, the Diverse City chief talks about this new sense of purpose, his artistic identity, and how these play into his role as father and husband.

What has transpired in your life since your last album in 2004?

tobyMac I think I've really locked-in in an amazing way with my band. We definitely feel like a family now. When Diverse City came out, I still felt a little like a solo artist doing his thing, hiring a band to play live. I've had the same players for almost six years now, and I think we've created something special live that led into the [new] record. The band approach lined up with my desire to move away from programming, more to a live approach.

Any personal growth as a songwriter?

tobyMac I've worked really hard [to lock] into something with my artistic life as it relates to what God is breathing through me—the definition of tobyMac as an artist. It's clearer to me now that I'm climbing, and it's invigorating, it's exciting. It's like the way dc Talk climbed for a while and we kept climbing. The day that it [stopped being exciting] was the day we all wanted to do solo records. For me, I'm in mid-climb right now and I'm loving it.

So who is tobyMac as an artist?

tobyMac That's a good question. I think I'm a communicator. I look at my music as something that comes from my life. If someone can find encouragement in this music, if someone can find something to talk about in my music, then that's what makes me happy. I also think that I'm someone who is focused on not being jaded. I really believe with all my heart that God can breathe a song through me that can actually connect with people. Every day I prayed with my producer, "God, please breathe something through us. Don't let us waste our time."

Also, I think I'm a grateful guy. I'm happy to be doing what I do. I want to treat people with respect. I'm not out there looking for what I can take. I do think God has opened my heart about what can I give. It's a time in my life where I'm not looking to overcome the world with my artistry. I'm just grateful to be doing what I'm passionate about.

Considering the current iTunes and MP3 craze, it's interesting that you have a "singles" mentality as opposed to an album mentality.

tobyMac It's absolutely a singles mentality. I've by no means developed these songs with the thought of them working together. When I do think of them working together is when the album is close to finishing with 10-12 songs, and I'm thinking about how to make a record from them. Then I begin to think how I can move these songs together. Some songs are pretty far apart, and that's when you drop an interlude between them and create a "commercial break"—then all of a sudden you can drop into a different theme. There's method to the madness.

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