Interview: Troy Anderson
Nashville Christian artist Troy Anderson has released his new album 'Dragonfly'. Louder Than The Music chatted with Troy to hear all about the inspiration behind his new album and his thoughts on making music.
How did you get involved with making music?
I have always loved music, going as far back as listening to my momma’s records as a small boy. I found myself in my early years starting to head down the Country music road which I traveled for many years, but then eventually came to an end. It was at this point that I put my guitar away and thought I was closing the chapter on writing music. It was a dark time that led me towards a different path to experience Jesus in a whole new way. It was there on a mission trip to Haiti, serving the least of these that I encountered Jesus and was introduced to Christian music. My eyes and ears were turned wide open to how faith, hope and love could reach into a person’s soul through music at just right time.
Tell us about your new album ‘Dragonfly’ and what the inspiration behind it was?
Dragonfly is my first debut into the Christian music scene. I have always been drawn to the dragonfly due to their symbolism as being free-spirited and floating on the winds of change. Dragonfly symbolism is also used to indicate personal transformation and the ability to learn and adapt in life, which is where my life’s journey has brought me.
Which is your favorite track on the album and why?
It would have to be ‘Jesus or Whiskey’ and that is why it is the first one headed to radio. The song came about a few years back while I was touring in Ireland and visiting the local pubs, where it was common practice that anyone could go behind the bar and pour their own pint as long as they knew how to pour a proper Guinness. One night, Father Fitzpatrick was behind the bar serving the patrons, when he turned to me and said “Son, what can I do you for Jesus or Whiskey?” That is when and where the song was born.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
Everybody has times in their lives that can shake them to the core, I am no different. We all have struggles and if I can be honest with people through my music, I hope it will connect with them on some real level and they can experience the grace of God, which is so powerful during these dark times.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
My style falls somewhere in between where country music meets Christian. My influences are Zach Williams, David Crowder, and Eric Church
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
That is a tough one, because I have had the pleasure of working with several great writers in my career, including Mike Huffman, who penned Conway Twitty’s “Tight Fitting Jeans” to name one.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Any day that I get to wake up and write a song that moves someone and gives them an opportunity to encounter Jesus in that moment of their life.
What is your favorite album of all time?
That’s a tough one... but let’s go with Bruce Springsteen “Born to Run” I’ve worn that album out.
You’re stuck on an island, it’s hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
The Beatles “Help”
What does the next year hold for you?
I’m leaving that one up to whatever God has in store...
