This month's interview comes from www.authenticmedia.co.uk, and was published just before the release her latest, self-titled album, Rachael Lampa.

When Rachael Lampa recently spent a day doing interviews with European media, we grabbed a few minutes of her time to ask some questions about her new album. Here's what she said:

Firstly, congratulations on the new album, it's a great record. Did you have a specific aim in mind when you began writing/recording for this project?
'One of the main goals for this record was to write with the approach of being completely and brutally honest in my words - to forget about writing big words and formulas and just be me. It has been such a healing thing for me to be able to share my heart and the things I've learned and am still learning. To me, there is nothing like hearing a song that leaves you saying, "That is exactly what I am feeling at this moment". I hope that these songs find people in that kind of way.'

There are a lot of diverse influences and styles on the album. Was this a deliberate intention?
'I have definitely come into my own musically which is something different on this project. And honestly, this is who I have always been and the kind of music that I have always loved. I am only now realizing that I am allowed to have my opinions on things. I really wanted to find a way to fuse rock and funk and pop in a tasteful and original way and with the help of my producer, Tommy Sims, I think we pulled it off alright.'

How do you personally view this album in comparison to Kaleidoscope and Live For You?
'This record is a million times more personal than any of my other records. This is the only record where I have written on every song on the record and not only that, but these songs are drawn directly from some very personal and sometimes emotional situations in my life. I have had quite an extreme year with both highs and lows throughout and I have had a lot to talk about. This record is different because I was deeply involved in all aspects of the creative process.'

The song 'The Good Life' features slide guitar supremo Robert Randolph. What was it like working with him?
'I actually wasn't able to be with Robert while he was recording his parts. He was on tour with Eric Clapton at the time, and we were lucky to even get him for a few hours. He listened to the song and he loved it so he agreed to spend his one day off in London at the studio working on the song. We actually only met about a month ago and we hung out for a little while. He is a great guy and just a blast to hang out with.'

Finally, what do the next 6 months have in store for Rachel Lampa and what are your hopes for the new album?
'For the next six months I will mostly be on tour. Right now I am on tour with Newsong, Shaun Groves, Taylor Sorenson, Overflow, and Jadyn Maria. After this, I will be on the Shoutfest tour with Tait, Jump5, and KJ-52. I really hope that this album will translate and reach to people who wouldn't normally listen to Christian music. It is so important that we don't hide away in our little comfort zones. I want this album to put me in places where I have to step out a little.