Natalie Grant has become a household name over her 25-year career, and it doesn’t look like she is slowing down anytime soon. She just released her newest album Seasons; where she has collaborated with some of the most iconic artists in the industry. We were able to sit her down to get the full scoop on… everything!
Q. What inspired your new album, Seasons?
A. Honestly, it was inspired during the lockdown of 2020. My husband, Bernie, and I would record a song and post it on social media; we called it “a song a day keeps the crazies away”. I found myself in that moment, going back to songs that have carried me through different seasons of my life. I say there’s been 2 constants in my life- Jesus and Jesus music. So, the inspiration for the album came from having been a lifelong fan of gospel music, and the opportunity to put my own interpretation on all these songs that have meant so much to me.
Q. Is there a song on the album that you find yourself connecting with more?
A. Every single one has such a story behind it for me for so many different reasons. The one I feel such a deep connection to is my tribute to God Be The Glory written and recorded by the great Andraé Crouch. That song came out when I was a very young girl, and I remember singing that with my family or listening to it on vinyl in my parents' living room, and I can still hear my mom singing it from the other room. But then to be able to record it with my hero, CeCe Winans; I have been trying to be CeCe Winans since I very first heard her sing when I was 11 years old.
Q. There are so many incredible collaborations on Seasons - Dolly Parton, CeCe Winans, Jekalyn Carr, & more! Who is someone still on your bucket list that you would love to collaborate with?
A. The collaborations on this record have literally blown my mind. I feel like I could retire because I don’t know where I go from here with so many incredible artists. But I have always loved Brian McKnight’s voice. His music was like my husband and I’s music when we first started dating. I would love to do a duet with him, and I love Bear Rinehart's voice, from NEEDTOBREATHE. He has one of those legendary voices as well.
Q. You are a busy woman! Wife, mother, artist, author, philanthropist, nine-time GRAMMY nominee, five-time GMA Dove Awards Female Vocalist of the Year, & singing at the start of the 2023 NFL season- how do you keep it all straight?
A. As a woman of faith, I just always believe that when you’re doing what God has called you to do, there’s gonna be a grace in your life to do it. The Bible actually says we’re all running a race, and I’ve never known anybody that’s ran a race that isn’t tired. For me, I’m always asking myself am I doing what God has called me to do. My measuring stick for me is my marriage, my kids, and my family. They come first. Also, I am very blessed with an incredible team that helps me keep it all straight! My husband and I are surrounded by such an incredible community in our church at The Belonging Co in Nashville. Life truly takes a village!
Q. What an amazing career you have had! What has been a moment that has stood out to you?
A. I’ve never lost the wonder that I get to do this for the last 25 years. I feel like sometimes in the creative field, women in particular, have a bit of an expiration date on them. That’s just a lie that culture tries to put on us. I’m about to be 52, and I’m just hitting my stride! In 2012, I had the privilege of singing for the president at the White House, and regardless of politics or what side of the aisle someone might find themselves on, the opportunity to sing for the President of the United States is an incredible honor. Plus, my husband got to play on Roosevelt’s piano!
Q. What advice would you give to a new artist on the rise?
A. You need to be discerning about who you make relationships with, who speaks for you, and who speaks into you. Also, don’t put so much pressure on yourself. There is this desire for automatic, overnight success. If you’re going to live in comparison, you won’t even be able to enjoy the good moments when they come. I struggled with that in the beginning years of my career. Comparing is a thief of joy. Also, stay in your lane! Run your race to the best of your ability.
Q. You and your husband, Bernie Herms, have quite the fan base. Other than gathering around the piano, what other spots in Nashville do you guys like to frequent?
A. We are forever Kayne Prime people! We also find ourselves at the Soho House brunch on Sundays. My husband loves Crema, and is a fan. But we truly are homebodies! We love to be at home. We love to just be with our kids, and honestly, there truly is no place like home.
Q. What do you do to relax & unwind?
A. My husband and I have been known to have a charcuterie board in bed with our favorite Apple TV show! Which at the moment is The Morning Show. Additionally, just more family time!
Q. What can we expect next from you?
A. I am heading out on a Christmas tour with my friend Danny Gokey! This will be our 8th annual Celebrate Christmas tour. We’re doing it in partnership with K-Love, and it’s always one of my favorite tours of the year. Also, my husband and I will be continuing an Evening with Natalie Grant & Bernie Herms in 2024. These shows have been so wonderful, and rewarding. Other than that, our twin daughters are going to be finishing up their junior year in high school this next year and heading into their senior year. We’re gonna be very present because we don’t want to miss a single moment!
"I found myself in that moment, going back to songs that have carried me through different seasons of my life."
