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Music to Help
Start Your Conversation with God
Interview with Nancy Krebs
by Lisa M. Hendey of catholicmom.com
If you’re looking for variety and inspiration in your
Catholic music choices, you’ll want to check out
Songs from the Heart, the latest CD from talented Catholic
musician Nancy Krebs. With twelve eclectic and
original compositions, Krebs’ most recent project features
everything from Marian hymns to upbeat Reggae praise.
Along with writing and recording her own projects, Nancy
maintains an active touring schedule and consults with other
organizations as a music producer and vocal coach.
Following the recent release of
Songs From The Heart,
 I
had a chance to catch up with Nancy Krebs and am pleased to
share her comments on her music, her creative process, and
this latest project.
Q: Hello Nancy Krebs and congratulations on your new
CD! We last spoke after the release of your Advent and
Christmas CD, Come to the Stable. You've been busy
since then! Can you tell us what you've been up to
personally and professionally in the last few years?
A: Since Come to the Stable, I have released two more
CDs for general distribution--Simple Gifts and the new
baby--Songs from the Heart. Also, several organizations have
contacted me to produce personalized CDs for them--like the
Society of Catholic Apostolate (otherwise known as the
Pallottine Priests, Sisters and Brothers); The Sisters of
the Good Shepherd, the Oblate Sisters of Providence, the
Crysalis House and the Hezekiah Movement. Each one of these
groups was looking for a special CD for fund-raising and to
promote their particular charisms. My husband, Pete and I
are busy traveling with my music ministry, going farther and
farther afield, it seems; which is good!
Q: What is the message behind Songs from the Heart?
A: This new CD is filled with very personal songs,
very 'You-me' between us and God. I am hoping that those who
listen use the songs as starting places for conversing with
the Father, The Son and the Holy Spirit.
Q: The CD is so incredibly diverse, filled with many
different musical styles! What would you describe as your
own personal musical "style"?
A: Oh....I don't think I have a style anymore.
Although if anyone were to hold me to it, I'd probably say
that I'm most known for the quiet acoustic ballad style.
It's the best way for me to share the concepts embodied in
songs that I really want people to listen to--in order for
their hearts to be touched. But I've been experimenting with
Country, Reggae, and other contemporary genres.
Q: As a writer, what fuels your creative efforts?
A: I read many, many books and articles with spiritual
themes. It all starts with the Gospels, or some other Book
of the new or Old Testament; then I move or have moved to
writings of the saints, and modern authors as well. When a
phrase I've read strikes me--the germ of an idea begins to
percolate, and then I sit down at my computer, if it's
handy, and begin to write the lyrics. The melodies usually
come after writing the lyrics. They are the most important,
because the story is told through them. Often I hear good
homilies that give me ideas, or even conversations with
friends can be the springboard for a new song.
Q: My personal favorite on this CD is 'Rejoice and Be
Glad', which is just such a fun and wonderful song! Do you
have a favorite song from this project?
A: Now you're asking me to choose my favorite from
among my ‘children’! I have so many favorites on this CD.
I'm glad that you like 'Rejoice and Be Glad'. I had fun with
that one. I am, however, particularly fond of "Humility" and
"Waiting for Me" (don't tell the other songs)
Q: I noted that you're also a guitarist, violinist
and mandolin player on this project. Would you tell us about
the other talented musicians who play with you on this
project?
A: I'd be glad to....Michael Salacuse is the force
behind the percussion and lead guitar--he's just phenomenal!
He has a studio outside Nashville, where he does all his
work. He also arranged all the percussion songs. Pete Baden
is the pedal steel guitar player--and is also my husband.
That's how we met--playing music! Marty Canelli played all
the keyboards and live percussion. And I can't forget Dave
Nachodsky--the engineer who has the greatest ear in the
music biz--and he also mixed and mastered my last 4 albums.
Q: I know you're just back from Catholic Familyland.
Please tell us about your time there and when we can see the
shows you recorded.
That was a great experience. I can't say enough about the
work they are doing in this lovely part of the
country--outside Stuebenville, Ohio. They are a great
organization--with a fabulous TV studio, as well as housing
facilities (camping and small cottages) for families to come
and share some quality time together. I taped 3 shows, two
with Marty Rotella, who hosts his show His Love, and a 60
minute Christmas special that was a solo show! I don't know
exactly when they'll be shown, but they will be aired
sometime in the Fall, and Winter on SkyAngel Network--which
features programming strictly for families--and all the
shows are good, solid, upstanding programs. Their websites
are: Sky Angel: 1-800-SKY-ANGEL: Sky Angel Television (TV)
Channels and Familyland
Q: What's next Nancy? Do you have new projects or
appearances in the works?
A: I'm gearing up for Fall concerts and retreats;
several out of state (Maryland). If anyone in this reading
audience lives in Syracuse, NY, I'll be doing a concert on
Saturday, October 15 at St. Patrick Catholic Church in Cato.
I'll also be giving a youth retreat that same morning into
the afternoon. It’ll be a busy day! I'll also be in
Boonville, Indiana on November 13 for a concert celebrating
St. Clement's 150 year anniversary!
Q: Are there any closing thoughts you'd like to
share?
A: I'm just so glad to be able to be doing this work.
All my life, I've been a professional actor, singer and
musician. It's so rewarding to be writing, singing,
performing and recording songs to the honor and glory of
God--and the best part is getting to share the music that
God has given me with others. Thank you, Lisa, for giving me
an opportunity to share this time with your audience!
Used by permission from Lisa M. Hendey of
www.catholicmom.com
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