Exclusive Interview: Francesca Battistelli Talks About Her New Album "If We're Honest"

Francesca Battistelli is poised to release her much anticipated new album "If We're Honest" on April 22, 2014.  The album is already preceded by Christian Top 5 hit "Write Your Story."  Battistelli first came to our attention through her single "I'm Letting Go" in 2008.  The song became the 16th most played song of 2008 on Christian radio stations according to R&R magazine.  Battistelli went on to receive her first Grammy Award nomination in 2009, for Best Gospel Performance with her single, "Free to Be Me".  We are honored to be able to catch up with her for this exclusive interview.

Hallels:  Thank you Francesca for your valuable time.  Congratulations on your upcoming new album "If We're Honest."  Does sonwriting come easier or more challenging when you come to write for this album?  

It was an easier process for me this time around.  We just moved back to Nashville last year and I immediately got to work writing for this record.  It has been a blessing to be in Nashville again, and I really enjoyed the process.

Hallels:  For our readers who are eagerly awaiting your new album, how is "If We're Honest" different or similar to your previous record "Hundred More Years"?  

There is more energy on this record--more uptempos--and sonically, it's a little more "pop" than the last record.  Lyrically, it's deeper spiritually and more worshipful and personal.    

Hallels:  Two of your special guests on your album include Matt Hammitt and All Sons and Daughters.  How and why did you get to work with both?  

I wrote "Tonight" with David and Leslie, and I wrote "Hands of God" with Matt Hammit.  It was my first time writing with all of them, and once we'd finished the songs, I asked if they would lend their voices to the project as well.  I'm so happy with how it all turned out.   

Hallels:  On one of the songs on the new record "When the Crazy Kicks in" you sing about not getting distracted by the things of life that we forget about God, how do you personally cultivate quality time with God?  

It's hard, I have to be honest.  My kids are little, and they wake up early, and if I don't wake up before them to spend time with the Lord, it usually doesn't happen until late at night, which is fine, but I find that if I give him the first part of my day, I'm in a better mindset.  But it's hard, and I don't have the perfect balance!  That's why I wrote the song ;)   

Hallels:  I absolutely love the sheer vulnerability and the passionate you invested in your ballads.  My absolute favorite being the title cut "If We're Honest."  Can you tell our readers what the song's about?  And is there a story behind the song?  

It's my favorite song on the album too.  It came out of a personal experience.  There is such a temptation to live false lives as believers, and our culture will tell us that it's a good thing to only portray a cropped, filtered, perfect version of ourselves to the world, that we fall into this temptation far too often.  Jesus calls us to lives of vulnerability, honesty, truth, and authenticity.  James 5:16 says to confess your sins one to another and be healed--He wants us to be there for each other.   Hallels:  When you are touring or recording or performing somewhere, do you lead worship in your local church?  And have you ever thought of recording a worship album?   I used to, but we are gone so many Sundays that I'm not currently, though I would love to.  I would also love to record a worship album someday!   

Hallels:  Are you touring in support of this record?  If you are, where can our readers go to find out about your tour dates and find out more about you?  

www.francescamusic.com  -- we will be doing a headline tour this fall!  

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