Doug Anderson Discusses His New Album "The Only One" & His Involvement with Cana's Voice

Doug Anderson is set to release his new album The Only One via StowTown Records. The Only One sticks to the formula that made this Indiana native a true success. Flavors of Country, notes of Southern Gospel and hints of Traditional Gospel can all be found in this collection, from the new Rambo original, Jesus Saved Me When I Could Not Save Myself, and the tender ballad, Don't Miss The Sunset, to the catchy and commercial title track.

Q:  Doug, thanks for your time.  You have two albums coming out this month, the first is your own solo record and a week later, your new record with Cana's Voice.  How do you ever find the time to do two records at the same time? Did you actually plan for the two albums to come out one after another? 

Yes May is definitely a busy month but one I'm very excited about.  I've never had 2 projects release in the same year let alone the same month.  We actually recorded CV first and then it has been two years since the solo Drive release and due to my upcoming schedule and first solo European tour, I needed to get another solo cd out.  Hence The Only One.  The release dates for the two projects so close is just the way it fell into The necessities of what we needed.  I win either way and I'm thrilled with that.  It's a great way to start this new chapter in my life! 

Q:  Let's talk first about your solo release "The Only One."  Did you approach this album any differently than you did with your previous album "Drive"? 

Projects to me are like chapters in your life.  I don't think we approached it different than any other project we have done.  I say we because I couldn't have done any of this without my producer/friend Wayne Haun and the team at StowTown Records and Provident/Sony.  We always look for the best writers and the best songs we can find, and we have some great ones.  I think what has changed is my perspectives in life.  I'm at a different place mentally and spiritually.  I look at things a little different and I appreciate the little simple things much more.  I'm finally grateful for where He has brought me from and through and excited about His purpose and calling as I move forward! 

Q:  What were some of the lessons you hope listeners would grasp after listening to "The Only One"?

The main theme of this whole project is Love.  The underlying statement is how much God loves us and no matter what you are facing, He's got you and He is not ever letting go. I'd be honest to say that it's a lot easier to say it than it is to live it and apply it to your thinking. But, Ive found more peace since I've changed my mindset than I have in years.  These songs not only convey that message, but give you a sense of courage when you are weary! 

Q:  You have also recorded a new Reba Rambo-McGuire original for this album.  Tell us more about this new song and what it means to you.

Jesus Saved Me (When I Could Not Save a Myself) is a song that means the world to me. Written by Reba Rambo McGuire, Dony McGuire, and Chip Davis.  It's basically the nuts and bolts testimony of my life.  Sometimes, it's just as simple as that.  I was driving home one night from Wisconsin and I was listening to YouTube because it kept me awake.  There was a party at the McGuire's home in which they were just singing around the piano as they do often.  They had just finished writing this tune and just sang it together that night.  It struck a huge nerve in me and touched my heart.  I immediately got a hold of Dony and told him I had to have it.  He obliged and is one of my favorites.  They also sang with me on the song which is a lifelong career highlight.

Q:  I absolutely love the song "Thorns," it's a song that is not only poetically moving, but the song just lingers.  Why did you choose to record this song?

 I love to record songs that speak to me.  I have found if I record songs that speak to me, they often speak others as well.  It's always easy to Thank God when all is going well in your world.  When life is good, God is amazing, and when life stinks, then we are always wondering where He went.  I've learned that if anything God was probably working with me/us more in Valleys than any other time.  It was in those low times when my faith was strengthened and I had to rely on him more to pull me through.  I became a stronger person because of it, and now standing on the mountain again, I'm a stronger and more wise Christian. Now, I'm sure there are more mountains valleys ahead because it's called life and I wouldn't trade any of the scars I have to be perfect.  They show where I've come from. From here on out I'm going to praise and thank Him in all things.  1000 times I've thanked God for my roses. Today I'm saying Thank you for the THORNS!

Q:  Now, you are also a part of Cana's Voice, who else is part of Cana's Voice?  And what's the significance of the name Cana's Voice?

Jody McBrayer, Taranda Greene and myself,  make up the group Cana's Voice.  We all have solo careers and will continue to do those dates.  We will work select dates throughout the coming years as a group as well.  

We have similar stories and it just works.  They are family to me and I can't tell you how much I appreciate being apart of this group.  The sound is amazing and I love every part of touring with them.  It's the best of both worlds. 

The name came from the story of the wedding at Cana where Jesus performed his first miracle.  He turned the water into wine, but had to serve the wine in broken pots.  We like to think that no matter how much a broken vessel we are, God has a purpose and He it's not through with us yet.  He is saving the best for last!

Q:  What are you most excited about Cana's Voice's debut album on StowTown Records? 

I'm excited to sing harmony again.  The project is very eclectic with a broad range of styles.  The material is top notch and powerful.  We will all tell you that we love what God has done in our solo ministries, but at the end of day, we are group singers at heart.  It's nice to be a part of a team again and to be a part of something bigger than myself. 

Q:  As you were recording your solo release as well as Cana's Voice's new album, how has God used these songs to deepen your faith in Him? 

Like I said earlier.  I'm just at a different point in my life.  I'm Thankful for what God has done and the opportunities he has opened not only for me, but this group.  The songs have meant the world to me, and the experiences and scars I have had along the way have made me stronger.  It is truly true that He is The Only One that you'll ever need because Jesus Never Fails!! 

 

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