A Living Parable of Godly Music: An Exclusive Interview with Singer-Songwriter Megan Pittman

Megan Pittman is one of the most endearing new voices of Contemporary Christian Music.  Last year, she released her critically acclaimed album "Parable."  This year, she follows that up with her new single "Number of My Days."  We are honored to be able to catch up with her for this Hallels' exclusive interview: 

Hallels:  Thanks Megan for your time.  For our readers who may not be familiar with you, who is Megan Pittman? 

I am a small town girl who adores my husband and our 5-month old daughter. I have a background in Christian ministry. I also have multiple degrees that I'm not using right now since I have the privilege of being a stay at home mom. My latest preoccupations are trying to grow tomatoes, making baby food, and growing out my bangs.

Hallels:  Last year, you released an album of self-composed songs called "Parable."  Can you tell us what your style of music is like?

I would say my music thus far is dominated by the idea of prayer, conversations with God about life's highs, lows, and everything in between. As such, the music is meditative, quiet, and detailed. Acoustic guitar and piano are accompanied by cello and bagpipes on "Parable," making it unique as far as a genre of music. There are definitely bluegrass overtones to some of the songs featuring the steel guitar. Somehow, though, it all goes together and weaves a comprehensive storyline.  

Hallels:  When did you first embark on this journey of song writing?  Does song writing come easy for you? 

Music has always been a key part of my family life as well as an expression of my heart in friendship with Jesus. I think I wrote my first song when I was around 9 years old.  And I'm pretty sure it stunk.  It was about Noah's ark and had, I think, over 10 verses. My poor family probably went crazy listening to me bang it out on the piano over and over. But I remember thinking it was really satisfying and fun, the same feeling you get when you build something.  You stand back and look at it and think, "Wow. I made that." Even if no one else appreciates it, you do because you know all the different choices you made in its construction and why you made them. Creating is fun and rewarding.

Songwriting has become a way for me to process life. In some seasons, it seemed easy. I could start and finish a song in a few sittings and be really satisfied with it. Or I would be driving in the car and get a single line and melody that I would have to expand as soon as I got home. Other times, it's a tangled knot in my heart. I'm trying to understand something: why this happened, what God is really doing. I'm still asking the questions as I'm writing and trying to work out the answers or hear God's answer as I untie each line. A lot of the songs on "Parable" were initiated by a heartache that needed mending, and I think you can hear that common thread and its resolution in the last songs 'Forgiveness,' 'I Hope You're Healed,' and 'Maybe.'

The writing challenge is compounded by the fact that I am never as good as I want to be on my instruments. I meet so many talented musicians and have such admiration for their skills and creativity.

Hallels:  You have recently released a brand new single "Number of My Days."  What's this single about?  And what was the inspiration behind this song?

"Number of My Days" is based on Psalm 90.  I wrote it in college. I'm not going to tell you how long ago that was-let's just say a while ago. During that time, I did a lot of introspection as well as a lot of worrying about the choices I was making that were going to inevitably affect the rest of my life.  Majors, degrees, careers, boyfriends. I had a lot of anxiety about missing God's best and making the right choices. From that worry came the grace to pray instead, and, of course, God answered. Psalm 90:12 says, "Show us the number of our days that we may present to You a heart of wisdom." It's a petition, but it's also the answer.  I realized that in the middle of a lot of choices, if I kept my eyes on the big picture-how short one human life really is, how only God's glory matters in the end-my choices became simpler and my heart calmer.

Hallels:  Are you following this single up with an album?  In terms of its direction, will this new album be different from "Parable"?   

Not as of yet.  

Hallels:  For our readers who may like to purchase your new single or "Parable" or if they want to find out more about you, where can they go? 

All of my music is available on iTunes and Amazon.  If anyone wants to stay updated on music news or what's going on in my life, they can follow me on Twitter @meganepittman or go to my website www.meganpittman.com.

Tags : Megan Pittman Parable Number of My Days Singer/Songwriter Exclusive Interview