Paige
by Trisha Bleau

CS: Do you ever worry about getting caught up in the world of show biz? That success will change you?

Paige: I try very hard to separate who I am from what I do. When I come home from Nashville, I know that I have a strong group of family and friends who know and love me for who I am and not just as “that singer girl.” Sometimes I can’t believe that all of this is really happening to me, and I get overwhelmed with the exciting stuff going on, but it is important to me to stay as real and down to earth as possible, and these people really help to accomplish that.

CS: What kind of relationship do you maintain with your audiences? Do you fellowship with them or remain distant as the performer?

Paige: I don’t want my audiences to feel that I have something to hide. I am excited about the people that I will meet over the next few years and the opportunity I will have to encourage and/or be encouraged by them. Connecting with people off the stage is just as important to me as connecting with people on the stage, through my music.

CS: When did you feel called to perform like this? Have you felt God’s hand guiding you toward this all along?

Paige: About two years ago, I picked up my mom’s old guitar and started writing songs. Once I started sharing my songs with the people around me, things in my life began to change. I suddenly knew what I wanted to do with my life. As I continued to write, I continued to seek after God and His will. God’s hand has been at work in my life to bring me to the point where I am now. His plans for me have proved better than anything I could have ever imagined.

CS: What is the message you are trying to get across?

Paige: My overall message to people is to surrender. God is powerful and incredibly excited about using us in this world to make a difference. It takes us giving up control, for God to show His power through us.

CS: Where do you get ideas for your music?

Paige: Looking at the songs on this album is almost like reading a journal of the last two years of my life. I write about stuff going on in my life – relationships, struggles, prayers, etc. God has taken me on a journey, and I feel that my songs map out where I have been so far.

CS: How would you describe your musical style?

Paige: This album is full of variety. I try not to limit my writing to any particular style, but overall my music could be considered pop/rock.

CS: Who, or what, are your biggest musical influences?

Paige: Some of my favorite artists are No Doubt, Hanson (I am not ashamed), LaRue and Jennifer Knapp. The size of my CD collection, however, shows that I like many types of music and listen to a lot of different groups.

CS: Are you involved in your own home church? What role do you have there?

Paige: I am very involved in my youth group at my church. I have been singing there for a while, and I lead worship there about once a month. Last summer, we went on a mission trip to Jamaica. We watched God do some awesome things. Being a part of my youth group is a major part of my life, and it has opened many doors for my ministry.

CS: Are you home schooled? If not, how do you manage to keep up with your studies AND your ministry?

Paige: When I was recording this past fall, I got out of public school and started mailing in my lessons through correspondence classes. Now that I have finished recording the CD, I am actually back in school because the release date isn’t until June 19th. My life right now is extremely crazy, because I am balancing school, softball (this is our big year!), and music. We plan trips to Nashville around my softball schedule. I am thankful for the opportunity to be back in school for one last semester, but I am definitely looking forward to being able to focus on my music.

CS: How do people who have known you all along treat you now that you have signed with Word Records? Do you get treated any differently at school or at church?

Paige: Most people who have known me all along treat me about the same as they always have, which is good. I think I get treated a little bit differently at school because of everything going on. People are interested in what I’m doing, and I get asked a lot of questions. For the most part, though, everyone treats me about the same.

CS: What is your musical background? Did you take lessons to gain the musical skills you have now?

Paige: I have been writing and playing guitar for two years. My mom signed me up for piano lessons when I was five. I took lessons for nine years and then gave it up. I definitely think that piano helped me to learn the guitar quickly. As far as singing goes, I was in the children’s choir at my church when I was younger, but never did I imagine that I would be doing what I’m doing now!

CS: Do you find it strange to hear yourself singing on the radio or to see yourself in a video?

Paige: It is totally crazy to hear my songs or see myself in a video! When we had just finished recording the CD, it was so strange to drive around with the rough mixes and listen to myself. Anyway, even though it is weird to think that my songs will be on the radio, I think it is really cool, because other people are going to be able to hear them and listen to what God has been doing in my life.

CS: What is the latest news? When will your music be released on CD?

Paige: The CD is called “Paige” and will be released on June 19th. The first single on the radio is “ Heart Of Hearts” and will hit radio stations in early May.

CS: Do you feel people look down on you for your age?

Paige: I actually look at my age (16) as a big advantage. Since I may seem young, unqualified or inexperienced, God’s power is ever more evident! Some people might look down on me for my age, but it really doesn’t bother me. I am confident in my calling and know that I am doing exactly what God wants me to do. With Him, I am capable of anything, no matter how old I am.

CS: Do you have any advice to give to the youth of out world?

Paige: Don’t wait any longer to get real with God. He is just waiting for us to look to Him so He can use us in amazing ways. It is never too early to get serious about living for God and following Him no matter what people think. “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind. Then you will be able to test and approve what God’s will is – His good, pleasing and perfect will.” Romans 12:2