The original “Under The Radar” show started at ReFrame Media in 2008, and before our first birthday I met and interviewed new artist Andrew Greer.  We were able to pal around a bit and I made fun of his persnickety personality and he made fun of my street-cred-unfriendly love of Steven Curtis Chapman.  We quickly became fast friends, and have been supportive of each others’ work over the last 11 years.  Last week, Andrew released his latest studio project called Tune My Heart: Songs of Rest and Reflection (…anyone need some rest and reflection in these crazy times? I see those hands!).  It already reached #2 on the iTunes Christian Charts, because (a) it’s a really well-crafted album with a timeless feel, and (b) Andrew could not have planned a more a more providential time that our world needs an album of music that so intentionally points people to peace in Christ!  We enjoyed talking to Andrew recently about the heart behind the new album — and the link to the mini documentary is below.

UTR: What have been some of your personal reflections in the midst of this Coronavirus season?

Andrew:  Over the past few days, even couple of weeks, as the drama of the virus has played out in our international and stateside societies, I have been volleying between cynicism and questioning and calm and acceptance, to tinges of anxiety, and yes, even gratefulness – like most people. But the overarching quest throughout my entire life has been for peace. To be at peace with myself, with others, the world around me, and God. To truly be at home. And, I think, to be at home with God is to be at peace. So my search for peace is a search for God.  I suppose with any sort of uncontrollable circumstance, like the Coronavirus, the search is more pronounced or present, perhaps even more urgent.

UTR: What was your vision for the new album Tune My Heart?

Andrew:  When my co-producers Travis Patton and Kyle Buchanan and I were combing through songs to include on this project, whether that be perusing the pages of my old hymnbook, or penning some new tunes specifically for the project, the messaging through the instrumentation, through the songs’ lyrics, even though the songs’ titles, was simply “peace.” Little did we know we would be releasing a record about peace in this strange season in our world’s timeline.  When we are most anxious, or uncertain, and searching for calm and cool and centeredness, music is a good place to start. And I sure hope through the piano lines, or open-tuned guitars, or Buddy Greene’s plaintive harmonica, or the compassionate vocals of Cindy Morgan and Sandra McCracken, Tune My Heart will embody what peace might sound like.

UTR: Did you want to create this album as a community effort?

Andrew:  Collaboration has always been a part of how I craft records. But with a specifically “Andrew & Friends” record like Tune My Heart, the guest artists’ contributions are the hub that helps the wheel of this record propel. From Cindy Morgan and Sandra McCracken’s perfectly raw rendition of “Give Me Jesus,” which Cindy wrote a new verse or two for, to Buddy Greene’s profound musical heart played through that beautiful harmonica of his on “What Wondrous Love Is This”, or Wes Hampton’s stunning vocal on the old church song, “Take My Life and Let It Be,” all of the guests musical bones are driven by tender hearts that naturally resonate with the feelings and the sounds of peace. Life is easier to maneuver when in the company of friends. Recording a new project is much the same.

UTR: Do you sense a theme running through the songs?

Andrew: Yes, oh yes. Peace is what motivates these songs, these arrangements, and these sounds.

UTR: You are gifted in a variety of ways – not just music. What are some of the other things you’re working on?

Andrew:  I produce and co-host an Amazon Prime series called Dinner Conversations. It is an in-depth interview series that involves food – because food is a must! – and lots of hearty topics covered in conversation with many dinner guests. We just debuted Season Three with Wynonna Judd. So it keeps me on my toes creatively and practically, to say the least.  I also am directing a new philanthropic reality series hosted by Danny Gokey. And have a documentary or two, as well as a television show I will be hosting myself in the works. So yes, plenty of variety, and plenty busy!

Andrew Greer is an accomplished songwriter, producer, author, and TV host.  He hails from Columbia, TN – and can be found online at www.andrew-greer.com.