Brandon Heath interviews new Integrity recording artist Kari Jobe in the final installment of his “New Artist Spotlight.”

This is my last “New Artist’s Spotlight”; I don’t get to carry the title of GMA “New Artist of the Year” anymore. Now I get to pass on the title to my boys in Tenth Avenue North (2009 GMA “New Artist of the Year”). Stay tuned for their upcoming interviews!

As a parting gift, I put in a special interview request for Kari Jobe to get to know her better. I first heard about Kari from my old friend Ed Cash, her producer on her debut record. It’s great to see new talent in the worship realm—especially from such a godly woman.

– B.H.

Brandon Heath:  Hey Kari, Brandon Heath here. Excited to talk to you!

Kari Jobe:  Hi, everybody!

Brandon:  Well, where are you today, Kari?

Kari:  I’m at home in Dallas. I was actually born in Waco, but three weeks after I was born, my parents moved back to Dallas.

Brandon:  So you were in residence for three weeks in Waco. That doesn’t really count.

Kari:  I know!

Brandon:  Did you know that I lived in Texas for a couple years? I lived in Houston. So I have much admiration for you as a Texan. What was it like growing up there? What were you into growing up?

Kari:  My family was in ministry, so I grew up at church, falling asleep on the pews because we were there ’til the break of dawn. And by the time I settled down in my teenage years, I started leading worship at my church. I’ve always been into music and loved it. I also loved people and ministry. Growing up in that environment, you either love it or hate it—I loved it. I played volleyball in high school as well.

Brandon:  Did you wear the kneepads and elbow pads? I’ve seen girls play volleyball, and it’s pretty intense. What was your signature move?

Kari:  I was more on the back row. I was the defensive specialist, because I’m short and could get real low and get the ball back in the air.

Brandon:  Who were your first musical influences?

Kari:  I listened to a lot of Michelle and Barry Patterson. They were local artists in Dallas—very cool people. And then of course, Darlene Zschech. When I was about 13, “Shout to the Lord” was a big deal; and when I was little, 10 or so, I listened to Dennis Jernigan.

Brandon:  Dennis Jernigan … I need to check him out. What’s his style—acoustic?

Kari:  He played the piano. He did a lot of prophetic worship, singing over people, which is interesting because I love that kind of worship now. I love to write stuff that will minister over people.