Interview: Christie Cook

Congrats on your recent music release!

How did your musical journey begin? What initially sparked your interest in music?

My mom played the piano beautifully. From a young age, I remember sitting next to her, watching her fingers fly across the keys, and longing to do the same. Often, she would give us kids—there were seven of us—different musical instruments to play along with her as she played the piano. Since I was very little, she gave me a wooden spoon and a kitchen pot to bang on, making me the drum section!

When I was about five, my mom recognized my musical talent and wanted me to have piano lessons. The teacher initially said I was too young, but my mom asked her to just hear me play. After one lesson, the teacher decided to teach me and I never stopped playing. 

Can you describe some of the pivotal moments or turning points in your artistic development?

Growing up, I often listened to Seals and Crofts, James Taylor, Joan Baez, Jackson Browne, Don McLean, John Denver, and many other folk type artists. When I was 10, my sister’s best friend, who wrote songs and played the guitar, became a significant influence. I begged her to teach me, and I couldn’t get enough of the guitar and piano; they both drew me in like magnets.

I studied classical piano performance in college, but I was always drawn to the guitar and singing. However, I was a bit shy about it in college, as classical piano and folk music didn’t blend well. When I was about 30, I attended a well-known folk festival, and I knew then that I had many more songs within me to share. I left with a deep desire to write more songs and not just play the guitar, but play it well. Thanks to my college practice habits, it was easy to switch gears and focus on the guitar. I had a wonderful fingerstyle teacher whose teaching significantly influenced my sound.

How have your musical tastes and influences evolved over time? 

I have always been drawn to the piano, and I am grateful I studied classical music because I believe it has influenced my instrumental piano writing.  Yet, folk music has always been a significant part of my life.  I wrote mostly folk music until about the age of 33,  when I found my faith in Jesus.  A man named Ron Petty visited a church nearby to share his near-death experience.  He explained many things about heaven, but what left a lasting impression was his experience of being face to face with Jesus.  After listening to his story, I went home and prayed to Jesus for the first time asking Him to bless me with many more songs to sing about Him. At this time I  began to read the Bible.  I have always loved God, I just never really ‘knew’ Him because I didn’t really know Jesus.  The more I read about Him, the more I loved Him, and the more I loved Him the more I wanted to ‘know’ Him.  It was at this time I began writing more Christian music but still staying within the folk like genre.  

As far as my songwriting, I think it took me awhile to feel safe to just be me, and not try to sound like everyone else. My Christian music doesn’t really sound like other Christian music they play on the radio, and I am ok with that now. I like my sound, and feel compelled to continue writing in my own style.  I tend to write in three different styles of music:  instrumental piano combined with cello and sax, singer/songwriter folk Christian music (sometimes with a full band, and sometimes very minimal with just acoustic instruments), and of course, fun secular songs that people can relate to such as ‘One Sock Blues’, and ‘Lazy Day’.

I also believe living in Texas has influenced my songwriting in that I love to add fiddle, occasional banjo and mandolin when the song has a more folk like influence, adding a certain but minimal country charm.  

Are there any specific experiences or challenges that have shaped your artistic identity?

I endured a pretty debilitating illness that lasted for about 10 years.  During much of that time I couldn’t really hold the guitar or really play the piano very well due to feeling so weak.  But I continued to persevere and try to write songs anyway.  I never lost my faith, though I often asked God, ‘why.’ It was a very difficult time in my life, emotionally and physically.  My spirit longed to play music, to travel, to live life.  But my body wasn’t able.  There is a saying -‘the sweetest flowers bloom and grow from rugged mountain trails’.  Many beautiful heartfelt songs came from this time period, and now that I am well I hope they encourage others who might be going through a difficult time in their lives. 

What role does experimentation play in your creative process?

It is constant.  That is what draws me so much to the creating process is the never ending well of ideas, rhythms, rhymes, and ways to write a song.  I get excited when I hear a particular rhythm from something unexpected. For example, one day as I was driving I tuned into the rhythm of my car’s blinker. When I got home I sat down at the piano and wrote a song using that rhythm. It was fun. I also like to analyze other artists’ songs that I like, and think about their lyrics, arrangements and the instruments they used. 

Can you share a particularly meaningful or memorable performance or recording session from your journey?

I have so many memorable experiences. Recently, I was fortunate to record at Cedarhouse Sound and Mastering in North Sutton, NH. I co-produced with a very talented musician, Kent Allyn. It’s so much fun doing what you’re created to do alongside others who share a similar gift. Kent helped me arrange much of the music and played piano, bass, and guitar on many songs. We worked together so well and were always laughing and having a great time. The engineer, Gerry Putnam, was very professional, as were all the musicians. His studio is situated in a small hamlet near Lake Kezar. After long days of recording, I would ride my bike and either row in a kayak or swim in the lake. It was magical, with the blue mountains surrounding the lake, and a quaint little church and inn built long ago. I was even asked to do a small concert at the church, and many people came. It was fun.

In the past, I recorded an album with Mitch Dane in Nashville. He is a wonderful producer, and I got to work with many talented musicians, resulting in an album called ‘Every Good Thing.’

Presently, I feel grateful to be able to record closer to home in a recording studio at my alma mater, Stephen F. Austin State University, with a dear friend as my engineer, Jimmy Taylor. We went to college together, so it’s like coming full circle working together again. The studio is brand new and has a beautiful Steinway Grand Piano. Jimmy and I have a wonderful working relationship. We often think the same things, and even when we disagree, we can pause and work it out, often by compromising. We respect each other and really listen to what the other has to say. 

Are there any recurring themes or concepts that you find yourself exploring in your music?

I love stories – all kinds of stories – and  I love to share them through my music.  I’ve heard it said that a story is the quickest way to the human heart.  I believe that’s why Jesus told so many stories.  Stories can teach us many things and make us ponder things within.  Another recurring theme would probably be God.  He is such a Beautiful Being, and I love to point to Him subtly and sometimes not so subtly in my songs.  Sometimes I don’t mention Him at all, but His presence is underlying the song.  

How do you stay inspired and motivated to create new music?

I stay inspired and motivated to create new music by paying attention to what is around me whether that be, for example, a person in a grocery store telling me a story, or the moon rising in an indigo, starlit sky while I’m holding the hand of my husband.  When I truly walk through life in the present moment, there is so much to write and sing about.  I also pray often, spend time with God, and ask Him to put songs in my heart to sing to others so I might encourage them.  

Looking back on your journey so far, what are some lessons or insights you’ve gained about yourself as an artist?

I’m trying to learn not to not be so hard on myself, and that perfectionism is not really a comfortable place to be. While striving for perfection can be a strength, taken too far, it can become a weakness.  So, I try to keep that in check.  Life is much more enjoyable and I feel calmer. I do the very best I can, and then try to let go.  Another lesson would be not to compare myself to others.  Staying true to who I am where I am in life.  Bottom line is I am loved by God.  I don’t have to prove myself to anyone.  Just sing, and sow good seeds.  That’s what I want to do as long as I am able.  

I also am learning to not get so worked up and be more calm while performing.  I’ve done this by visualizations, and it’s very helpful.  I love to sing to people, but it’s not always easy being in front of large crowds.   

Another significant insight is to  is to stay true to my unique sound and songwriting, rather than trying so hard to ‘fit in’ to what is popular.  If my songs touch a few hearts, a hundred, or a few thousand, then that’s wonderful.  That is more hearts touched than if I don’t sing at all.  

We all have a gift and gifts are meant to be shared.  God creates some people huge like oak trees and others vibrant like a small sunflower.  Both are beautiful and each has its place.  In a world that can often feel challenging and uncertain, my ultimate and heartfelt goal is to lift people’s hearts, point them towards a loving God, and once again encourage them through my music.