Rachael Lampa, skyrocketed onto the pop scene in 2000 as a mere teenager amassing four number one singles, five more top ten tunes, plus appearances on "The Tonight Show," "The View," "Entertainment Tonight," "E!," "Extra" and Teen People. With a soundtrack slot on A Walk To Remember, an acting role in Hidden Secrets, a duet with Aaron Neville, plus tour time with Destiny's Child, Boyz II Men, Nickel Creek, Amy Grant, Vince Gill and even Jordin Sparks (as a supporting singer on her stints alongside The Jonas Brothers and Britney Spears), and the powerhouse vocalist/songwriter has become an internationally recognized face in less than a half decade.

Rachael Lampa is a name that long-time Christian music fans will know, but thanks to NBC's The Sing-Off she has become known by so many others. The Dove award winning vocalist appeared on the hit show with Nashville's newest acapella group The Collective. Rachael's busy winter season also included the release of her newest album All We Need. We were fortunate to make it on Rachael's busy winter calendar so that we could discuss how she obtained a successful career at such a young age, her experience on The Sing-Off, her new album, and why we think she lives 'A Life Worth Imitating'!

When did you discover your passion for music?
I think I've had the passion for longer than I can even remember. I know that from the time I was very young, I would spend the majority of my day locked in my room singing on my little karaoke machine or recording myself on my tape player. it was really hard to get me to stop singing or playing music.

How did your family react to your desire to pursue music full-time?
I'm sure they were happy to let me take my music out of the house every once in a while! No, of course they were completely supportive and completely trusted that I knew I had to do music no matter what.

Was there anyone or anything in particular that inspired you to pursue music in the beginning?
I was very much empowered by my mom and dad to share my beliefs and my story through my music. I was growing in my faith and I wanted a way to express that, I think that is what drove me.

How did you balance being a 'normal' teen and a pop star? Do you feel you missed out on anything?
I don't like to think of it as much like I missed out, but more like I "skipped over" some things =). The record label actually honored my desire to be around for important events happening in school... I passed up a few big opportunities to attend school dances, football games, family birthdays, etc… The balance had everything to do with people around me reminding what's important in life.

What went through your head when you found out you won a Dove Award?
I actually was nervous-talking to my mom when they announced my name and missed it! Eventually I noticed that everyone was looking at me and realized I had won. It was pretty exciting to be noticed so early on in my career, I was shocked.

Did you feel extra pressure as a teenager in the entertainment industry?
I think there were times when I felt like there was too much on my plate or that I was tired, but then I would read a fan letter or even talk to a friend back home and be reminded that we are all carrying a lot on our shoulders, especially as young people. The fact that my music was helping people in their walk was enough reason for me to keep moving. Everything comes with its price. I tried not to fall under the pressure, but turn it into passion

You were recently on NBC's Hit Show 'The SING-OFF'. Tell us about that experience.
It was a total blast! The opportunity came out of the blue when I was asked by a friend of mine who took second place in the competition last year to give it a shot. I told him I had never sung acappella before and he responded that neither had anyone else in the group. I liked the challenge and instantly hit it off with the rest of the group. A month later we were in LA filming The SING OFF.

What was the best part about being on The SING-OFF?
The community. It felt so good to be part of a group, part of something bigger.

What reactions did you receive from your fan base when they saw you on the show?
I think they loved it! It was surely a different direction than I or they ever thought I would go, but it was a fun way to reconnect with fans for sure.

Are there future plans for the 'The COLLECTIVE'?
We are all solo artists so we have a lot of schedule-juggling to do, but we are doing our best to continue to sing together here and there.

What advice would you give to anyone out there going after their dreams?
Don't underestimate "small" opportunities. Trust that god knows what he is doing in your life. Say yes more than you say no; walk through open doors, even if they feel like windows sometimes. I sang at stadiums, on TV, mega churches, etc… but I got my record deal from being noticed in a coffee shop in the mountains of Colorado. God's timing is perfect.

Which of your songs is the most meaningful to you and why?
It's constantly changing for me. Right now, I think it might be a song called "feel". I wrote it about the importance that I have found in allowing myself to experience life and emotion, our character is built both on times of pain and victories. It's important to feel both.

What would you like listeners to walk away with when they hear your music?
A sense of hope- that they are not alone in this world. That seems like one of the main subjects of conversation lately… people feeling lonely in their experiences, that no one else knows what they are going through. That not only can others relate to you, but that God will actually walk with us down the road.


Is there anyone or anything in your life that has inspired you to lead the kind of life you are leading today?
My parents told me about how important it is to love people as hard as we can. My brothers and sister and I took that very seriously and have built our lives around that concept. Together, we work in music and also balance our time running a homeless ministry in Nashville called People Loving Nashville. The way Jesus lived his live is what inspires me to do what I do.

What has been one of your proudest moments up until now?
Getting married!!! I never thought I would slow down enough to fall in love. I am proud to be married to a fellow Barnabas =), Brendan McCarthy.

Meet a Barnabas features people who are making a change just by leading a life filled with integrity. What does that mean to you?
To me, a person who has integrity has always been someone who is living for something beyond themselves. Someone who puts love first and does their best at what life gives them.

How do you handle situations in the entertainment industry and/or everyday life that go against your set of beliefs?
I have a short list of people I call in this situation for advice. A lot of the time, it becomes an awesome chance to share what I believe. I've found that having a hard conversation with people is a lot more rewarding than turning my back in judgment.

How does it make you feel to know people are inspired by the way you live your life?
It still catches me off guard actually! It works cyclically though, because when I hear that, it makes me want to be better too.

What is the most important message that you want your fans to walk away with…whether it's from your career or how you live life daily?
It would have to be that if you let love lead your life; your decisions, your plans, your relationships, your conversations… You will be blessed in return - maybe not materialistically, but your character and heart will be full.

What do you think about Barnabas Clothing?
I looooooooove the laid back beach style! I'm a snowboarder and there is something oddly similar about the beachy style to the snowboard style! It reminds me of home (Colorado) as I'm landlocked out here in Nashville. Thank you so much for letting me be a part of your Barnabas World!

No,... thank you Rachael for being our featured Barnabas!

Stay connected to Rachael Lampa and her music by visiting the links below.

Twitter: @RACHAELLAMPA
Face book: WWW.FACEBOOK.COM/RACHAELLAMPA
YOUTUBE: YouTube.com/Rachaellampa

WWW.RACHAELLAMPA.COM