We have met so many amazing people so far. Cornerstone was definitely an experience. It seems that we left just before the rain came. Kansas City was small, but very hospitable. Lawton, OK just blew us away. They treated us as if we were their very own children. I can’t wait to meet the rest of the people that God will put on our path.

Thank you all for praying for us. We hope to see some of you down the road. Thanks for reading. All for Him,
Joy

1. What was the process of making this new album ‘God & A Girl’ like for you? What was the inspiration behind it? It was kind of like a whirlwind. And a bit intimidating. You’re putting your heart and soul…your very self out there for people to critique, so I wanted to tread carefully. But I also wanted to be me and do what the songs called for. The inspiration for the album was my life. I know nothing as well as I know myself. I can only write what I know.
2. How was it a departure from your first CD? God and a Girl is actually the first CD. We released an EP in 2005, but 4 out of those 5 songs were included on the album.
3. The song ‘Holding Onto Me’ has become a favorite among women - what is it about the song that you believe they are drawn to? That’s an interesting question…one I don’t really have an answer for. But I would love to know, as well, why they are drawn to it. It is probably the most upbeat song on the album. It’s lighthearted and not too deep…something really easy to listen to.

Read More from the Interview.

Music Review Pounding the pavement in the Christian pop rock genre is singer-songwriter, Joy Whitlock. I have to admit to being very surprised by the lyrical ability this new artist has put into her debut album, God and a Girl. Despite growing up a pastor’s daughter, Joy decided Christianity was not for her until four years ago when she encountered Him in what she describes as “the most beautiful thing that I had ever seen”. With that said, it’s easy to imagine this artist has a lot to write about.

Joy brings a truthfulness and boldness that is captivating to her music and not being shy; she clearly leaves her heart on every track. Whilst her style of music may not be for everyone Joy has been creative with each one, at times mixing styles like gospel, country and folk to bring edge and depth.

Her journey from struggle to salvation is one that so many can easily relate to and yet there’s room to just switch on a track and have fun, turn the sound up and take out your air-guitar. If you somehow miss the music and miss the lyrics, the one thing you can’t miss is Joy’s vocal ability. Joy has been liked to artists like Kendall Payne, Sarah McLachlan, and Jennifer Knapp; her strong, layered tones resonate throughout each track making every one memorable in its own right.

Read Entire Review

Thanks for reading.

Joy

So, I am sitting in a hotel room in Macomb, IL. Waking in about 7 hours to kick off the tour at the Cornerstone Festival. Well, not actually playing in 7 hours, but heading down there to get a primo camping spot. I am excited to see what God will do with 3 unknown musicians, traveling these great states, wanting to share the only Truth we know…the only Truth there is. I hope that you all will continue to pray for us throughout this month. Pray that our traveling will be safe. Pray that our money won’t run out. Pray that our hearts will be pure. And pray that Naomi will keep her sanity. Ha!
I hope to see you all sometime down the road.
Thanks for reading.
Joy

Back on 2/16/09 we posted a link of Joy’s performance on the Ardent Presents radio show which was featured on Break Thru Radio, and Now you can WATCH Joy’s performance on her YouTube page AND hear the show in its entirety (the BreakThru version was edited due to time constraints) at a higher quality mp3 on the Ardent Presents website!

(Scroll to the bottom of the page until you see a play button)

Enjoy!

** New artist Joy Whitlock is headlining the Testify tour as it kicks off June 28 at Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, IL. The acoustic tour will also introduce audiences to indie duo Carolina Story who are also launching a “Spare Change” campaign to help in sending aide to needy children in Africa. For tour dates please see below.

**Whitlock received raving reviews for debut album God And A Girl, which released last fall on INO/Ardent Records’. Since then, she has been busy writing music and entertaining audiences across the country. Formerly having toured with mentor Todd Agnew, Whitlock is ready to head back on the road where she will be performing songs from her debut that reveal the struggles she has encountered and how she conquered them through Christ. Carolina Story is comprised of husband & wife duo Emily and Ben Roberts. The Memphis-based band just released their debut album.

Testify Tour Dates (dates subject to change)
06/28/09 Bushnell, Ill Cornerstone Festival (The Anchor Stage)
06/29/09 Bushnell, Ill Cornerstone Festival (Sean Michels Stage)
07/01/09 Bushnell, Ill Cornerstone Festival (Sean Michels Stage)
07/02/09 Kansas City, MO Gashland Presbyterian Church
O7/03/09 Lawton, Ok TBA
07/04/09 Lawton, Ok I Love America Celebration–Elmer Thomas Park
07/05/09 Lennox, SD Lennox City Park
07/08/09 Little Rock, AR Juanitas
07/09/09 Pine Bluff, AR TBA
07/12/09 Bryant, AR Brand New Church
07/15/09 Nashville, TN The Anchor Fellowship
07/16/09 Murfreesboro, TN World Outreach Church
07/17/09 Kingston Springs, TN Red Tree Coffee
07/18/09 Jackson, TN Town Central Associated Building
08/01/09 Macon, GA The 567 Cafe
08/02/09 Athens, GA TBA