Email interview with Leigh Nash, formerly of Sixpence None the Richer
September 27, 2006

www.myspace.com/leighnash

Two years ago Leigh Nash bottomed out. It wasn't due to any of the stereotypical rock dalliances involving substance abuse or lavish spending. Instead, Nash found herself face to face with the dark underbelly of the protestant work ethic - when giving and giving doesn't equal getting what you always imagined.
Sixpence None the Richer, the band she had been a member of for nearly half of her life, thirteen years all told, was contemplating calling it quits. Nash and high school mate Matt Slocum had formed the group as teenagers, touring in sedans and cramped vans, slowly building a career. 
In spite of the colossal success the band enjoyed with ubiquitous pop singles like "Kiss Me" and "There She Goes," the group was continually plagued by the business woes of the trade and finally decided to split ways amicably. Disoriented by this major change, Nash and her husband left their Nashville home of ten years and moved to Los Angeles. (bio)

Dennis: Leigh, what an honor it is to have the chance to interview with you.  I am actually a total metal and hardcore guy but the music of Sixpence None the Richer has always inspired me and been one of my favorite bands with you being one of my favorite vocalists. It always shocks people to know how much I love your music and that of SNTR.  What is some music that has inspired you as an artist that may surprise some of our readers? 
Leigh: Well thank you for the compliment! I grew up listening to 70's and 80's country...strange but true. Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Tanya Tucker, Willie Nelson, Waylon Jennings -  and lots more!

Dennis: Your debut solo album is amazing and inspirational. After SNTR breaking up I was afraid we may never hear from you again.  How long did it take you to know that you wanted to get back into the world of music? 
Leigh: I was 7 months pregnant when the band broke up and once Henry was born I was just focused on him. When he was about 8 months old I started to feel inspired to write about my son and sing about him as well.

Dennis: How has the breakup with SNTR changed you as a person and as an artist?
Leigh: That's a great question. I think that is something that I will find out as more time passes. I feel a new confidence since the break up, which is good.

Dennis: I will never forget when I watched you stand up to some comments made by David Letterman.  It has amazing how you as an artist have been able to bridge the gap of Christian and secular in the musical world.  How has this been both a blessing and at times a curse?
Leigh: I have a difficult time feeling judged...i think everyone does. It was hard being attacked for not being "Christian enough" or being "too Christian"...it was ridiculous and tiresome. But I feel that if I'm open to speaking about my faith and my struggles in this life God will provide the opportunity to do so.

Dennis: I know this seems like such a generic question but what do you hope to accomplish as a solo artist?  I ask that because there seems to be so much more behind you than just a performance.
Leigh: Some days I feel like I'm just trying to make a living -but when I hear people saying that my voice is healing to them or that the music makes them feel calm, I feel invigorated. I'm open to be used. I'm nowhere close to perfect, but I want God to use me if and when He can.

Dennis: With so many choices in religion, what caused you to choose a personal relationship with Jesus? 
Leigh: I grew up in a Baptist church, it was a good experience.  But it was in my daily life that I met God. I saw Him in so many ways. My family had some tough times growing up and watching my mother react to crisis with God as her compass was enlightening and inspiring.

Dennis: You have always maintained an image of modesty. Many female artists turn to sexuality as a way to sell albums and themselves. How would you encourage girls reading this of an importance of modesty? 
Leigh: I just don't want to show my 2000 parts, I don't care what people want to see! If you want to go places in life, hold your head up and carry yourself with dignity.

Dennis: If you could tour with one artist, past or present, who would it be and why?
Leigh: I would love to tour with Beck because his show is so awesome and I just kind of stand there -so it'd be a perfect juxtaposition!

Dennis: What was the last fast food you ate it and what did you have?
Leigh: Macaroni and hotdog! I have always been that way, those are my favorite foods!