Jaime Jamgochian: Above the Noise

Christian worship leader/singer-songwriter, Jaime Jamgochian’s life is full. Her resume includes the prestigious Berklee College of Music and Point of Grace’s Girls of Grace conferences. And her ministry has taken her all over the world. Last summer, Jaime traveled to Peru with 800 girls for a mission trip sponsored by Brio Magazine.

But it is the quiet time spent with the Lord that inspired Jaime’s latest album, Above the Noise.

How old were you when you knew you wanted a career in music? How did you go about pursuing that goal?

I remember at the age of seven years old I started to play piano and knew that music was what I wanted to do with my life. It was something that came so natural to me, as I struggled with bad learning disabilities and migraine headaches as a child.

When I started taking piano lessons something just clicked! I soon started writing my own songs and knew that I wanted to study music for my college education. It was at Boston’s Berklee College of Music that I came to know the Lord and started writing Christian music. While in college, I heard about an internship at a church in Seattle, WA…The City Church. I ended up heading out that way and soon became one of their worship leaders. It was during this time that the Lord opened up the doors with a Christian music company, my current label Centricity Music. I can truly say that when we seek Him first He will make our paths straight and lead us in His ways for our lives.

Has God ever provided an unexpected “detour” in your life that turned out to be positive?

YES! I think that is the beauty of this walk of faith even though it is not always easy at the time of the “detour.” In my early college years I was searching for truth. I was honestly looking to be accepted, known, and loved in all the wrong places. I was excelling at college, playing for all the top shows on campus, and singing/playing piano on a local cruise line. It was during this time that God intervened. I thought that stuff, career, and relationships would fill the void in my heart. I learned that it is only Jesus who can truly make someone whole and give our lives true purpose and meaning. That detour led me to start walking in the truth. I never thought I would be a worship leader or writing Christian music, but God’s plans for our lives are so much better than our own.

Where do you get your ideas for songs? What’s the songwriting process like for you?

I think most of my ideas come from the time I spend alone with God. You know the Christian phrase “quiet time” is for me…setting aside time to connect with the Lord. To seek Him, read what His love letter to me has to say (the Bible), and to be still and listen for that inner voice. I get inspired through what God is teaching me in my walk with Him, and I try to somehow relate that in a song.

Please tell us about your new CD, Above the Noise (Centricity Music). What is the significance of the title?

I think it is really easy to get caught up in the busyness and chaos of this world. Even Christian things…church, Bible study, community groups, serving, etc, which are necessary and important, can become the noise in our lives, and it can get louder than God’s voice. This album is about lifting up God in our lives…Above The Noise.

We need to find the time and ways to connect with Him and not follow the ways of this world, so we can lift all that above the chaos of life.

I would love to know more about your Modest Is Hottest conferences for young girls. How did that get started? What has been the reaction to it?

Years ago, I was part of a great event where I needed to have more items on my merchandise table for the fans. When talking about what kind of t-shirt to make, I knew I didn’t want one with my name across the front for two reasons. (1.) It’s a long, crazy, hard name to say. (2.) Also, as a worship leader, it just felt uncomfortable to me. A short time later while signing at a different event, a teen girl came up to my table to get her CD signed and she was holding a journal. She had written MODEST IS HOTTEST on the cover. I saw that and freaked out! I told her, “I love that and I believe we all need to live it.” : )

Then I got permission to make my new t-shirts with the Modest Is Hottest logo (you can buy them at www.jaimejam.com), and they sell so quickly I have not been able to keep them on my table. I realized there is a movement of teens/college kids/even moms who believe this and live it out. This is how I started my Modest Is Hottest events.

I looked back to my teen years and wished I had heard the truth about what constitutes “true beauty.” I wish I had heard about God’s plan for purity…that I didn’t need to look to media or what the world defines as beautiful. So this event is to inspire young people to know who they are in Christ and to live fully for Him in all areas….with one of those being modesty in our speech, conduct, actions, and clothing.

What are your touring plans for 2011?

I am currently booked most weekends singing at women events, being a guest worship leader at churches across the country, and doing my Modest Is Hottest events. I’m excited about a pending announcement on a Fall tour and fans can check out where I am appearing at www.jaimejam.com.

A few fun questions:

This website is about both writing and music. What kind of books do you like to read?

I love the book “Jesus Calling” by Sarah Young. I also love Francine Rivers’ books as they inspire me so much.

Are you a major or a minor chord?

For sure a MAJOR CHORD : )

In the story that is your life, are you the strong, female lead; the girl next door; the mysterious woman behind dark glasses; the super heroine; or the little girl trying to walk in high heels?

I view myself as the strong female lead.

I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets and/or a favorite pet from the past.

Since I grew up with parents who are both very allergic to cats and dogs, I didn’t have any pets when I was younger. I like animals and have friends who have adopted these wonderful companions, but I’m so busy I can’t take on the responsibility of a pet. The poor thing would feel abandoned with my travel schedule!

Jaime, thanks for dropping by DivineDetour. It’s a pleasure to have you!

Thank you so much and for spreading the love and hope of God we have through Christ.

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For more information about Jaime, visit her website at http://jaimejam.com/.

Friend Jaime on Facebook at http://www.facebook.com/jaimejamgochian and/or follow her on Twitter at http://twitter.com/jaimejamgochian.