 Chris Padgett is one of the pioneers of youth-relevant Catholic music. As a founding member of the group Scarecrow and Tinmen and now as a solo artist, Padgett is a highly respected artist. Scarecrow and Tinmen were the first authentic Catholic modern rockers, with the main members converting to Catholicism gradually over the course of time. After leaving Scarecrow, Padgett has continued to impress with more of a pop-rock sound. I had a chance to catch up with Padgett recently.
DW: What have you been doing since the S&T days musically?
Padgett: I have been very busy doing a ton of solo CDs. I did my first solo CD called Follow which I was very happy with. I then did Golden, which was picked up by Spirit and Song. I did another project soon after called Wonder which was honoured at the UCMVA Unity awards. During this time, I began to do a few events which wanted me to play liturgical music. I started to write songs with the liturgy in mind and did The Encounter, which enabled me to see the beauty of liturgy. Recently, I did another project called Someone who will sing with me and just recently, Spirit and Song released a new project called Impact, which are studio versions of the music I have done live over the years. Musically I have tried to explore deeper philosophical questions.
DW: Tell me a little bit about your family.
Padgett: I married my high-school sweetheart over 16 years ago. My wife (Linda) and I have eight kids: four boys and four girls. In Easter of ’99, we became Catholic, which was one of the greatest life-changing experiences ever for our family. We have had a blast. We are open to more children if that is the Lord’s will.
DW: You are now doing talks all over the country and not just music. What are some of the talks that you give?
Padgett: I am mostly called in to do keynotes, which I love. In many ways, the talks enable me to reach deeper into spiritual matters, more than I could with a song. I always use real stories, being very vulnerable and open, so that folks will realize that I, too, am journeying towards Christ in spite of struggles and circumstantial obstacles. Humour is a wonderful way to put people at ease, and also disarm stereotypes or apprehensions. A number of these talks can be heard for free on my podcasts found on iTunes, and also on my web site www.chrispadgett.org.
DW: I understand you and your wife also have written a chastity book. What was the motivation for that and how has it been received?
Padgett: When Linda and I met in high school, we struggled with purity. We did what the world said was normal for serious relationships. A year into the dating, we were a wreck spiritually, and our relationship was hanging on by a thread. It was at this time that God really revolutionized our lives, and as a result we wanted to give ourselves to Him in the area of purity. It wasn’t an overnight success, but for over two years Linda and I were totally pure. It was a beautiful miracle in our life and laid a wonderful foundation of trust for our marriage. We offer this message of hope and forgiveness to those who’ve failed, but also a reminder to be careful to cultivate purity. The book has been received well. I think the best compliment we continue to get is that people actually read the book and have found it practically helpful.
DW: What do you think of the current Catholic music scene and what excites you about the future?
Padgett: The Catholic music as a whole has been advancing in wonderful ways this last decade. Christian music has a pretty built in industry with radio, bookstores, management, etc., while the Catholic music world is still developing what it is wanting to do here. I think it is exciting to see many people considering Catholic music and ministry as a viable option, whereas before it may not have even been something in peoples’ mind. There are some very talented musicians who are really stepping out in faith to minister to the church.
My encouragement to the younger crew is simply this: There will always be someone better, someone more articulate and more qualified, but the real question for you is simply, did God ask you to take a step out in this area? If so, then move with joy and don’t worry about anything that appears overwhelming. God will provide. I have always felt it matters more that one is grounded spiritually rather than be without some rough edges. Every musician and artist, writer, etc. needs to develop their gifts and talents, but it comes down to God’s call.
You can find more about Padgett at www.chrispadgett.org or e-mail at
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or by phone at (941) 704-3394.
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