In November 2000, Brio readers had a chance to ask Phil Joel of the Newsboys any question they wanted. After receiving more questions than he could answer at one time, Phil shared a select group of responses with us. So here it is. Your interview with Phil Joel!

Q. How does it feel to be a dad?
A. Becoming a dad has been the most amazing experience in my life. Phyn's birth has left me speechless. It's very hard to put into words exactly how I feel, but here goes. It is a mixture of the purest joy blended with sheer awe and wide-eyed amazement. And yet this feeling which I cannot quite understand is the most natural and right feeling I've ever felt! Phyn is now more than a month old and grows more beautiful by the minute. Check out the Joel family photo!

Q. How did you begin letting others know that you could sing and had talent?
A. When I was 13, I picked up a guitar and immediately felt in love. Obviously I couldn't play it right away, and I had to work hard at practicing, but I really did enjoy playing and singing songs. After a while I got a little bit better at my chord changes and began to play and sing not only in my bedroom, but in the living room for my mum. She was very gracious and encouraging even when we both knew I was singing flat. I knew I wasn't the greatest singer or guitar player in the world, but that didn't matter and still doesn't. There comes a time when you've just gotta go for it and dare to fall and be laughed at. I love music and God doesn't mind if I sing or play badly. He can still use you and my just as much as the most gifted musician in the world.

Q. What is your life like? Do you get to do everything any normal person would do? Basically, is it worth it?
A. When you refer to normal people, I wonder what you mean? I am normal and my life feels just as normal to me as yours does to you. It certainly has been an exciting journey, but I truly feel that every life can be exciting when we follow Jesus. He has lead me here to do what I do and it all feels strangely normal to me. I think the big question to ask is whether or not it's worth following Jesus and allowing Him to lead. And of course the answer is an enormous YES!! We must also remember that Jesus will direct our paths in the directions He sees as being the best for us. That doesn't mean they will always be easy. He's interested in building our character and in molding us into the best people we can be. I hope I can allow Him to do that with me whether it's on stage or at home doing the dishes.

Q. Do you find it hard to set your solo career apart from your career with Newsboys?
A. No, that's not really an issue. What I do find hard at times is making sure that my music, ministry or career (they're all related) doesn't take too much time away from family and friends. And of course, I always need to be certain to spend time with God, especially when things get really busy.

Q. I was just wondering what your views were on Homeschooling and if you might consider homeschooling Phynley when she gets older.
A. Homeschooling seems like a great thing to do for kids. It gives them a safe environment to learn in without fear of crazy teacher's ideas, or fear of crazy kids. The only down side that I can see would possibly be if the kids didn't get enough interaction with other kids. It's good to develop friendships with people outside of our family or church family. Not only does it allow us a chance to interact with and love others, it also can give a new perspective on how wonderful it is to be brought up in a Christian home. As to whether or not we will home school Phynley, I don't know yet! First things first. I'm still thinking about when she may next need her diaper changed!

Q. Do your fans ever make you uncomfortable? Say, by gushing about how cute you are?
A. Sure, there are times I feel a little uncomfortable, but nobody means any harm. Usually the fans are very polite and respectful. They don't often get too gushy and weird out. Right now people are getting gushy over Phyn! And rightly so. She is absolutely gushable!

Q. How do you feel your solo album will impact lives differently than the Newsboys' music? Is there a difference?
A. I think there is a difference because my music comes from one guy, me. And the Newsboys music is usually perceived as coming from five guys. I think there is a special power in knowing a song is being sung from the heart of one person. I feel like I'm sharing my testimony on a personal level that I hope people can relate to.

Q. Are you and Heather planning on having any more children?
A. Yeah, we'd like more, God willing. But who can say? I'd also like to look into the idea of adoption. Probably because I'm adopted, and I think it's a pretty cool thing.

Q. You know those shoes that you wore on the Watching Over You cover? What brand are they? I know you got them at Journey's but I need to know the brand.
A. Those shoes I bought in Canada. They were in a clearance bin at Urban Outfitters for $9. There were my favorite shoes, but unfortunately I had to throw them out. They got really dirty beyond the possibility of being cleansed.

Q. What's your favorite part of being a Christian artist?
A. Seeing how a song can turn a heart toward God is probably the coolest thing for me. Also, I like meeting lots of interesting people while on the road. Oh yeah, hearing my songs on the radio is pretty cool, too!

Q. What keeps you going when times get tough?
A. Isaiah 40:29-31

Q. I just wanted to know how Phyn is doing and what time she was born.
A. Phyn is doing great and gets more beautiful by the day. Her birthday was October 15, and she was born at 1:03 p.m.

Q. What is it like being on stage? Are you nervous, scared or just out to have a great time?
A. It's so much fun looking out and seeing nothing but happy faces. Everyone is there to enjoy themselves, and it's contagious. I don't get scared doing Newsboys shows anymore, but I do get a little scared with I do Phil Joel shows. Right now I'm planning a big tour in February 2001. It's gonna be great! I'm taking out a great band with lots of wild lighting and video screens. The tour will also include cool support acts like Luna Halo, Earthsuit, Vienna and Sammy Ward. I know that it's going to be great, but I'm still a bit nervous as this is my first full tour without my Newsboys brothers. If you can remember to pray for me and the entire "Strangely Normal Tour," that would be much appreciated.

Q. Who are your heroes?
A. Obviously Jesus is at the top of the hero list for any Christian, but I would have to include my parents, my youth pastor (Jonathon Weir), certain song writers such as Keith Green, The Alterboys and the rest of the Newsboys, and also my best friend since I was a little guy-Mark.

Q. What is your favorite song from your solo project Watching Over You?
A. To answer that question it's almost like naming a favorite son or daughter. How can I without the others feeling bad? Oh well, here goes: "El Salvador."

Q. This is going to sound REALLY odd, but do you already have a baby-sitter for Phynley? I'm volunteering!!! I live in Brentwood, Tenn.
A. Thanks for the offer, Mary, but we've got it covered. I'll call ya if anything changes, okay?

Q. Does your daughter Phynley have dual citizenship?
A. Yes, but only until she is 18. Then she will have to decide which country she wants to be a citizen of.

Q. What are little quirks that each of the Newsboys have?
A. I can't give away any secrets, but I can tell you that we all have plenty of quirks and we still manage to think each other is pretty cool. And that in itself is rather quirky, don't you think?

Q. Phil, it seems like the teenage girl demographic makes up a large portion of the Newsboys' audience. Do you wish there were more guys or more adults at the concerts?
A. I have noticed lately that our audiences are becoming very diverse. Rock n' roll and pop music are now 50 years old, so we see kids at our shows with not only their parents, but also their grandparents.

Q. How do you handle the pressure of knowing that your life is being watched by kids and teens, even adults, and that they admire and respect the things that you do?
A. I think it's a really unique position to be in, and I'm honored that people observe the decisions and events that shape my little life. In some ways that's what songwriting is about. It's about sharing the experiences of life with each other. As it happens, my life revolves around my relationship with Christ. So if people want to observe my life, and if they find something in it that's interesting, then I hope they will eventually see a lot of Jesus and a lot less of me. At the same time, I must state with an exclamation mark that I'm still very human and still just a sinner saved by grace!

Q. Can you tell us when Jody's wife, Erica, is due?
A. March 5, 2001

Q. At what age did you know that God wanted you to do what you are doing with your life? I am having trouble with knowing what He wants me to do. I want to go into evangelism, but don't know if God wants me to. Can you help?
A. All I can offer is this: Ecclesiastes 12.

From Brio Magazine