GRAMMY Award-winning artist TobyMac, on his Feb. 9 release, Tonight (ForeFront Records/EMI CMG), creativity, touring and digital music.

Tell us about the new album.
“I try to write about life as a believer on this planet and all that comes with it. ... I call the record Tonight because that’s when things come together for me. A written song turns into a produced recording and then gets into the hands of people and we get together in a concert setting where anything can happen.”

What did you bring from your experience with the live record Alive and Transported?
“My band played on a lot of tracks on this record. I have always had a mixture of studio musicians and my band to make up the sound of my recording. I am always thinking about the live show. My band is so amazing they make me think we can do anything in the studio. So I think the live record probably busted my confidence to take creative adventures with my show in mind.”

The songs touch on a variety of topics. Where did you draw from?
“My own personal experiences, my friendships and my shortcomings. ... I want my songs to be about life, a pursuit of holiness in a crazy mixed-up world.”

Where are you now creatively?
“Coming off a year-and-a-half-long process—the writing, mixing, mastering these songs—has been a long run. Then I headed straight out to the Winter Wonder Slam Tour. I usually get refueled creatively very quickly, though. ... Right now I am most inspired about taking the songs on the Tonight album and turning them into a live experience.”

What are your thoughts on the changing landscape of the music industry?
“I would always want people to enjoy the experience of buying the CD and delving into the packaging. ... But if my songs are getting into people’s hands, I’m not complaining. When artists begin to overly concern themselves on how music is getting into people’s hands, they are not concerned enough about the art that they are making.”

Will you tour in support of the new record?
“I will be co-headlining with Skillet on the Awake Tonight tour. I think the intensity of both bands will make for a great live experience. Later this summer, I plan to co-headline some shows with Chris Tomlin.”

What's the aim of the new DVD series?
"To bring Christianity to life for kids by walking them through the entire Bible-from Genesis to Revelation. I think VeggieTales did a good job teaching individual Bible stories and Christian values. What we're trying to do now, though, is connect all those dots to show kids the big picture. Instead of teaching Christian values, we're teaching Christianity. Instead of teaching individual Bible stories, we're teaching the entire Bible. I think it's the next step after VeggieTales-sort of 'VeggieTales v2.' "

Describe your music in a Tweet (140 characters): "Quirky Pop/Indie/Alternative. Sonic pop ideals, but the songs were written and mostly built around spare organic instrumentation."

When did you decide to start doing music together? "When Tal was 16 and Acacia was 14. It was the year we lived in Russia with our family working in social services with The Salvation Army, specifically the humanitarian ministry the organization had established in the former Soviet republic in 1991."

Who are your musical influences? "Feist, Imogen Heap, Vince Guaraldi, Fiona Apple, Sixpence None the Richer, Natasha Bedingfield."

What was it like to work with producer Monroe Jones (Third Day, Chris Rice)? "We couldn't have found a more amazing person to work with. His personality, talent and direction really blew us away."

Who is your target listener? "We just want as many people as possible to hear the message of God's love in our music. We love all our fans, from the teens and college kids at our shows, and their parents who seem to enjoy our sound just as much."

Can you each pick a song from the album and explain the themes/sound behind it? Tal: " ‘Walkin' Your Dog' was inspired by the fact that when one chooses to walk with God, He doesn't guarantee the American dream. He guarantees more than material happiness, He promises things that can't be gained simply by getting what you think you want. Finding what He has for you personally requires personal time spent with Him."

Acacia: " ‘Merry Go Round' is all about living life in fullness. We so easily fall into our hum-drum commonplace duties instead of realizing that we live and serve a living God. ... I wanted [and] still want to be ‘filled to the measure of all the fullness of God' (Eph.3:19). I believe that if you are in His will and seeking Him as Lord, then your ordinary days can become extraordinary. So the song is that reminder to get off the ‘same old-same old' and find refreshment and life through His presence."