Be sure to click and listen to This Is How We Roll as you read...
What can newsboys fans expect from your 14th studio project, In The Hands Of God?
Jeff: The record was a two-year process. Peter and I spent about eighteen months writ- ing, rewriting, arranging, and rewriting songs. We wanted to push the envelope of what we do. We hope that the fans will love it � we had them in mind the entire time we were working on it.
How is In The Hands of God an autobiographical record for newsboys? Jeff: I’m not sure if we intentionally went for that, but there are definitely some songs that lean to the autobiographical. “The Way We Roll” is a three and a half minute humorous recap of the band’s entire career. The song “RSL 1984” speaks a lot to Peter’s growing up experiences. It’s very emotional.

Michael Tait of dc Talk will be touring with newsboys as lead singer. Peter, why did you make the decision to step off the road, and what will your role with the band be now?
Peter: After traveling many thousands of miles across land and sea for more than twenty-two years, along with the need to constantly keep writing and reaching production deadlines, watering the plants, feeding the dog, etc., it was just time for something to give � and my tour booking agent and his GPS drew the short straw! I want to thank everyone for their prayers and encouragement. We have had many people write or call to ask about my wellbeing. Thank you for your concern! I am not dying of some sickness or disease; nor am I in some sort of moral or spiritual crisis (glory to God!) There has been no band bust-up or punch-out; although now that I think of it, I did accidentally render Duncan unconscious one time in a play fight just minutes before a concert. All is well! Newsboys have always been a mission. I entrust Mike, Jeff, Jody, and Duncan to carry on what I started as a teenager. I will continue with the band as a friend, songwriter, cheerleader, and prayer partner.

Michael, you must have been surprised when you got the call to join the band. How did you make the decision to take this bold step?
Michael: Very seldom am I ever at a “loss for words.” When I received the initial call from newsboys’ manager Wes Campbell to consider joining the band as lead singer, I was speechless! My first reaction was one of total excitement and disbelief � all in an instant. Once the smoke settled, I immediately sought wise counsel and flooded the heavens with endless prayers for insight and vision. No doubt, this decision was in my top three hardest of all time.
Peter and I have been longtime friends and he’s been nothing short of amazing in helping make this transition come to life. We will continue to work close creatively and musically � producing, writing, and making newsboys records continue in the tradition of excellence.
Now I know this is exactly where I belong in this new and wonderful moment. This is a definite highlight of my career and for my years of walking with Jesus. I am humbled, proud, and privileged to call myself a newsboy. How have newsboys and dc Talk fans reacted to this great collaboration of talent?
Jeff: Newsboys fans have responded unbelievably well to Mike’s arrival as lead singer. Both of our bands started at the same time, and most of our fans were also dc Talk fans. Most of dc Talk’s fans are newsboys fans. Mike is a well-known, recognizable face. We’ve been friends for almost twenty years, so it just made sense for him to join us. Mike brings a whole new dimension to the band, and we’ve heard many fans saying after shows that they felt they got a "2 for 1"; deal at the concert.

What should we expect from future newsboys recordings? Will we hear Michael or Peter’s voice?
Jeff: Peter sang all the vocals on the In The Hands Of God record, but in the future you can expect to hear Mike sing lead. Peter will continue to write and produce with the band. That should work well, because now Pete will have plenty of time to write.

How can youth leaders around the world be praying for you guys during this time of transition?
Jeff: We so appreciate all the people that pray for us every day. We can feel it! Please pray for Michael. He is stepping into an important role and feels the pressure of being the man out front. Pray that God continues to equip him for the role! We appreciate prayers for our wives and families also � they sacrifice so much in allowing us to do the work that God has called us to do.