Jesusfreakhideout.com feels honored to have had the privilege of asking the beautiful Tiffany Arbuckle of, Plumb a few questions.
The interview was completed for your convenience on July 31st, 1998.  

Jesus freak Hideout: Why the name, "Plumb?"

Tiffany Arbuckle: Why not? Actually, the name, "Plum", came from a song called "My Favorite Plum" by an artist named Suzanne Vega. I loved the song, and think that Suzanne is a great writer, so I added a "b" for character, and found that in Amos and Zachariah in the Bible, the "plumbline" represents the ultimate focus, Jesus Christ. So it has come to mean that to us, but it originated from a song title.

JFH: How did the band get started?

Tiffany: I started the band a year and a half ago. I was a background singer, and Essential/Silvertone Records saw me and encouraged me to pursue a solo career, so basically I did, and got a band involved and signed. I found the band in Nashville, since I lived there already from singing backup for various artists, or through a friend of a friend thing, and we're just one big happy family now. God truly put us together because of how much we love each other, and each other's company.

JFH: How would you describe your sound?

Tiffany: Female fronted modern pop rock.

JFH: What bands have influenced your sound?

Tiffany: So many, it would take forever [to mention here]. As a singer, many artists from Annie Lenox, Suzanne Vega, Over the Rhine, the Sundays, Celine Dion, Edie Brikell, 10,000 Maniacs, U2, Peter Gabriel, Sara McLachlan, Amy Grant . . .

JFH: When Plumb is over and done with, what would you like people to remember you for?

Tiffany: Being real, honest, and encouraging and hopeful. Presenting music as art, with an outlook on issues and things that are real themselves, but have a positive and hope-filled resolution. Jesus loves the little children.

JFH: Last year, you released your self-titled debut album on Essential Records. Did you have any specific goals you were trying to reach with this project?

Tiffany:I was a first timer, therefore not completely sure of who I was or where I was going, but have always had a heart for the truly lost and dying. My first concerts were in homeless shelters, etc. as a teen. I am a singer by trade. It's my job to entertain, but as a Christian, I am responsible for every area of my life, and since one part in particular is more influential on others than maybe another area, to whom much is given (the opportunity to do what I love for a living), much is expected (the responsibility to those who listen). So I consider my entire life my ministry, things that I do that don't glorify me at all. I take performing as serious as I do meeting strangers on the street. You never know who needs to see Jesus' love in your eyes.

JFH: What is your favorite Plumb song?

Tiffany: Probably "Sobering" or "Willow Tree". "Sobering" is the first song my brother and I ever wrote together. We haven't been able to write together for this upcoming project, due out in January, because of our busy schedules. But I hope to continue to write together. "Sobering" is upbeat, but artful. "Willow Tree" because it's a true story of an aunt of mine, and it tells a story and conveys a message I think we can all relate to-keeping Christ our main priority, or things will crumble.

JFH: What inspired the song "Willow Tree," and what's it about?

Tiffany: I guess I just answered that!!! Ha! Ha!

JFH: What is the song "Crazy" about?

Tiffany: A sarcastic song about those who look to people as idols and crave to be them, but should instead love who they themselves are and realize they are just as loved and special to Christ, and His plan for them is just as important as a star's importance. All in all, being okay with yourself.

JFH: What was the inspiration for "Send Angels"?

Tiffany: My friend's husband left her for another woman when she was in her third trimester of pregnancy, with two small children, and in that situation, all I could do was pray for angels to surround and protect her. The verses are about him leaving his family behind because of an affair.

JFH: How did you get the opportunity to work with Eric Champion and some of the boys from Jars of Clay?

Tiffany: Eric is on Essential, and so we wrote one song together, "Pluto". Dan and Jars are also on Essential, as well as we have the same manager, so we have been friends for a while now. He sang on the song he wrote.

JFH: Do you prefer Mountain Dew or Surge?

Tiffany: Neither. Singers should not drink caffeine.

JFH: What's your favorite movie?

Tiffany: Audrey Hepburn movies, but my ultimate is 'Breakfast at Tiffany's'. (Not because of the name. It's just sooo amazing.)

JFH: Is there anything new being worked on presently?

Tiffany: We start in the studio Monday on our new album that should release sometime in January. So funny you should ask, because we start in three or four days.

JFH: The Jesus freak Hideout site was started out of appreciation for good Christian music. We've set a goal to try to use the site to spread Christian music, as well as God's Word, & show others how great Christian music can be. Do you listen to Christian music? If so, what bands?

Tiffany: Not many, because a lot of it is not very well produced, I am sorry to say. But I really enjoy Jars of Clay, Delirious, Sixpence None the Richer, DC Talk, Sara Masen , and a few others.

JFH: I really appreciate you taking out the time in your busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Are there any last comments you'd like to make?

Tiffany: Yes. The mission, as a whole of myself and Plumb as a band, is not to be a 'Christian Band,' but it's to be a group of five people following the call God has placed on our lives, and being faithful to that calling, which is spreading a message of hope to those who do not know it through song. Music is a worldwide language. So is love. Put the two together and there is Plumb, I hope. Making art that is real, honest, genuine, and relate-able, while standing firm that no matter what you have done or where you have been, the ultimate Savior is Jesus Christ. To not be preachy, but relational. Christianity isn't a religion to me. It's a relationship that we must all have to enter heaven, and the lost are reached one way-- through love, not judgment. That is our call, and that is what we are about. I am God's daughter first; a singer much, much second.