Jerry Akin: I got my first guitar when I was 15, and the only reason I ever wanted one was so I could write songs. I don't know at what point it actually started sounding like music, but that was when I started trying.

Jerry: I kind of found it on my own. I just always liked the way you can weave almost anything into a folk song; history, story telling, spiritual reflections, or whatever. The canvas is huge and blank, so you're free to sing about silly things or very serious topics. You don't always have that flexibility in other genres.

Jerry: You know, that's interesting. I've been told that quite a few times. I love Willie, but I haven't really listened to him enough throughout the years to consider him a big influence. Maybe I should listen to him more.

Jerry: Yeah, I was just referencing a bird to symbolize freedom and beauty, but the term "java bird" had a double meaning because most of the recording sessions were early in the morning, so I was drinking a whole lot of coffee. Same thing with the track, "Song for Joe." It was an instrumental I wrote one day when I was thinking about a memory I had with my brother Joseph, but again, I was drinking a cup of joe.

Jerry: It's really just another take on the prodigal son parable. It's probably a little autobiographical too. I enjoy telling stories, even if they're familiar stories that I can somehow make my own. That song came together really fast. In fact, the main vocal and guitar part you're hearing was a quick recording I made using my iPhone.

Jerry: "Incredible" is pretty special to me. I wrote it for my wife, and it's the most simple song ever. Simple chords, simple words. I just wanted to be honest and vulnerable without hiding behind a bunch of clever chord changes or poetic lyrics.

Jerry: I believe the Holy Spirit was present when I wrote and recorded the album, so I just pray the Holy Spirit will be present when people listen. I have no idea what God has in mind or how He may choose to use it to speak to someone, but I pray that He does.

Jerry: Yes, I am the pastor of Buena Vista United Methodist Church in Buena Vista, Georgia.

Jerry: My main squeeze is the Taylor acoustic. I call her Aurora.

Jerry: For a full year, the album is available for free at noisetrade.com/JerryAkin/javabird. All tips and donations will go to Imagine No Malaria, a wonderful mission aimed at eradicating malaria in Africa. You can read more about the mission at imaginenomalaria.org