10 Questions with ... All Things New

1. Could you walk us through the history of All Things New, from its inception to the present?

All things new started when I was 16 years old with my best friends. We were all from different churches and started leading worship for our local FCA [Fellowship of Christian Athletes] and any other show we could find off of Craigslist. Our name at the time was Trinidge Stone, it was the combination of our three churches. We quickly realized after a few shows that we needed to change our name since no one could pronounce it or find us on Myspace. The name "All Things New" came from a Steven Curtis Chapman record. Fast forward a few years, we signed a record deal and had the privilege of touring with a lot of bands that we looked up to. A little over three years ago, the original members of All Things New-excluding myself-decided it was time to step down from the band. Now, after taking a three-year break, I'm excited to finally release new music. All Things New looks a lot different now; it's more than a band, it's a movement to remind people who they are in Jesus.

2. At what point in this journey did it become super clear to you that ATN was supposed to exist?

The band stepping down was one of the hardest season of my life. I remember hearing the song "Resurrecting" by Elevation Worship and the lyrics of the bridge say, "The resurrected King is resurrecting me." I knew that God wasn't done with my story. I knew that He wasn't done with the platform that He had given us. Now I use my voice and platform to build His kingdom and not my own.

3. On both ministerial and artistic levels, who would you point to as the main influences of ATN?

On a ministerial level, I really love Elevation church. With me being on the road as much as I am, I listen to a lot of Pastor Steven Furtick's podcasts. From an artistic level, Hillsong United, Tenth Avenue North, and Bethel Music.

4. ATN has made a few lineup changes over the years. What are some of the greatest challenges that come with a band's evolving formation? Or is it not as challenging as it may seem?

I am so grateful that the original members of All Things New and myself are still best friends. That normally isn't the case when a band breaks up. Some of the challenges would be the fact that they aren't with me collaborating through songs, ideas, and to play live with. It has definitely been an adjustment, that's for sure. Not having them has stretched me to become a better songwriter and musician, and they have championed me along the way.

5. What keeps you motivated, particularly as it pertains to your art and even the business side of the band?

I recently become a dad to our beautiful daughter, Ella Grace. She has been the biggest motivator for me lately. I also want to make great art through music because it matters. God has given me a platform and I want to give it my all.

6. What's the most important song you've written at this stage in your career? What makes it so meaningful to you?

"New Man" will always be such a special song, It started my career and allowed us to do some pretty amazing things. It still blows me away hearing the stories from fans on how this song has impacted their life. I am forever grateful for that.

7. Who have you been listening to the most lately? What music inspires you?

I love the new Johnnyswim record. I also really love the new Hillsong United record. To be honest, I am always listening to so much music, it's hard to narrow it down.

8. As a songwriter, is there a particular song concept or message that you've been honing in on or excited about that you can't wait to share with the world ASAP?

Honestly, as a songwriter, I am always thinking of new ideas and concepts. I have always wanted to write a song from a story in the Bible, not just a song based on a scripture, but taking a story and creating music and melody around that.

9. Your single "Grace That Changes Everything" is the first song ATN has released in quite awhile. How does it feel to have a new song going out? What's so special to you about this song that it had to be the next one you released after all this time?

I am so excited for this song, and it feels incredible to finally have new music out. What really excites me about this song is the message that it declares. As Christians, we can all agree that grace changes us for sure; however, it has been so cool to hear specific stories on what grace has changed in people's lives. For me, this is a song that explains our first single "New Man," which was about my relationship as a child without a father. Grace has unlocked forgiveness in my life and has allowed my relationship with my father to be completely restored.

10. What does the rest of 2019 look like for ATN?

I just finished up a tour with Sidewalk Prophets, which was amazing. Those guys are seriously the best dudes. It was such an honor to be out on the road with them. Looking ahead, I will probably be touring in the fall and working on new music.