<\/p>\n
Once a year I compile a list of quality Christian artists whom I think should be on your radar (and playlists), if they aren\u2019t already (see my 2019 list<\/a> and 2020 list<\/a>). I try to pick artists who are both musically interesting and unapologetic about their faith\u2014whose music is not ambiguously Christian but explicitly and sincerely so, in authentic yet non-cheesy ways.<\/p>\n In making these lists I try to focus on artists who are newer and more under the radar, and I try to suggest artists from a variety of genres as well as different parts of the world. This year\u2019s list includes artists from the U.S., U.K., Namibia, Philippines, New Zealand, and Australia, for example.<\/p>\n I also choose artists who are inspired by Scripture and devotional in tone, while defying stereotypes and pushing stylistic boundaries of what we\u2019re used to in contemporary Christian music. The good news is there are many artists who fit these criteria\u2014there\u2019s no shortage of excellent indie Christian music today. The bad news is I can\u2019t keep up with it all\u2014so if there are artists you recommend for future lists, please share them on the TGC Arts and Culture Facebook page<\/a>.<\/p>\n In the meantime, check out the music of the artists below. I compiled a playlist sampler on Spotify<\/a> and Apple Music<\/a> that will give you a good introduction to their music. Some will be more appealing to you than others, depending on your taste, but I hope there\u2019s something of interest here for everyone.<\/p>\n Based in Manila, Philippines, Darla Baltazar<\/a> is a self-described \u201csinger-songwriter, bedroom producer, and content creator\u201d who has produced Christ-centered, lo-fi, jazzy worship from her home since becoming a Christian in 2017. I\u2019m always looking for artists whose music is not \u201cmy dramatic life and a little bit of God\u201d as much as \u201cGod is the most interesting part of my life.\u201d Darla fits the bill. Her music gloriously puts the spotlight on God.<\/p>\n Muncie, Indiana\u2013based Levi Dylan Sikes (aka Former Ruins<\/a>) is one of the most \u201cindie\u201d artists on this list, but his atmospheric music\u2014which evokes The National and is self-described as \u201cpost-cynical folk rock\u201d\u2014is lyrically meaty and spiritually substantive. In 2020 he released a sharp debut album, Large Startling<\/i><\/a>, as well as a Christmas EP, Fruit of Winter<\/i><\/a>, and he\u2019s working on a new album for release in 2022.<\/p>\n \u201cThe Killers if they were a Christian band<\/a>\u201d is an apt description of this refreshing band<\/a>, made up of (you guessed it) Gable Price and four of his musically talented friends. Their debut album, Fractioned Heart<\/i><\/a>, was one of my favorite releases\u2014Christian or otherwise\u2014in 2020. Featuring a driving guitar sound and lyrics with theological and cultural teeth (see \u201cYou Are My Country<\/a>\u201d), the Northern California\u2013based band is one to watch.<\/p>\n Nashville-based singer-songwriter Ellie Holcomb<\/a> just released her third full-length album, Canyon<\/i><\/a>, and it\u2019s her best yet (read TGC\u2019s recent interview with her about the album<\/a>). Married to fellow artist Drew Holcomb (don\u2019t miss their duet covers, like \u201cFields of Gold<\/a>\u201d), Ellie has an exciting few months ahead, including some tour dates with Lauren Daigle and her own headlining show at the Ryman Auditorium on August 19 (purchase livestream tickets<\/a>).<\/p>\n A rising star in the Christian hip-hop world, Georgia-based Hulvey<\/a> just released his first full-length record, Christopher<\/i><\/a>. The 22-year-old\u2019s talents have rightly impressed some of Christian hip-hop\u2019s biggest names, including Lecrae (who collaborated on Hulvey\u2019s single \u201cReasons<\/a>\u201d). \u201c[Hulvey\u2019s] explicit faith-driven messages are refreshing, but then he is also a very talented craftsman,\u201d Lecrae told The Christian Post<\/a>. \u201cHe has a knack for making hit records.\u201d<\/p>\n \u201cWorship hip-hop\u201d artist IMRSQD<\/a> (shorthand for \u201cI am rescued\u201d) has a unique indie sound that blends soul, hip-hop, lo-fi, jazz, reggae, and R&B. The Namibian artist released Guitars, Trumpets, and Gospel<\/i><\/a> in 2020, collaborating with producer Moflo Music. With influences ranging from Chance the Rapper to Gorillaz, IMRSQD is releasing bold, eclectic, unabashedly gospel-centered songs unlike anything else in contemporary Christian music.<\/p>\n JUDAH.<\/a> is the solo worship project of Judah Akers, lead singer of Judah & The Lion\u2014one of Christian alternative\u2019s most successful bands of the last decade. Earlier this year Akers released 3 + 7<\/i><\/a>, featuring stellar collaborations with Jon Foreman (\u201cDon\u2019t Know If I Believe It<\/a>\u201d) and Jon Guerra (\u201cYou\u2019ve Done the Rest<\/a>\u201d), the album is musically interesting and devotionally inspiring. Bonus points for the most rocking version of Ephesians 3:18\u201321<\/a> I\u2019ve ever heard.<\/p>\n Brisbane, Australia\u2013based Eliza King makes devotional worship music inspired by Scripture and a deep love for the church. Music isn\u2019t King\u2019s day job\u2014she\u2019s a high school English teacher\u2014but it\u2019s been lovely to see her trickle out new songs over the last year, including a very nice Christmas EP, Receive Him<\/i><\/a>. Like fellow Aussie Tenielle Neda (featured on this list in 2020<\/a>), King\u2019s music has an elegant sincerity to it that refreshes the soul.<\/p>\n One of the most promising singer-songwriters in Nashville these days, Taylor Leonhardt blends the pedal steel sounds of Americana\/alt-country with beautifully honest lyrics about life and faith. Her 2017 debut, River House<\/i><\/a>, is worth checking out as we wait for her anticipated follow-up<\/a>. With fellow talent Jess Ray (featured on this list in 2019<\/a>), Leonhardt makes up one-half of the indie worship duo Mission House<\/a>, whose music I also recommend.<\/p>\n Steven Lufkin has been releasing music under the moniker Lovkn since 2018. With a sound that draws from folk-pop, soul, and blues, Lovkn\u2019s joyful indie vibe occasionally evokes Jack Johnson or Josh Garrels. Of all the albums of hymns released in 2021 so far (and there have been many), Lovkn\u2019s Hymns I<\/i><\/a> might be my favorite. I\u2019ve never heard a danceable version of \u201cI Surrender All\u201d before, but I\u2019m here for it.<\/p>\n At a time when the Christian world seems to be fracturing in a thousand different tribalistic directions, worship collective Maverick City Music<\/a> (MVM) offers a vision for how worship can bring tribes together. Since its debut in 2019 (Maverick City, Vol. 1<\/i><\/a>), the creative output of MVM (featuring hundreds of collaborators) has been prolific, blurring the boundaries between gospel music and CCM in refreshing and needed ways.<\/p>\n Born and raised in Mobile, Alabama, Phil J.<\/a> brings a unique, soulful sound to Christian hip-hop. Alternating between singing and rapping, and incorporating harmonies and musically creative beats, Phil J.\u2019s sound is original and upbeat. His Christ-centered songs are refreshingly full of hope and joy, as his aptly titled new album (Joy<\/i><\/a>) captures well.<\/p>\n Whether releasing a new album<\/a> with NEEDTOBREATHE<\/a>, performing solo as Wilder Woods<\/a>, at the CMT Awards with Carrie Underwood<\/a>, or collaborating with everyone from Chris Tomlin<\/a> to Drew and Ellie Holcomb<\/a>, Bear Rinehart has had a prolific pandemic. The former preacher\u2019s kid and college football wide receiver has become a major player in both CCM and country music, and for good reason.<\/p>\n London-based Sharyn<\/a> (pronounced \u201cshar-een\u201d) is an emerging talent in the U.K. Gospel scene\u2014nominated for best newcomer in the 2019 Premier Gospel Awards. Her worshipful music has an original sound to it\u2014low-register vocals, R&B vibes, and occasional Afro House and U.K. Garage beats. Check out her just-released debut album, In Full Bloom<\/i><\/a>, for a good sampling of her worshipful, atmospheric sound.<\/p>\n If people claim Christian music is all schmaltz that sugarcoats reality, they haven\u2019t listened to Andy Squyres<\/a>. The Charlotte-based (by way of California) singer-songwriter makes beautiful, brutal music that wrestles with grief, pain, and the struggles of faith. Squyres\u2019s 2015 debut, Cherry Blossoms<\/i><\/a>\u2014made in the aftermath<\/a> of his friend being murdered by a home intruder\u2014is stunning. But his 2021 follow-up (Poet Priest<\/i>) is even more impressive and one of the best Christian albums I\u2019ve heard in years.<\/p>\n Yaz Williams<\/a> is a Kiwi singer-songwriter (now based in Australia) whose songs, as she describes them, are \u201cstories, moments, and parables, inspired by the movements of my heart and the ebbs and flows of life in God.\u201d Her debut album released this year, Something Like a Secret<\/i><\/a>, is a beautifully simple but poetic, resonant, and worshipful collection.<\/p>\n 2021: Spotify<\/a> | Apple Music<\/a><\/p>\nDarla Baltazar<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cNo Good Thing,\u201d \u201cTurn Your Eyes Upon Jesus,\u201d \u201cWeaned (Psalm 131),\u201d \u201cGod Is Good\u201d<\/ul>\n
Former Ruins<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cChaplain,\u201d \u201cSlow Embrace (When Dylan Dies),\u201d \u201cWorld,\u201d \u201cCars of Our Youth\u201d<\/ul>\n
Gable Price and Friends<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cCommunion,\u201d \u201cUnderdressed,\u201d \u201cNot Safe,\u201d \u201cDead Man\u201d<\/ul>\n
Ellie Holcomb<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cCanyon,\u201d \u201cSweet Ever After,\u201d \u201cRed Sea Road,\u201d \u201cThe Broken Beautiful\u201d<\/ul>\n
Hulvey<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cCan\u2019t Tell It All,\u201d \u201cReasons,\u201d \u201cWashed in the Blood,\u201d \u201cEverything\u201d<\/ul>\n
IMRSQD<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cPink Lemonade,\u201d \u201cAlways on Time,\u201d \u201cSad Song,\u201d \u201cPatience\u201d<\/ul>\n
JUDAH.<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cFullness of God,\u201d \u201cHallelujah\u2019s Song (Psalm 103),\u201d \u201cDon\u2019t Know If I Believe It,\u201d \u201cRemember What It Cost\u201d<\/ul>\n
Eliza King<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cI Shall Not Want,\u201d \u201cGod Sees Me,\u201d \u201cRisen Man,\u201d \u201cThe Lord\u2019s Prayer\u201d<\/ul>\n
Taylor Leonhardt<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cEverything,\u201d \u201cLights Gone Out,\u201d \u201cPoetry,\u201d \u201cMother\u2019s Daughter\u201d<\/ul>\n
Lovkn<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cNew Life,\u201d \u201cFaithful to Remain,\u201d \u201cSolid Rock,\u201d \u201cI Surrender All\u201d<\/ul>\n
Maverick City Music<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cOld Church Basement,\u201d \u201cPromises,\u201d \u201cDoxology,\u201d \u201cYes & Amen\u201d<\/ul>\n
Phil J.<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cDiamond in the Rough,\u201d \u201cWorth It,\u201d \u201cLove Your Neighbor,\u201d \u201cWings,\u201d<\/ul>\n
Bear Rinehart<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cInto the Mystery,\u201d \u201cPower,\u201d \u201cSomeday Soon,\u201d \u201cChild of Love\u201d<\/ul>\n
Sharyn<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cBroken Hearts,\u201d \u201cDreams,\u201d \u201cSanyuka,\u201d \u201cCall Your Name\u201d<\/ul>\n
Andy Squyres<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cDead Horse,\u201d \u201cNo Resurrection,\u201d\u201cLove Never Fails,\u201d \u201cCherry Blossoms\u201d<\/ul>\n
Yaz Williams<\/h4>\n
Songs to sample: \u201cNowhere Else,\u201d \u201cBeatitude,\u201d \u201cIndependence,\u201d \u201cStay \u02bcTil I Die\u201d<\/ul>\n
Links to TGC\u2019s \u201cQuality Christian Music\u201d Playlists<\/h3>\n