John Allan Speaks About His Faith Journey and Impacting the World with His Music
Southern California native, multi-instrumentalist and indie rock, alt-pop artist John Allan has recently released his Centricity Music debut single, "Living God," which is available now at streaming and digital outlets everywhere via https://johnallan.lnk.to/LivingGod. From the very first synth-laced chord progression, the song sonically recalls The Killers and is lyrically meant to incite awe and praise.
Inspired by the sounds of artists like The Killers, The National, Gang of Youths, Bon Iver and Novo Amor, Allan's music is a creative feast for the senses that fuses both his sonic influences and his genuine love for Jesus. With original tracks that reflect his church-centric upbringing and love of leading worship at his local SoCal church, Allan shares, "God - He's the fine artist. He is the giver of gifts, but He really is the gift. No matter what I do, it's secondary to Him.
Q: Thank you for doing this interview with us. Tell us about your faith journey. How did you come to know Christ?
I grew up under the wings of my spirit filled mother. From a young age, the ways of Christ were taught to me through prayer, the word and the lifestyle of my mom. My dad gave his life to The Lord when I was 8 years old. Both of my parents have had an impact on my faith journey. Growing up, "God" was never an option for me. He was everything.
Through the way my parents lived, and the Holy Spirit being active in our lives, Jesus was the reality of our household. I've walked with the Lord from a young age and eventually got baptized when I was a teenager. He is everything. He is the joy, He is the purpose, He is the peace, He is the creativity, He is the imagination. Living and creating for Him is the honor of a lifetime.
Q: How would you describe your music? Who would you say influenced you as a musician?
I grew up in an environment where 80's music was always on display for the ears and heart to digest. We had a wide range of synth pop melodies flooding the rooms our house. Melodically, so much Inspiration comes from bands such as "The National," "Bon Iver," "Novo Amor," "Gang Of Youths," and "The Killers," among others.
From a lyrical stand point, my songs are centered on the truths of scripture. I would listen to Keith Green and Hillsong United in my adolescent years. I would be so moved by their ability to paint God's heart through lyrics. I pray my music is an offering that lyrically points a listener to the greatest hope in existence. I want my music to carry the tones of the inspiration that I receive from others to this day. I love the indie alternative sound, with a touch of synth pop involved. At the end of the day, I want people to connect with Jesus, through the songs.
Q: How then did you come to work with Centricity Music?
I give God all of the credit for this divine connection with the label. The Lord brought our souls together and allowed us to form really special bonds. I would not be here without my beautiful brother, James Duke. We all want to make art that matters. We want to make music that leads people to our Maker.
Q: What is your new song "Living God" about?
"Living God," is built on the themes of wonder, sanctification and praise. The opening line states "I want to touch the robe that heals the sick." This imagery paints the conviction that we never want to lose our child-like wonder as believers. I want to live a life that doesn't box God in. I want to believe year after year that the sea splitting God is alive today and working! The meat of the song is found in the declarative chorus, "Living God, there is no other beside you."
The chorus is a worship party for all people to join in. It is a moment for the song to explode wonder and joy in a listener's heart. He is worthy to be worshipped. The sanctification portion of this song prayerfully points the listener to the concept that our faith journey is a marathon, not a sprint. "I want to bless you by the way I live," pulls truths from Colossians 3, which tells us as believers to put on the new self. We are pilgrims here in the vapor, just passing through. This is not our home. We are citizens of Heaven. "Jesus, let my country be your presence."
Q: How did you come to write this song?
The Lord brought Kyle Williams, Benji Cowart and I together to create. It is a non-stop joy party with those gentlemen. I have had the honor of working with them before so when we sat down, it was a blast chasing ideas together. Benji is a world class lyricist. Everything he does is inspiring. Kyle has a feel like no other. Whenever he is steering, we are bound for God times.
We wanted to write from a place of child-like faith. We wanted to build from the foundation of wonder and worship. Kyle had the BPM of the song cooking, and from there I started to play the progression from the verses. Once that was happening, Benji was singing out different ideas. God had the song planted in our souls and was gracious enough to let us find it. I will never forget when Kyle grabbed an electric and started playing the chorus progression out of thin air. So much went into the process. I am thrilled that "Living God" is out now.
Q: In terms of music, what can we look forward to?
We have so much to give you! New music is on the horizon. We are excited to share more art with you in the near future. I will not stop until my final breath.
Q: How do you hope your music will impact your listeners?
I want people to experience God's presence through my music. This is not because there is anything special about my music, it is because there is nothing in the world like Him. He is the treasure. Real life is found in a relationship with the living God. He is the most special part of life. I desire for my music to connect the listener's heart to the heart of God. I want my music to serve as a bridge or a tool that allows people to draw closer to Him.
All the latest John Allan music, tour and more news can be found at:
www.johnallanmusic.com, Instagram, YouTube, Spotify and Apple Music.
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