From Honky-Tonk to Hallelujah: Joey Herd's Journey to Contemporary Christian Music
With newfound clarity and conviction, Joey Herd made the bold decision to rebrand himself as a Christian artist in the Contemporary Christian Market. It was not merely a shift in genre but a fundamental realignment of his values and vision. Through embarking on a transformative journey, Joey Herd is evolving as a musician. With his upcoming EP, 'The Other Side,' set to release on June 28, Herd's journey begins with music that's focused on glorifying the Lord and growing the Kingdom.
"It's not about just being a songwriter, a vocalist, an entertainer," Herd explains. "It's about feeding souls so that they may have an opportunity to experience the power of the Holy Spirit and come to know the Lord or renew the relationship between a person and Christ Jesus our Lord and Savior".
Born and raised in Missouri, Joey began his career as a young 12-year-old performing at a popular amusement park in Branson, MO. Fast-forward to several years later, Herd decided to turn his dreams of making it big in the country music industry into a reality. He and his family packed up and left their home state for the bustling streets of Nashville. In 2014, Joey released his debut album 'How It Feelsâ€. With heartfelt lyrics, soulful melodies, and authentic storytelling, Herd quickly grew a following in the country music scene.
Despite his success as a country artist, Joey felt a stirring within his soul. Herd explains how the Lord kept laying it more heavily on his heart that there was something more for him. This feeling of more to come, coupled with the positive affirmations from both his 2-year-old son and the bus driver of Casting Crowns, launched Joey on a journey that would redefine his career.
Guided by faith and fueled by passion, Joey Herd poured his heart and soul into the creation of his new EP, 'The Other Side'. His songs have a strong sense of faith and hope with raw honesty and authenticity in every line. Herd's music creates an atmosphere of self-reflection and inspiration, inviting listeners to connect with something greater than themselves. Pulling from his musical roots, Joey combines contemporary Christian and country to create a sound that is uniquely him.
As Joey transitioned to creating music that caters to the Contemporary Christian Market, he found that the recording studio process differed from his previous experiences in mainstream genres. Here, the emphasis was not on crafting catchy melodies but on capturing the essence of spiritual inspiration and reverence. Joey recalls experimenting with the flow of some songs in the studio by repeating a bridge or chorus, which would typically be ideal for praise and worship settings versus radio.
Joey shares that, "Creating and recording this brand of music comes with a commitment to God's Kingdom. So in that, I am in the Word so much more than ever. I'm relying on spiritual leaders as well for their guidance, so that nothing I do is in vein".
Herd also had the opportunity to work with female vocalist, Jana Evans, who sings backup vocals in the studio. Jana, who has sung behind industry giants such as Dolly Parton and Kenny Rogers, brought a dynamic sound to the track offering an added full and rich sound. Joey reflects on recording for his EP as a smooth and fulfilling process.
Joey Herd stands as a beacon of authenticity and conviction in the music industry. His shift from country singer to Christian messenger is not just a story of mere rebranding, but one of purposeful living. Each track is a testament to his journey along with messages of the transformative power of God's love. From soul-stirring ballads to uplifting anthems, the EP will resonate with listeners, touching hearts and inspiring faith. Joey's hope for his new music is that every listener feels encouraged and draws closer to God every day.
