Interview: John Allan
Multi-instrumentalist and indie rock, alt-pop artist John Allan talks to Louder Than The Music about his recent signing with Centricity Music, the release of his new single, 'Living God', and gives a fascinating insight into how his upbringing shaped his music.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
My parents are God fearing individuals who gave 100 percent in order to give me an inspiring childhood. My mom is a prayer warrior who spent everyday pointing me to the Lord. My dad is a kind man who has supported my heart through every season of life. They introduced me to music and always encouraged me to pursue what God was leading my soul to do. I grew up playing music in my local church and still serve there today. I started playing different instruments when I was a child and began singing with my mother at home during that time. I started leading worship when I was a teenager, and from there I was introduced to songwriting. During that time I began to see the hope that could be conveyed through a song. Art can unlock the God-planted wonder in a listener’s soul. I am honored to create for Him, and I pray everything I do brings an awareness of God to a person’s heart.
Tell us about your new single 'Living God' and what the inspiration behind it was?
“Living God” is lyrically built off of the foundation of the resurrection. This song celebrates the everlasting promise of the hope found in Jesus. He is the doorway to healing and wonder. He is alive. He is the Living God. “Living God” centers on the themes of 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 childlike faith 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 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.”
You've recently signed with Centricity Music ahead of that release - what attracted you to that label, and how do you hope to further your career with their help?
Centricity is made up of humble and driven people. Every department represents passion and maturity. I am honored to be associated with such a divine group of people. All I care about is making art that positively impacts people’s lives. I desire for every listener to use my music to draw closer to God. This is not because there is anything special about me, but because Jesus is so special. He is the doorway where imagination begins. He is the joy, treasure and freedom. This beautiful label wants to see His name magnified and so do I. We want the music to help people see the Lord in a healthy way. I want to create art that encourages people’s faith. I am thankful to walk this season alongside Centricity.
When can people expect to hear more new music from you?
We are so excited to share more music with everyone this year!
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I want people to see that the best life to live is one completely committed to Christ. He is the light. There is nothing more satisfying than walking in a relationship with Jesus. This world can be a dark place, but there is hope in Him. I want people to experience His presence through the music. I long for people to receive the message that there is a King who is alive and coming back again. He is the first artist. He is all powerful and rich in love.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I grew up in an environment where 80s music was always on display for the ears and heart to digest. We had a wide range of synth pop melodies flooding the rooms of 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 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.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be and why?
I would love to write with Stephen Schwartz. Wicked blows my mind every time I watch it. My parents took me to the play when I was a kid and it inspired me. Claude-Michael Schonberg, Alain Boublil and Jean-Marc Natel are goated. Their involvement with Les Misérables brings me to tears. My parents took me to see the film adaptation when I was a child and it impacted me greatly. Yesterday I was eating lunch with my wife, listening to the Les Misérables soundtrack and started crying. Obviously, Bono and Justin Vernon are legendary. I love Brooke Ligertwood and Matt Redman. I also think Jack Black, would be a blast in a writing session. I am a peasant in the weeds, and all of these people are in the castle. These bands and individuals inspire me.
P.S. Stephen Wilson Jr. is the man.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Success to me, is people being pointed to Jesus through the music. Again, this is not because I’m anything special, it’s because God is awesome. I long for my music to serve as a bridge connecting the heart of the listener to the heart of God. I want people to see Him, and know that life is better with Him. I want the music to matter to people. I don’t want it to matter for my gain, but for the sake of a listener knowing that Jesus is real and loving.
What is your favorite album of all time?
I’ve been staring at this question for 20 minutes. There are too many.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Wash by Bon Iver
What does the next year hold for you?
My family, church, art, Disneyland, movies and Dodger games.
