Interview: Brandon Hixson
Award-winning Contemporary Christian artist Brandon Hixson talks to Louder Than The Music about his brand-new album, 'The Dawn of Mercy' and what inspired this collection of songs.
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?
I’ve been making music for over two decades, and my journey really began with a deep love for writing songs that tell stories of faith and hope. I currently serve as Worship Pastor at Tabernacle Baptist Church in Ennis, Texas, where I’ve been for more than 13 years. Alongside my ministry, I’ve been blessed to release multiple albums and to connect with listeners around the world—my YouTube channel has now passed 60 million views. Music has always been a way for me to share my testimony, encourage others, and celebrate the goodness of God.
Tell us about your new album The Dawn of Mercy and what the inspiration behind it was.
The Dawn of Mercy is a collection of songs that came out of a very personal season of reflection, gratitude, and storytelling. Each track represents a piece of my journey and my family’s story. For example, My Grandparents Prayed is a tribute to the spiritual foundation they left me, The Best Gift of All was written for my wife Karen on her birthday and our 25th anniversary, and Two of a Kind is a celebration of my relationship with my twin sister. I also wrote Yet to Come as my son Caleb was moving into his first apartment, marking a milestone in his life. The album blends testimony with worship, and my hope is that listeners feel both encouraged and reminded of God’s mercy that is new every morning.
Which is your favorite track on the album and why?
That’s always a tough question because each song carries such a personal meaning. But if I had to choose, The Man in the Middle stands out. Not only has it connected deeply with listeners—it reached the top of the Independent Christian Radio Charts—but it also captures the heart of the gospel: Jesus taking our place on the cross. That message is the foundation of my faith and ministry, so it holds a special place for me.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
I want people to know that no matter where they are in life, they are not forgotten and they are not alone. God’s love is constant, His mercy is real, and there’s hope in Christ that cannot be shaken. If someone listens to my music and walks away feeling encouraged, uplifted, and reminded of God’s presence in their life, then I feel like the song has done its job.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I’d describe my music as Contemporary Christian with a strong storytelling element. I grew up influenced by both Christian and mainstream artists who knew how to weave emotion and narrative into melody. Musically, I lean into modern worship sounds, pop/rock influences, and sometimes country-flavored storytelling. At the heart of it all, though, is the desire to make Christ known through songs that people can connect to personally and spiritually.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
For me, success isn’t measured in sales or streams—it’s in stories. When someone reaches out to say a song helped them through a difficult time, brought them closer to God, or reminded them of His promises, that’s success. Of course, I’m grateful for chart placements, awards, and milestones, but at the end of the day, touching even one life with the message of Christ is what keeps me going.
What is your favorite album of all time?
My favorite album of all time has to be the self-titled debut album by Quarterflash from 1981. I can still remember being five years old, riding in the backseat of my mother’s car when “Harden My Heart” came on the radio for the very first time. Something about that moment grabbed me—I fell in love with the sound, and it planted a seed in me as a songwriter and musician that has lasted my whole life.
Years later, I even recorded my own versions of “Harden My Heart” and “Find Another Fool” for my Songs That Shaped Me albums as a way to honor the impact that music had on me. But what makes this story even more special is that Marv and Rindy Ross, the driving forces behind Quarterflash, have actually become mentors and dear friends to me over the years. Imagine growing up idolizing a band, and then one day having your favorite musicians not only encourage you, but also invest in your life and career. They even wrote a song for me and my wife on our 15th wedding anniversary—something I will never forget.
That album isn’t just my favorite because of its music—it represents the beginning of my lifelong journey with songwriting, and it’s forever tied to my own story as an artist.
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?
I’d probably choose It Is Well With My Soul. It’s timeless, powerful, and no matter the circumstance—even being stranded on an island—it reminds me of the peace that comes from knowing Christ.
What does the next year hold for you?
This next year is shaping up to be an exciting one. Along with sharing The Dawn of Mercy, I’ll be releasing a brand-new album with my church team, Tabernacle Worship, called The Rebel Redeemed. It features 14 fresh songs, including our first Spanish worship song and music led by our Student Worship Band. I’ll also continue writing, recording, and releasing new music, while serving my church family. Most importantly, I’m looking forward to more opportunities to share the hope of Christ through every song and every stage I’m given.
