Interview: Howard Gripp
Christian artist and songwriter Howard Gripp talks to Louder Than The Music about the release of his new EP 'I Can Feel The Change', how the songs were formed and what he aims to bring with his music.
Hi, Howard tell us a little about your new EP 'I Can Feel The Change'?
My first EP, Rescued Redeemed Forgiven, focused on salvation, redemption, and the beginning of my new life in Christ. I Can Feel The Change is the next chapter - it's about how my faith has continued to shape and transform me. It’s given me the strength to face anything and a deep sense of gratitude to Jesus for everything He’s done since that transformation. My first CD (Rescued Redeemed Forgiven EP) was about salvation, redemption, and finding my new life. The new I Can Feel The Change EP CD is about how faith has changed me - giving strength for anything and gratitude to Jesus for everything since my transformation.
If you had to pick out one track from the EP that really sums up the message you want to get across, which would it be?
It’s hard to narrow it down, but I’d say two songs really stand out: the title track I Can Feel The Change and Strong.
The title track reflects the real, tangible change I’ve experienced in my life and soul. It tells the story of how my faith in Jesus has completely transformed me and helped me live a fuller, more meaningful life. I don’t just see the change - I feel it.
Strong is about the strength I’ve found through Christ. It’s a declaration that I can now face anything, not in my own power, but with His love in my heart.
Some of the themes on this six-song collection address gratitude, strength, and grace. Did you set out to make this a very positive and encouraging set of songs?
Absolutely! Positivity and encouragement are the foundation of all my music. I’ve been through a lot in life, and my hope is that my experiences - and my journey of faith - can help others through their own struggles. Anyone can experience this kind of transformation if they place their trust in Jesus.
One song in particular, For It All, was written as a way for me to thank God for everything He’s done in my life over the past few years. It’s a reminder that this kind of gratitude and renewal is available to anyone.
Can you give a little insight into your writing process - how do you get from idea to fully fledged song?
That’s always a tough one to answer, because every song is different. Sometimes a song comes together in just a couple of hours, and other times it takes weeks - or even months - to fully develop.
I keep notebooks everywhere: in my truck, at work, in the studio. I also use a voice recorder app on my phone to capture ideas as they come. Some ideas simmer for a while before I sit down and really flesh them out.
For example, Everything In His Name started from a desire to be more like Jesus - something that really hit me after reading certain Bible stories. I sat down at the piano, played a few notes, and the melody and chorus just began to flow. This one felt different - it was always meant to be a duet. I later connected with Erin Oakley at a CSMI conference and pitched her the idea. After a few co-writing sessions, the song came to life.
Other times, I just shut the world out, lock myself in a room, and let the creativity flow.
You've been quoted as saying this EP is about how your faith has changed you - can you expand on those changes and how you set about putting them into songs?
My entire life has changed. It's no longer all about me. My heart is different - softer, more open, and grounded in something greater than myself. I try to reflect that in every song. Faith has given me a new way to see the world through, and my music is how I express the hope and strength that comes from that transformation.
How do you think your song writing and musical style has progressed from your first EP 'Rescued Redeemed Forgiven'?
I believe my writing has become stronger, and my artistic vision is getting clearer with each project. Every song builds on the last, and I'm constantly learning - about songwriting, about life, and about faith. I’ve also started doing more co-writing, which has really helped me grow and stretch creatively.
Are there any outside influences on this EP? People you've worked with or collaborated with?
Definitely. There were several collaborations on this EP that I’m really proud of. Everything In His Name was co-written with Erin Oakley, who also sang on the track. For It All was co-written with Rob Frazier (formerly of Petra), whom I met during an Artist Development course with Nashville Christian Songwriters and John Chisum. You Still Hear was written with Kyle Kicker, Hollie Hubbard, and Candi Broes during a songwriting retreat in Nashville.
I also worked with many of the same musicians from my first EP - Kyle Kicker, Bryant Urich, David Dove, and Cory Pierce.
Musically, my influences are pretty diverse. I’m inspired by artists like Ben Fuller, Crowder, Skillet, and some of my early rock roots still find their way into the mix. You will never take the rock out of my bones!
You've been releasing your music with help from NRT Music this year - tell us why you decide to go with them and what it's been like working with them?
I was actually the first artist signed to NRT Music, which has been an incredible honor. I met Kevin McNeese during my Artist Development course with NCS - he led a few sessions on marketing and we really connected. When he began working with Syntax Creative to launch the label, we started talking, and the partnership just made sense.
Kevin is great - he’s grounded in his faith, tells it like it is, and always has our best interests at heart. It’s been a blessing to work with someone so committed to both the music and the ministry.
Now that you've released the full EP - what's next for you?
I’m taking a little time off right now, as I have some surgery coming up that will put me out for about a month. It’s been a long but amazing summer of performing, and this is a good moment to pause and reflect.
That said, I’m already looking ahead. I’ll be back in the studio in January and have a couple of tours lined up for 2026. I truly believe 2026 is going to be a BIG year - so stay tuned!
