If you’re a fan of Christian music, then you know that Tauren Wells took the industry by storm in the last 12-18 months, including having multiple hit songs like “Known” and “When We Pray” and winning multiple Dove Awards, including New Artist of the Year for 2018.

CCM recently had the chance to dig a little deeper with Tauren to go beyond just the songs and live performances that we all enjoy so much.

Check out our interview with Tauren:

CCM: If you had only five words to describe your upcoming tour, it would be…?
TW: High-energy! Entertaining! Inspiring! Empowering! Unforgettable!

CCM: What are you most looking forward to about your first headlining tour?
TW: The start of something new is always met with a myriad of emotions. I’m out of my mind stoked and terrified. But ultimately I know that it’s God who grants success and I know that He is with us in this endeavor. I can’t wait to see and meet all the people who have connected with these songs and see what God will do in our midst.

CCM: What led you to pursue a career or ministry in music?
TW: God has been gracious enough to open doors that I never could. When I was a kid I wanted to sing and dance pretty much nonstop. That’s never changed. What has changed is the purpose behind it. When I was 16 I felt called to ministry. When God calls us to do something for Him He often uses what we already have to accomplish it. For me, the music is just a vehicle that delivers the ministry that God wants done in people’s lives and that’s what I’m here for. Not just for the songs and the music or the creative but to see people’s lives enriched and transformed through Jesus-centered ministry.

CCM: Do you remember that moment when you realized you wanted to make an actual career out of music?
TW: Nope! I’m still not sure about it.

CCM: What is your hope for people as they leave your concert?
TW: My hope is that people are inspired in their lives, families, relationships, and callings. That they are reminded of God’s goodness and faithfulness. It’s going to be a crazy hype night but it won’t just be hype. We’re going into some deep places as well. That’s where we’re changed.

CCM: Tell us about why you chose to have Davies as support on your first tour.
TW: Davies is one of the most talented and anointed people on the planet. It’s an honor to lend my platform to him. I need him to remember me when he’s 10x’s “bigger” than me. He’s featured on our song “Nothin But You” rapping but he has the most incredible voice. Can’t wait for people to experience this guy!

CCM: What was the last song you listened to on your playlist or stereo?
TW: Literally “JAM” by Michael Jackson.

CCM: What was the last book you read?
TW: I haven’t read any books in 2019 because I’ve just been focusing on building a Bible reading and journaling habit. I found that my reading was very random and undisciplined. Although I would read a lot, the priority of scripture wasn’t there for the purpose of devotion and understanding. So I’ve used this year to develop that discipline. I’ve read my Bible every single day this year and will have read it cover to cover by December 31! I’ll be jumping back into the book world in 2020, adding a title each month to my Bible and journal habit. I have a long list of books to read!

CCM: If you could tell the world about another artist/band to check out, who would it be?
TW: Davies, Pat Barrett, Mack Broc, LYA

CCM: Name a song that you wish you’d written (and why).
TW: “How Great Is Our God” I think we will be singing that song for the next 100 years if the Lord delays his coming.

CCM: What can attendees expect to see on your tour?
TW: I’m not giving a single thing away. Just be ready for the night of your life.

CCM: Who are your biggest musical influences?
TW: Michael Jackson, Israel Houghton, Phil Collins and Justin Timberlake.

CCM: What’s the creative process been like as you dream/plan for this tour?
TW: One of my favorite things about music is that it is personal and collaborative. Even putting together the tour is both unique to me as an artist, but also allows my creative collaborators to bring their ideas and gifts to the table. I teamed up with Steven Williams and Josh Beard from Visual Edge to put the looks of the stage, lighting, and production together. I can’t wait for people to experience it all.

CCM: Are there any underlying themes or threads that tie this project together?
TW: Well, I have to say, the theme is Jesus. I touch on identity, grace, redemption, struggles, and peace all throughout this album, through the lens of what God has done for us, is doing in us, and desires to do through us.

CCM: How important is your faith or spirituality within your music?
TW: My faith is the reason I do music, it’s what informs the message of the music, and gives greater meaning to simple lyrics and melody. It’s one of the ways I get to communicate the gospel and glory of God.

CCM: What message do you hope listeners will take away from your music, regardless of what they believe?
TW: I hope it brings people to believe in Jesus. Then, to understand that Jesus believes in them. Can you imagine a world where we all knew that we were made for more? Designed for the glory of God? It would look and feel a lot more like Heaven. That’s the hope.

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