From “Will We Ever Rise,” the album goes into the last movement, pointing you toward how we’re going to approach the idea of peace. So you get into “Who Is Jesus,” then this song about the Trinity, then “Lift Your Voice,” a song I wrote about what I want to say as a Christian: “Blessed are you weary sinner / the one who’s hope is gone.”

Then it ends on “All Is Not Lost:” “May the seeds of peace be scattered / birthing trees of shade that give us rest.” That ending is a bit of a benediction, a hopeful thing. The next album will not be a church record, but one on becoming human.

CCM: Did you create the songs with that idea in mind, or did it evolve as they were written?
DG: Before I had any of the songs, I didn’t know the route we were going to take, but I kind of knew where we wanted to end up. We wanted to get to a place of how to deal with trauma and not internalize and create more violence, but somehow instead become instruments of peace. That’s a theme throughout our work, but we’re trying to have a new language for dealing with it.

The Brilliance, CCM Magazine - image
CCM: How long have you been in New York City, and how has living there influenced the songs you write?
DG: I’ve been there about three years, and yeah, I would definitely say your environment influences you. New York inspires us to keep creating, and it keeps you on your toes. You’re always being inspired by art. For instance, on my birthday I saw a great concert and a great comedy show, and you can go see Broadway shows, all different types and forms of art.

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