What’s New With… John Waller

Faithful fans may remember the name John Waller as lead singer of According to John, though more recently, he found fame as a solo artist and soundtrack contributor to Fireproof. These days on As For Me and My House (City of Peace), he’s channeling his own pensive pop within Casting Crowns-styled anthems that won’t have any trouble connecting with both the church and the radio waves.

CCM: How has coming off the success of the Fireproof soundtrack added fuel to your creative fire?

John Waller: After my second album, While I’m Waiting, which had the momentum of [being in] the #1 independent film of 2008, I assumed my music would be catapulted to new heights of success. Though the title song literally touched millions around the world, not long after that I went into a major valley in my life. I was surrounded by uncertainty. I felt prompted by the Lord to withdraw from the industry, so I asked to be released from my record deal. It was a difficult time in my life, but the songs that were birthed came from an authentic, intimate time of drawing near to the Father and returning to why I began writing songs in the first place.

CCM: What is the concept behind your As For Me and My House album title?

Waller: As for Me and My House was me coming to a place where I was completely spent and weary of trying to be a “Christian artist.” I literally told my wife Josee, “I’m building my kingdom!” Music and career had become an idol that God required to be placed on the altar. I had no guarantee this album would ever happen, but like HHHHHhhHhhhlkajdlafkdjsf;alksdjf;alkdfjAbraham, He made a way and praise be to Him!

CCM: How do you feel you’ve matured as an artist since we last heard from you?

Waller: I would have to say I have grown so much over the last two and a half years. There was definitely much fruit that came from The Blessing and While I’m Waiting, but when we are fruitful God will surely prune us so that we can be even more fruitful. I am no longer on a major label. You could say that with this record I am a David in a Goliath world. But according to scripture, it was good to be David.