He Is We – Amazing Grace

By: Courtney Groom

Q) What was the inspiration behind your song “Amazing Grace?”

A) I had written about love in the past, but that kind of love never lasted for me. I got tired of chasing something that seemed completely silly and naive. When I was in Dallas recording and writing, a giant thunderstorm hit the studio. The lights were off and everyone had left. I was alone with my thoughts as the thunder roared, almost as if to get my attention. I sat on a piano bench and begged God to fill that void within me; a God-sized love. I began playing the piano and humming as I found the words to describe the love I knew would find me at the right time. And it did. It really did.

Q) The single was released on Valentine’s Day, which is very fitting for the type of song. Was that always your intention when you began writing the song or did it just all fall into place?

A) It fell into place pretty perfectly, but I had no intention of doing so to begin with. After I was told that Valentine’s Day was the release date, I felt like I did during my first viewing of The Notebook.

Q) What do you think it is about the song that fans connect to?

A) If I know the fans as well as I think I do, I’d say they connected to the sincerity. I think that we all look for a love like that, even if it isn’t romantic. I wanted that God-sized love to be wrapped around their hearts as their ears listened for the first time.

Q) “Amazing Grace” has a very synthetic melody and simple beat making the lyrics really effective and more powerful. Are lyrics something you focus on most when creating a song?

A) I one hundred percent put the lyrics as my top priority. What good is a story if the paragraphs are gibberish and nonsensical? I do this because of the story telling element. I’m seemingly comfortable being vulnerable when I can write it down first, maybe to just process the emotion. I’m not here to entertain the crowd, but I’m here to start conversations among the masses. I don’t want to be the center of attention, but I’d like my lyrics to build a bridge between strangers. I want to have a hand in building a community whose love is always the center of attention. The fans accomplish that every single day. They get it.

Q) How does the video for “Amazing Grace” play into the message of the song?

A) When I wrote the song, oh boy, I was so tired of dating. It became a Taylor Swift song, because I finally felt her pain regarding the frustration with relationships. When I got back home from Dallas, I decided I would get on my Bumble (dating website) account to see what the hip kids were up to. I was swiping through the pool of sadness and accident swiped right on a guy. I had no idea how to view who it was, but we ended up matching. Fast forward to today, I married that man and our story is going to be shown in the music video. Our strange friendship and a pizza proposal will be featured, so I’d recommend preparing for a real life happily ever after. Amazing Grace found me and that grace is my dude Sam. *swoon*

Q) What is your favorite line/lyric from “Amazing Grace” and why in particular does that line stand out for you the most?

A) “And you know what they say, ‘When you stop looking it finds you, it finds you.’ A part of me I always knew was missing, it was you always you.”

It means the most to me because it allowed me to smile from the inside out. It was such a sweet moment and I sang it with my eyes closed and a small smile painted on my face.

Q) What do you want your fans and listeners to take away when listening to the track?

A) I hope they take away the understanding of the love they deserve in their lives. I want them to feel it and pass it onto someone who may also be needing that hug around the heart.

Q) How does this single show how you have grown as an artist?

A) The fact that I’m even able to record AND release a single is friggin’ bonkers! I thought I’d never do what I loved ever again. I was so angry and bitter toward music due to personal issues, but here I am. My growth is shown simply in the way I’ve survived all of these trials and tribulations; words and a melody.

Q) Who are some artists you are inspired by and look up to?

A) I have an appreciation for many songwriters, but I’d say I tend to love the grunge era most. Alice In Chains and Nirvana introduced me to the reality that music is art. Music is a way to use a lyrical paintbrush to create a picture that evokes a strong emotion and sense of self. I love that there were no lines to cross because they refused to draw them from the beginning. I decided to live that way and create based on their basic ideas of WHAT music is. They taught me to create art from chaos and art from pain. I learned that the ugliest thoughts could be sang beautifully and fall upon the ears that need it most.

Q) We are aware that this is your first record release with InVogue Records. What else can we except from you for the rest of 2020? 

A) Oh man, I am so excited for the incredible opportunities ahead. I was blessed with an amazing and creative team who are so hungry to reach goals with me. The music video and several more singles are certainly happening this year. I am hoping to do a couple shows here and there as I get back into the swing of things.

Q) What would you like to say to fans and supporters of you and your music?

A) You are enough. You have all the tools you need to succeed within you and don’t let any self-doubt tell you different. I wish I could hug you, but I hope my music embraces you in a way that lets you know that I understand you, I care so much about you and your well-being. Thank you for being alive today, tomorrow and for all the memories to come.