Drake Kennedy may be an Altanta native, but his heart and his ministry have taken him from coast to coast, and even across the pond. From serving with the Fellowship of Christian Athletes, to singing with his church to even performing at Winter Jam's Jam Zone when the event came to the Georgia Dome, Kennedy is a singer who is up for anything, anywhere when it comes to music.

On the heels of his latest release, Hope: The EP, I threw nine questions at Kennedy to learn more about him, his music and the things that drive him.

1. Drake, you're a new pop artist on the scene. Tell me about your musical and spiritual background.

I started playing music when I was 14 years old grew up with a musical family. Everyone on my mom's side of the family played some type of instrument, so I kind of just picked one up and started playing. I also started going to church at a young age, although it wasn't until I was in eighth grade that I put my trust in the Lord.

2. You've had a lot of experiences out there among the nations, bringing music to Italy, Germany, and El Salvador. What did those experiences mean to you, both personally and as an artist?

Well it's crazy to think that I was even able to do something like that! I think that these opportunities grew me so much as a person, as a musician, and as a Christian. It is so easy just to stay exactly where I am and be comfortable, but God blessed me with those opportunities. I got to get some culture in my life as well as learn under leaders who are lightyears ahead of me.

3. What's your relationship to FCA [Fellowship of Christian Athletes]? What have you done with that great organization?

Well, when I was in high school, I used to lead worship for the students in FCA at my school. I also went around to other schools and led for their FCAs as well. I used to get in trouble for it because it would make me late for class, but it was worth it. Most recently I played a few songs at their Fields of Faith event.

4. You recently got to perform at Winter Jam's Jam Zone. What was that experience like? 

This was a lot of fun and it was a big honor that I got to play for the same company my mom works with, Premier Productions. I love them and the work they do, and as an artist it has probably been my biggest stage yet.

5. How would you define your mission as you see it? 

My mission would be to make good music that you don't have to compromise on, and showing people that there is a Living Hope whose name is Jesus.

6. What have you released so far, and for people who haven't heard it, what can they expect?

Well so far I have released one EP called Hope: the EP, and if you haven't heard it, you can expect to hear something a little different than what you are use to hearing in CCM. It is kind of a jazz-meets -R&B-meets-pop.

7. What are some big dreams God has put in your heart?

The biggest thing would be writing songs of hope. I get joy hearing about God speaking to other people through music.

8. What's next for you? Touring? Recording? 

Well right now I have started producing, so I am in the middle of producing myself and making another collection of songs to release!

9. How can people be praying for you?

I think the biggest thing people can be praying for me for would be the songs that I write that the words are not mine but God's words. I never want to lose sight for why I am writing songs.