Austin Mark Adams has a unique, yet impressive, resume. He's a singer, a multi-instrumentalist and a songwriter. He's also a worship pastor at a local church where he sides with his wife and two children in Anchorage, Alaska. His website describes his sound "between the anthemic folk sound of Mumford & Sons and the melodic wit of Coldplay, while leaving room for shades of 80’s flare." We recently caught up with Adams to talk about his life in Alaska, his tattoos and his new EP, The Return. You’re from Alaska, which is pretty remote. What does the Christian music scene look like?

Actually, there isn’t a whole lot currently being produced in the Christian music scene around here. Part of that, I think, is due to Alaska being such a young state that is somewhat isolated from the mainstream music scene. There are, however, a lot of talented musicians up here and I’m excited to see what is to come. One of my passions as an artist to help other artists realize their abilities, create something unique and get it out there to be heard. Do you feel your environment influences your music and writing in any way?

100%. I’ve done a fair bit of travel, and maybe I’m biased, but there is no place like Alaska. Every time I walk out the door I’m hit in the face with awesome beauty from every direction. Maybe I’m crazy, but I like the ever-changing daylight hours. It keeps life from getting stuck in the same patterns, and I think that helps with the creative process.
You’ve got a pretty eclectic sound. What is influencing that?

Well, my taste in music is just as eclectic. It’s a large buffet of musical variety that seems to keep on growing. Approaching this project, I tried not to get stuck within one sound but tried to let each song have its own personality. It was pretty fun and kept the studio sessions interesting. I’m sure over time I’ll find that elusive “sound” that every musician seems to be looking for. Or not, and that will be totally fine with me. You recently got a tattoo of a falcon on your arm. Any spiritual significance to this? What tattoo is next?

Yeah, the falcon was my actually my first tattoo. I’ve always been fascinated with that particular bird (peregrine falcon). As a little guy, I was intrigued when I saw it on a nature show and learned it was the fastest animal on earth. What’s interesting is that it’s really good at one thing—going fast. When the falcon is doing what it is created to do, there is no other animal on the planet that can do it better. Otherwise, it’s not actually the most effective flier. The tattoo is a reminder to do the one thing that God created me to do and to not try to be something I’m not.

Next tattoo? I’ve actually been wanting this astronaut/space scene done. I think most would attribute space travel with the height of human achievement. For me, when compared to the vastness that is space and God's creation, it’s a reminder that humans really are small and our God’s creation is expanding beyond our wildest imagination. It’s a humbling thought, but one I like to think about. What’s a few of your favorite lines from the new EP?

I think I’ll have to go with, “Through the chaos and in the calm, You are with me, You are with me, through It all.” Simply put, I think that’s everything. Nothing will ever be thrown our way that our God hasn’t already overcome and still, when all seems well, our God is near. I love that. Talk about the single, “Through It All.”

Well, continuing off my last answer, “Through It All” is a song of God’s faithfulness. Every person with a pulse will get hit in the teeth by life at some point, but we can always find assurance in the promises of God. He is who he says He is; He is near and never far. And, no matter the circumstance, He’ll be there. I think knowing that truth is the only way a person can find real peace and real hope. I know that’s true for me. What are some of the themes you want to communicate with your new EP?

The album title, The Return comes from Isaiah 10:20. It talks about Israel turning from “those who struck them” to once again “truly rely on the Lord.” It goes on to say that, “a remnant will return; a remnant of Jacob will return to the mighty God”. The theme I hope to communicate with this album is just my story. It’s about turning from things that draw us away from God, and learning to rely once again on the one true God: the God who is faithful and has better plans for us than we could ever imagine. Any co-writing dreams?

I love the idea of co-writing and want to do a lot more of it. I really love the stuff that Will Reagan has put out and would love to write with him and United Pursuit. I think John Mark McMillan is an insanely talented lyricist and wildly creative artist. I’ve also been following Mack Brock for a long time. His new solo stuff is the jam. I would definitely love the opportunity to get to work with any of those guys. What are some things you’ve learned from your wife and two children?

How to be a man and exist as a human being. Who knows exactly how much I’ve learned from them but, all I’ll say is, my three-year-old is now starting to correct my grammar, so I think I’m getting better at English.