Singer/songwriter Eowyn has been in the music industry for 20 years. The arist started singing in church at age 5, recording her first album at 19. Shortly thereafter, Itoured the U.S., sharing the stage with such greats like Seventh Day Slumber, Disciple, Fireflight, Manic Drive and others. Eowyn releases albums every few years. In fact, the artist released her sixth album, Just Believe. We had an opportunity to speak with Eowyn about Just Believe and her contributions to the music industry.

First, introduce yourself. What is Eowyn about?

I'm a rock girl with a southern accent who can tear up quickly in happy or sad moments. That trait can definitely get on my nerves sometimes, but I assume God gave it to me so that I could really feel what others are going through to better connect with them. What am I about? From the beginning of my career, I knew I wanted to reach those who were fighting doubt, insecurities, depression or even suicidal thoughts. After performing at various locations, I realized the powerful impact lyrics could have on encouraging those who were hurting. Every song I've written since 19--63 songs total--has been about offering people the hope found in Christ. He is why I do what I do. I don't know where I would be today without my loving Savior.
What are some of your favorite artists and music that you listen to and why?

This is going to sound so strange coming from a singer, but I don’t often jump in my car and turn on the radio or really listen to that much music. I never have. Jaws just dropped I’m sure. If I'm listening to something, it's usually because I searched the radio and found something that moved me. I love songs that have an emotional pull and a unique sound and especial those where the vocalist sounds engaging. I just want to be able to believe what they are singing about. Sometimes that happens to be a Christian song, other times it's a mainstream one. I grew up loving R&B and rap. So, the first time I heard the rapper NF I was blown away. He shows tons of emotion. Other songs that really pull me in happen to be those I get to sing for the worship team at my church. I can't believe how many great worship songs there are out there right now being produced by Bethel, Hillsong, Elevation, Mosaic ,and the list goes on.

What are you wanting to communicate with your new album?

I want it to encourage the listener to believe again. Doubt can plague anyone's mind. Whether you are a Christian or not, at some point in your life, you'll probably have doubts, either about what you are called to do, your worth, God's plan or his promises. My prayer is that this album instills hope in hopeless places, affirmation in lieu of questions, and encouragement in minds previously filled with anxiety. I pray that each listener can begin to believe God and his love for them.

The first single "Drenched" is a huge departure stylistically from where you’ve been in the past. What's driving that change?

Is it too cliché to say God? Because it's absolutely true. I honestly never thought I was going to do another album. I thought God had closed that door. My husband actually kept believing I would and then one day the opportunity came. I prayed long and hard about what type of album I would like to create. My first thought was, of course, another rock album. But, the more I prayed about it, the more I felt God leading me in another direction. At first, I looked towards doing an acoustic album. And, that’s honestly how this album started. But, as I began working with the various writers and musicians, a new sound started to take place, one that I never expected, but now love. It's been fun to see how a lot of people can't even really give it a "style" name. I like to say it has a bit of a rap backing track sound with rock/raw vocals. Honestly, I’m still nervous that my past fans won’'t like it, but you know what, it's okay if they don’t. I don't say that to be mean, but it's never been about me anyway; it’s always been about the message. And, God will make sure the message gets into the ears of who He wants to hear it. One thing I know for sure; He led me to do this album.

If you could co-write or perform with some other artists, who would you want to work with?

I wouldn't pass up an opportunity to do a song with NF. As I mentioned before, I love his emotional style. Honestly, I would love the opportunity to write or sing with anyone, whether that is an artist just starting out or an artist who is really known. I just want to work with people who want to reach hurting people.

Talk about a few of the songs from Just Believe.

I wanted the album to feel like a story from beginning to end, so the song placement had to be a little more strategic. It starts off with "Hero," which puts a spotlight on doubt and the necessity to escape it. The escape comes by calling out to the ultimate hero, God, to save you. Then a few songs later, "Believe" begins to play, which is really the turning point of the album. It's a dark piano ballad that is stripped down to merely me and the piano. Vocally, I poured everything I had into this song, so I hope the listener can feel the "angst" of the decision to choose to believe. Then the song that I would probably call my favorite on the album begins, "Safety." Lyrically, it conveys that once you believe God, He will break you out of your comfort zone or "safety" and you will experience more. After that, comes "Set Free," which is about the freedom that comes from this choice. A few songs later, "Worth" comes in reminding the listener that they are worth everything to God. Skipping ahead, we come to "Closer." This is really where the story of believing ends for the listener as I sing "I'm closer then I've been/The best is coming/I'm closer, I'm all in, reckless abandon/I'm so ready, regardless of the risk/I move closer for such a time as this". It's a statement of believing the promise. The last song, "I Want You to Know," is a message to my husband. He has always been my biggest cheerleader. These lyrics were meant to be a huge thank you to him. Gosh, I love that man. I have no doubt each person will have someone come to mind from their own life when listening to it.

What are some victories you’ve seen out of encouraging others to "believe they are worth everything to God?"

I have been able to pray for many teens in this ministry and have been blessed to see numerous lives changed. There's something miraculous that happens when someone truly starts to believe their value in the eyes of God. I remember years ago when I was in a State park; I saw a girl sitting alone by a small waterfall. Against all embarrassment, I walked up to her and started a conversation. After a few moments, I began talking about God and then she began to tear up. She started sharing with me that she had come to kill herself that day. She was in a state of hopelessness. But, in that moment, we talked about her worth and the amazing plans that God had for her life. Years later, she sent me a note through Facebook thanking me for stopping to talk to her. Here is the part of it where she told me what she had become: "I am a federal agent for the Office of Special Investigations (investigate felony level crimes, counter terror, counter intelligence, and perform protective service details). I am currently serving on a one-year deployment down range as the commander of a counter terror unit." Wow. When I told her God was going to use her mightily that day, I had no idea just what God really had in store. I think that is true for many of your readers; they have so much in store for them--if they will Just Believe.

Other than releasing this new album, what are you working on right now? What’s next?

There are definitely a few things I'm hoping to do in early 2019. For one, we want to release a second radio single to the Christian market. "Drenched" was the first single. And, it looks like "Set Free," featuring Nikko Custodio, will be the second. Not only does he sing with me, but he also raps in the bridge, so I finally get my rap song. To push this single, we'll also release a music video for "Set Free" as well. My dad has also been begging me to release a song to mainstream radio that I wrote to my husband on the album called, "I Want You to Know." I just smile and say "maybe daddy." The only other set plan I have is to release mini bible study videos throughout the year that correlate with each individual song. I feel that it brings more of the ministry side into focus. I can't wait to show them. People might just see me tearing up in a few of them. Talking to people about God often brings the waterworks. Other than the music, I'm also a Graphic Designer and a musician on the worship team at my church, Expectation Church. So, I’m sure I'll be busy there as well.

How can we be praying for you?

I can always use prayer for guidance and direction. I truly just want to do what God is leading me to do. But, sometimes it's hard to know exactly what that is--especially if I begin to doubt. So, you can pray that I just believe in what he's calling me to do. Thank you for asking.