With a decades-long career, Ian Eskelin has impacted the Christian music industry as a producer, songwriter, and artist. Best known as the frontman of the Grammy-nominated band All-Star United, Ian has also established a strong reputation behind the scenes, crafting chart-topping hits and shaping the sound of numerous artists. 
 
As the president of Radiate Music, he continues to support both established and emerging talent. Simultaneously, his songwriting and production credits feature an impressive array of names, from Francesca Battistelli to Hawk Nelson. Ian's influence extends well beyond Nashville, with over 50 top 10 singles—including 25 number-one hits—and international success in countries such as Japan, Singapore, and Australia. Whether working in his studio, The Holiday Ian, or collaborating with worship leaders through his global ministry, Nations of Worship, Ian remains committed to creating music that inspires and uplifts.
   
Could you talk about your role as a music producer (duties, etc.)? How do you bring an artist’s work to life?
 
It’s an enjoyable time in music. Everyone with a laptop and an idea can be a producer, and over 100,000 new songs are released daily on Spotify. The real trick is to be a part of the songs that get the attention. 
 
With that in mind, I’d say my primary role as a producer is to listen to the hopes and dreams of the artist and deliver the vision to achieve the greatest impact. I’m very much a song guy first. Once we’ve got the bare bones of a tight lyric and melody, we can take the music production anywhere it needs to go. Honestly, the best productions come from knowing what not to do. And believe me, I’ve got a long list of failures to hopefully steer us clear of the pitfalls.
 
Do you consider yourself to be someone behind the artist? Why?
 
It’s funny, but after years of touring, I am no longer interested in being on stage.  So, in that sense, I love being the guy “behind the artist.”  Because I understand what it’s like to be on stage and try to captivate an audience, it gives me an added perspective into decision-making in the studio.
 
In the other sense, I take being “behind the artist” seriously as a champion and advocate. Once the production is done, many decisions regarding release, distribution, etc., remain, and I enjoy that side of it, too.
 
What is the most satisfying part of your job?
 
I would imagine many people would say that the most satisfying part is when the song gets released and starts blowing up. Don’t get me wrong, that’s always fun, but I still really crave the “aha” moment. There’s nothing like that high-five hair standing up on your arms moment when the right melody, lyric, or part perfectly falls into place. That’s what still motivates me. Oh, and when it goes #1 :)
 
Do you produce Christian and mainstream music? If just Christian, then why?
 
I remember the day, as a young man, I consciously decided to use my talents to write and produce songs for and about my Lord and Savior. Through the years, I’ve worked on a bunch of mainstream stuff, but my heart never really resided there. My heart gravitates toward creating content about the truth and of eternal value.
 
It’s fun to encounter an artist like Natasha Owens, who does a bit of everything—Christian, pop, country, and most recently, her patriotic music. 
 
Does producing vary by genre (hip-hop, rock, contemporary)? How so?
 
A hook and a nugget of truth are at the core of every great song. Once you have that, you can produce it in almost any genre. I started as an electronic music programmer, building tracks, and one day, I got rid of most of my gear because it was limiting my songwriting. I was spending so much time stressing about the track and the sounds that I didn’t bother with what mattered: the message. I learned how to play the guitar when I was around 30 to change how I delivered the message. It felt fresh. 
 
Also, as a producer, I’m not particularly interested in sitting in the chair and pushing all the buttons anymore. While I can do that, it’s sometimes necessary to be the guy dancing around the back of the room, just directing traffic. Surrounding yourself with the right team to lead allows you to move in and out of many genres. 
 
Who have you worked with, and who would you like to work with?
 
The thing I love about Christian music is that the only thing that makes it Christian is the lyrics. I’m rarely bored because I get to produce many different styles. One day, you’re creating a soaring vocal for Francesca Battistelli; the next, you’re tracking monster guitars with 7eventh Time Down. One day, you’re recording a Hindi track in Mumbai for Nations of Worship, and the next, you’re navigating Dutch lyrics with flutes and Peruvian hand drums in The Netherlands with Trinity (NL). It keeps it exciting. I’m thankful to have worked with so many, but I’m always grateful for the next one.
 
What else would you like to say?
 
We serve the God of “new”: new mercies every morning, new beginnings, and especially new songs (Psalms 6:1). So, get busy writing and producing something new. That’s what I’m going to do today.
 
What’s next? 
 
Revival.
 
How can we be praying for you?
 
That the name of the Lord Jesus Christ would be glorified with all my efforts. (And that [professional football club] Tottenham Hotspur F.C. would win a trophy. :)