Christian artist Allison Eide is one of Christian music’s most captivating new voices. With a style that combines honest lyricism, soulful melodies, and a heart deeply anchored in faith, the Minneapolis native quickly gained the attention of millions with her breakout single “Love Who I Am.”
Now based in Nashville, Allison continues her musical journey with new songs that are as raw as they are redemptive. Her debut album explores faith, identity, mental health, and the beauty of God’s presence in our mess. NewReleaseToday’s Bradden Ford connected with Allison to discuss her story, the inspiration behind her songs, and her passion for reaching others through her music.
For those discovering you for the first time, can you share your story and how you got started in music?
Absolutely. I was born and raised in Minneapolis, Minnesota—not Nashville. I grew up surrounded by music because my dad was a worship artist for over 25 years. When I was six, he enrolled us in piano lessons. My older brother started first, which made me jealous. I would crawl up to the piano and teach myself the songs he was learning. Finally, my parents realized I needed lessons, too.
Two lessons in, I fell in love with music and songwriting. Later, my dad took me on tour with him while I was in middle and high school, and we performed father-daughter shows. Music was my dream, though I was also into sports. After high school, I played college basketball, paused touring, and wrote many songs during that time. I graduated—barely—and then felt God prompting me to pursue music again.
I came to Nashville a little over two years ago for the first time and released my debut single, “Love Who I Am,” in late 2023. That song went viral, and everything has snowballed since. It’s been all God’s timing.
I remember seeing “Love Who I Am” on Instagram and crying the first time I heard it. It touched so many people and went viral almost overnight. What was it like to see your first song reach millions?
It was honestly humbling. I wrote “Love Who I Am” by myself about eight months before releasing it. I was in my bedroom, struggling with body image and anxiety as a college athlete. I finished the song and started crying—it was exactly how I felt.
I felt the Lord whisper, “Hold this song. When I say to release it, it’s going to reach millions.” I had about 2,000 followers at the time and no monthly Spotify listeners, so I wondered, “How is that supposed to happen?” But eight months later, I sensed it was time. I shared it on Instagram and TikTok, and God did the rest.
Every story I hear about that song still moves me. It makes me realize I’m not alone in what I felt, and it revealed a need. That song set the tone for what my music is all about.
That song opened the door, but everything you’ve released since has kept resonating. How has it been writing music since then, knowing the bar was set so high?
It’s been a journey. I was new to Nashville, still figuring out who to collaborate with and building a creative team. What I learned from “Love Who I Am” is that there’s a real need for authenticity in Christian music—songs that admit we don’t always have answers and that Jesus draws near to our mess.
I just want to keep writing songs that help people out of isolation. I always try to co-write with the Lord, and I ask Him, “Which one is next?” We just follow where the songs lead and let God do what He wants with them.
You have a whole album out now. What are the emotions you’re feeling as you have released all these songs to the world?
So many emotions. I feel like a mixed bag of feelings. The album shows who I am both as a musician and an athlete. It explores what it’s like to wrestle with my identity in Jesus. The songs are part of that journey—not everything is wrapped up neatly. I’m still figuring things out, and the beauty is that Jesus is close to the messy parts.
That’s what this record feels like: very present-day me, very genuine. I’m proud of it and excited about what’s next.
Your music is already helping many, especially young people. What’s it like to be someone others look up to—particularly girls learning to follow Jesus and be honest about their struggles?
It’s wild. Growing up, I struggled with mental health issues, anxiety, and eating disorders—you name it. I was a mess behind the scenes, even though I appeared to be thriving. One thing that helped me get through those dark moments, aside from Jesus, was music—songs that helped me make it through just one more day.
Now, I just want to be that for someone else. If a song I write helps pull someone out of isolation and lets them know Jesus is close to them even in chaos, then I’ve done my job.
You’ve also started performing live more. What was it like to play at Rock the Universe and hear crowds singing your lyrics?
It was surreal. I was stressed before the show, running around trying to get everything ready. But once I hit the stage and heard people singing my songs—without lyrics on the screen—I was blown away. I thought, “I have fans in Florida?!” I’m just a Minnesota girl!
It reminded me that real people are being affected. I got to hug them and listen to their stories—it was a total honor.
You recently released “Liar or Truth,” which has a different tone from your other songs. What inspired that one?
That song is fun and bold. “Love Who I Am” was sincere and emotional, and “Liar or Truth” exudes confidence: “Let’s go. I know who I am in Jesus.” Ironically, when we released it, I was personally struggling with anxiety and low self-esteem. It was almost like God used my song to remind me of the truth.
It’s one of my favorites and captures the range of what’s coming with this record—everything from vulnerability to boldness. Is there anything else coming up that fans should be excited about?
Yes. This past May, I kicked off my first U.S. headlining tour. It’s both nerve-wracking and thrilling. I’m touring with a full band and can’t wait to share these songs—and the heart of Jesus—with communities all over the country. Grab your tickets. We're having a fantastic time.
For those listening right now who are struggling with loving themselves or accepting how God made them, what would you say?
First, it’s completely normal not to know how to love yourself. Even if you believe that God loves you, learning to love yourself is still a journey. That’s okay.
Second, I say this: the heart of Jesus is attracted to our mess. I read a book called Gentle and Lowly by author Dane Ortlund, and it changed everything for me. It shows how Jesus tends to sinners and sufferers with compassion. Even when I don’t have everything figured out, I know Jesus wants to be close to me right in the middle of it. You’re worthy of that kind of love—right now, just as you are.
Amen to that. Thank you for being a light and for sharing your story so boldly. One last question—how can we be praying for you?
Thank you! I’d love prayer for everyone who hears these songs—that the Lord would meet them right where they are. Also, I offer a prayer for all the artists out there doing what I do, trying to reach people beyond the church walls. We’re all part of the body of Christ, and this mission field is big and beautiful.
We’ll be praying. If you haven’t already, follow Allison Eide on all platforms, listen to her music, and get tickets to her tour. Her debut album is one of the most honest and inspiring releases this year. Thank you again, Allison.
Thanks a lot, Bradden. I genuinely appreciate it.
This interview was transcribed and edited with the assistance of ChatGPT, an AI product developed by OpenAI.
Bradden Ford is a Christian music junkie charged with maintaining NewReleaseToday's new release database of artists and releases. He lives just outside of Nashville, Tennessee.
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