Welcome to NewReleaseToday’s Couples Corner, where we celebrate love, faith, and music by showcasing couples who inspire both on and off the stage. On this episode, hosts Danny and Janice sit down with Nashville-based husband-and-wife duo Walter and Holly Halliwell—a team whose love story is as harmonious as the music they create together. Walter is an accomplished producer, songwriter, and multi-instrumentalist, and Holly is a Christian pop artist whose songs have reached millions of listeners. Together, they blend faith, creativity, and partnership into a shared musical calling.
How did you two meet? What’s your love story?
Walter: We met in college, both from Illinois, attending a small Christian liberal arts school near Chicago. Our schedules only overlapped in choir, and we went on a 10‑day choir tour over spring break. That’s where we really noticed each other and hit it off. We got engaged my junior year and married when I still had a semester left—classic ring‑by‑spring.
Who’s the better cook?
Walter: Me. I’m actually making white chicken chili right now—one of our favorites.
Who’s the better driver?
Walter: I drive most of the time, but I usually stress her out.
Who snores louder?
Walter: Neither of us snores—unless we cancel each other out.
Who’s the cheapskate?
Walter: Probably me.
Whose bossier?
Walter: I can be a stickler.
Who’s more romantic?
Both: Pretty even.
Who said “I love you” first?
Walter: I did. We were walking along the Fox River. I said it, she said it back—and she didn’t run away.
How did each of you get involved in Christian music before working together?
Holly: I grew up in a musical family. My siblings were talented, my grandma taught us piano, and I started writing songs early. Music school was the natural next step. When Walter and I met, we realized our dreams and passions were identical—even our musical tastes.
Walter: [Contemporary Christian band] Citizen Way came out of our college, and during my last year, they needed a bass player and tour manager. I asked for a chance; they gave it to me, and that launched me into Christian music before I transitioned into production and songwriting.
What inspired you to collaborate as a couple, and how has it impacted your relationship?
Holly: In 2020, I challenged myself to write 100 songs. Whenever I loved one, I’d hand it to Walter to produce. Many became my first released songs. Now we collaborate more deeply in songwriting and direction.
Walter: Working together took trial and error, especially early in marriage. Giving creative feedback to your spouse is different than giving it to another artist. We had to learn timing, tone, and communication. Now it’s a blessing.
How does your faith influence your writing process?
Walter: Most songwriting sessions start with talking about what God is teaching us, what the church is walking through, or what themes resonate. Those conversations often shape the songs.
Holly: So much of writing happens before the writing—during the conversations.
How do you handle artistic differences or conflict while creating?
Holly: Creativity is a long journey. We had to learn patience and how to gently introduce ideas like, “What if we try this direction?” Communication with grace is everything.
Walter: It’s not just what you say, but how and when you say it. Letting go of small things is important. And at the end of the day, I remind myself: I love this person more than I love this song.
Final Thoughts
Thank you to Walter and Holly Halliwell for joining NewReleaseToday’s Couples Corner. Connect with them at WalterHalliwell.com and HollyHalliwell.com.
Janice Rigel is a Christian author, speaker, podcast host, comedian, and everyone's bestie. She can be found at JourneyWithJanice.com. OpenAI's ChatGPT provided some assistance with this article.
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