Indie Christian artist Brandon Swain is a dedicated follower of Jesus, husband, and father of three. He has played music his entire life and loves every aspect of it. He enjoys hearing people's unique stories and is an evangelist at heart. Outside of music, he likes creating things and has worked as a graphic designer, artist, and craftsman. He has also served in ministry as a worship leader and youth pastor for most of his adult life and is an advocate for the next generation.
Please introduce yourself to our readers.
My name is Brandon Swain, and I’ve been playing music for as long as I can remember. I grew up playing drums, but I also had a piano from my grandmother, so I would tinker on it from time to time and create my own melodies.
When I was 16, I added guitar to my skills and started singing more. In my early 20s, I joined rock bands playing drums, and we even recorded some songs, but it never led to anything stable because band members didn’t get along.
A few years later, I got married, found the Lord, and soon after, I began playing in worship bands. I eventually switched from drums to become a worship leader. I’ve always written songs, but until recently, I never felt compelled to share them with the world. God played a significant role in this recent move to start sharing the words He has placed on my heart, so here we are. I'm excited to see what's ahead.
You’re talking about self-worth in your latest single. Why is this topic important to you?
I see many people on social media questioning their self-worth—especially young people. Much of that struggle comes from the platforms they use every day. I wrote this song with my own daughters in mind, watching how comparison, bullying, labels, chasing “likes,” wanting to go viral, or feeling like they don’t have real friends can lead them into depression and anxiety.
This song addresses those hurts and then rises into a powerful bridge declaring that they are loved children in Christ Jesus. The hook reminds them they are worth more—more than the hearts and likes they’re chasing, and more than the temporary standards the world sets (adores).
It’s a message of truth: they are not a mistake, they are deeply loved by God, and their lives carry eternal value.
You have daughters. What are some of the struggles you see them facing, and what advice do you give to other dads raising girls in this world?
Well, I am certainly not perfect, but my advice would be to limit social media as much as possible. It's hard enough to manage as an adult, but when you're a kid, you are even more vulnerable to what others say and think about you, as well as outside influences, whether good or bad. I've learned from my time working with youth that many of them, even though connected through social media, feel alone and struggle with depression. Nothing beats good old-fashioned quality time together in community. And on that note, make sure to carve out regular time just to be with them.
How do you balance views and likes with music ministry? Those can be competing issues at times.
I talk to God about this very thing often. It can definitely be a double-edged sword. I want others to hear the messages God has given me, but I also don't want to chase likes and fame. Ultimately, I believe it takes intentional effort and time in self-reflection with God to keep this balanced. The irony isn't lost on me that I try to promote my songs on the same platforms I speak out against.
What would you want those who don’t have a relationship with God truly know about Him?
That He truly is a loving Father. And that He will love you through your mistakes just like a good father would. But that also means He will challenge you to grow, which may involve some discipline. And most of all, if you can get to a real place of trusting Him with all things, there's no limit to what He can do.
What’s next for you musically?
I had taken a bit of a break from writing to raise my kids, but now that they are getting older, I really want to write more and take what I have learned from years of ministry and put out songs that hopefully have an impact for the kingdom. I believe music is a gift from God that everyone can relate to and has great power for His purposes.
How can we be praying for you?
That I will always keep Jesus front and center. That my kids will continue to follow Him. That my words would be honoring and point people to God. Protection from the attacks of the enemy, that's real, y'all.
Kevin McNeese started NRT in 2002 and has worked in the industry since 1999 in one form or another. He has been a fan of Christian music since 1991.
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