Most 16-year-olds are still exploring their identities, but Christian pop singer-songwriter Josh Grove knows his purpose early on. He picked up his first guitar in 2024, using money earned from summer work in the fields. A profound change occurred at his baptism, freeing him from addiction, overcoming severe shyness, and giving him newfound confidence to share his faith. Recently, he's signed a distribution deal with NRT Music, collaborated with seasoned Christian hip-hop artist KJ-52, and released singles like "New Life," "Rain or Shine," and "Trust (Psalm 13)." His journey is certainly accelerating.
For Josh, making music isn't about seeking fame; it's about composing "prayers with melodies" that express his personal message of help and hope. Whether he's leading worship at his local church or working on an EP, his main purpose is always to direct listeners to Jesus. We spoke with Josh about his quick rise as a songwriter, his meaningful moments on set, and how he stays grounded while embracing a greater calling.
You've released several songs over the past year, including "New Life," "Rain or Shine," and "Hope." Looking back, how do you feel you've grown as a songwriter and worship artist since releasing your debut single "One True Savior"?
When I released "One True Savior," I had only been playing guitar for a few months. In 2024, I bought my first guitar with money I earned working in the fields that summer, started taking lessons, and began writing songs. Looking back, it's amazing to see how much God has done in such a short amount of time.
Since then, I've grown a lot as both a songwriter and a worship leader. I'm much more intentional about every part of a song: from the lyrics and melody to the message and the journey it takes the listener on. Around that same time, I also joined the worship team at my church, and leading worship has taught me so much about serving others through music.
Through the encouragement of my church, my music teachers, other musicians, and the experiences God has brought into my life, I feel like I've grown not just as an artist, but as a follower of Christ. My goal is still the same as it was when I wrote my first song: to create music that points people to Jesus and gives them hope.
You signed with NRT Music at a young age. What has that partnership meant for your ministry and music career, and what have you learned from being part of the NRT Music family?
After the release of "One True Savior," NRT Founder Kevin McNeese reached out and offered me a distribution deal with NRT Music. Even though it's technically a distribution deal, it's become so much more than that. Kevin genuinely cares about the artists he works with and wants to see us succeed. Through his guidance, he's helped create opportunities, introduce us to amazing people, and provide resources that have given me a strong foundation to grow both as an artist and in ministry.
I'm really honored to be part of the NRT Music family. I've had the chance to connect with other artists on the roster, celebrate each other's successes, and encourage one another along the way. It's been a great reminder that we're not just making music—we're all working together to point people to Jesus.
Your music consistently points listeners toward Jesus as a source of hope and salvation. What experiences in your own faith journey have most shaped the message you're sharing through your songs?
A lot of the songs I've written come from places I've personally walked through. I've experienced the loss of loved ones and other difficult situations that were hard to navigate. Before I was baptized in 2024, I also struggled with some addictions that left me feeling trapped. On top of that, I was a really shy kid, and the combination of fear and shame meant there was no way I ever imagined I'd be singing in front of people.
When I was baptized, God completely changed my life. He freed me from those addictions and gave me a boldness I know I didn't have on my own. That's why so many of my songs are about hope, because it's the hope I've experienced through Jesus. I like to describe my recent songs as "prayers with melodies," because they're an honest reflection of what God has done in my life and my desire for others to experience that same hope.
You're actively involved in worship ministry at your local church. How does leading worship influence the way you write and choose songs for release as an artist?
Being involved in worship at my local church has really shaped the way I look at music. Even though I lead worship on Sundays and my own music is more pop/rock, I've realized the style doesn't matter nearly as much as the heart behind it. Whether I'm on a church stage or releasing one of my own songs, my goal is the same—to worship God and point people to Him.
When I'm choosing songs to release, I usually pick the ones that mean the most to me. A lot of them come from real experiences or things I feel God has been teaching me. If a song has helped me grow in my faith or brought me hope, my prayer is that it can do the same for someone else.
Many artists spend years finding their musical identity. At just 16 years old, how would you describe the sound and mission of Josh Grove, and what do you hope sets your music apart?
I would describe my sound as both powerful and intimate. I want my music to connect with people on a personal level while carrying a message that leaves a lasting impact. As a songwriter, I never want to create music just for entertainment—I want every song to point people to the hope I've found in Christ. I also never want to compromise my faith to chase something that can never truly satisfy.
My mission is simply to tell others about the hope that's available through Jesus. I want my songs to speak to the heart, encourage people to reflect on the lyrics, and remind them that God is with them no matter what they're facing. My prayer is that listeners don't just enjoy the music, but encounter the love, hope, and truth found in Christ.
You recently collaborated with veteran Christian hip-hop artist KJ-52 on "Rain or Shine." What was that experience like, and are there any other artists you'd love to work with in the future?
Working with KJ-52 was an incredible experience. Not only was he a lot of fun to work with, but it was also a full-circle moment because my dad actually grew up listening to his music. Getting the chance to collaborate with someone who had such an impact on my family made the experience even more meaningful. He absolutely crushed his verse on "Rain or Shine," and I couldn't be happier with how it turned out.
Looking ahead, there are several artists I'd love to collaborate with, including SOFYKA, Bodie, and RICHLIN. Their music has impacted me in unique ways through both their melodies and their messages, and I think creating something together would be an incredible opportunity.
Looking ahead, what can listeners expect next from you? Are you working toward an EP or album, and what themes have been inspiring your newest music?
Depending on when this interview is published, my next release is "Trust (Psalm 13)," which came out in August 2026. It's a worship-inspired song based on Psalm 13 that explores what it means to bring our struggles honestly before God while still trusting Him. I'm also working on more pop-focused songs, and there are a few collaboration opportunities that I'm really excited about.
Right now, we're building toward what could become an EP in 2027. The biggest themes in my recent songwriting have been “HELP” and “HOPE,” encouraging people who are walking through dark seasons to know they're not alone and that real hope is found in Jesus. My prayer is that every new song points people back to Him.
How can we be praying for you?
One thing I'd really appreciate prayer for is wisdom and discernment. There are a few important decisions I'm trying to make right now, and I want to be sure I'm following God's direction instead of just my own plans. If you could pray that He would make the next steps clear and give me the patience to wait on His timing, it would mean a lot.
