Widely-known for lending their acclaimed vocals on projects and tours by multi-platinum, GRAMMY, Dove and Stellar Award winning artists, husband and wife Seth and Nirva Ready announce the global release of their long-awaited full-length debut album, Never Alone, May 27 on Integrity Music.
Produced by Bryan Fowler (tobyMac, Aaron Shust) and featuring songwriting collaborations with Michael Farren ("Let It Rain"), Mia Fields ("Savior King"), Jacob Sooter, Israel Houghton, tobyMac, Victor Oquendo and BJ Putnam, Seth & Nirva's faith-empowering Never Alone picks up where their 2013 EP I Need You left off. From the solid R&B groove of "Pour It Out" to the modern pop anthem of "Unconditional," to the ballads and calls to worship on the album, the new recording explores the veteran vocalists' unique styles and diversity carving out a distinctive blend all their own.
"Our sound--much like us as a couple and as individuals--doesn't fit any traditional genre category very well," says Seth. "It's a bit more diverse stylistically than a lot of artists and difficult to categorize, but this is who we are."
Weaved into the sonic landscapes on Never Alone, Seth & Nirva deliver a message to listeners that God is present, on the move and that as believers, we are part of God's story as He is part of ours.
"Never Alone isn't simply a declaration of our need for God or a prayer for God's provision and power, it's also a reminder of the truth that He is with us," says Seth. "It might seem paradoxical, but part of the human experience is this back and forth between fear and doubt on the one hand, and confidence and conviction on the other."
As volunteers ministering to young adults in Tampa, FL, Seth & Nirva became all too aware of the powerlessness and fear felt among their people. Bleak economic projections, terrorism, political drama, racial wars and a culture more and more entrenched in secularism have left believers feeling misunderstood and spiritually paralyzed.
"Whether in our educational institutions, the public square or in social media, people are feeling misrepresented and bullied out of speaking about and living out their core beliefs," Nirva explains.
"We want to be part of helping our brothers and sisters recover their courage, develop their character, grow in their understanding of the biblical worldview and connect with God on a daily basis through study and worship," adds Seth. "We want to use the gifts and tools God has given us--in the context of singing and making music--to serve and encourage the Church, as well as to take part in the renewal He is bringing. That renewal will enable us to stand firm and impact our spheres of influence with the Gospel in a day when culture is set against us."
One of the most personal tracks on the record is "Brother," written by Seth & Nirva's labelmates, The Brilliance. As a bi-racial couple, Seth & Nirva have encountered cultural stigma more than most. Only in experiencing Jesus, in the study of Scripture, they say, can one begin to understand the love and forgiveness required to heal the great racial divide.
When I look into the face of my enemy, I see my brother, I see my brother
Forgiveness is the garment of our courage
The power to make the peace we long to know...
"'Brother' hit us really hard," Seth admits. "Can we honestly sing those lyrics? It's such a beautiful vision of what we want to be, directly rooted in Jesus' teaching. ...Hopefully, this song becomes an entry point for more discussion." After all, he adds, "The kingdom of God, in all its diversity, is the biggest movement on Earth."
The full Seth & Nirva
Never Alone track listing follows:
01) You Are In Control
02) Pour It Out (Featuring DJ Maj)
03) Great Are You Lord
04) Brother (Featuring tobyMac)
05) Should've Been Mine
06) Be With Us
07) Unconditionally
08) Never Alone (Featuring Shonlock)
09) You Are With Me
10) Love Never Fails
11) We Won't Back Down
