How Faith Shapes Terrian’s Music
Blending Genres and Faith for God’s Glory
If Terrian could choose only one song of hers for you to experience, without hesitation, she suggests “Stayed on Him.” “I think it has a good mix of all of the genres that I love, so it’s kind of bad in the beginning, but then it gets very gospel towards the end there. Then there’s this kind of balance that’s like so groovy,” reflecting on her own eclectic taste in music.
Christian artist Terrian shared her musical inspirations, the creative processes behind her songs, and her journey as a Christian artist in a conversation with us last year.
“Stayed on Him,” not only showcases her versatility but also represents the kind of music that captivated her during her college years. It demonstrates her gift to merge different genres seamlessly, creating a unique sound that resonates with a wide audience.
Early Inspirations and Musical Influences
Terrian’s musical roots run deep, drawing from a variety of influences that have shaped her sound. Growing up, she was inspired by gospel legends like Kirk Franklin and Mary Mary, whose powerful messages and soulful music left a lasting impact on her. Additionally, the pop music from Disney Channel played a significant role during her formative years, adding a different flavor to her musical palette.
Her older sister’s R&B albums introduced her to artists like Alicia Keys and Destiny’s Child, further broadening her musical horizons. “I would take her albums and listen to those as well,” she reminisces, highlighting how these diverse sounds have contributed to her unique style.
Terrian’s willingness to absorb different musical influences by osmosis has allowed her to create a sound that is both fresh and familiar, appealing to a wide range of listeners. “I think there’s so much beauty in different sounds and chord progressions,” she explains, emphasizing her appreciation for good music regardless of genre.
Exciting Projects
Her single, “Big God,” released about this time last year, marked a significant moment in her career. Reflecting on its creation, she recalls, “When I would think through singles, I wrote down “Big God.” We were in a session back at the end of November [2022], and there was this track that felt hype, that Jordan Belsky had made. And I just started saying ‘big God, big God.’”
This collaboration with producers Jordan Belsky and TobyMac brought the song to life with a message of joy and faith that Terrian felt was much needed. “Toby was like, ‘I like that a lot, you know?’ And so he added all of these cool melodies,” she said as she recalls the creative synergy that made the song possible.
The journey from ideation to release was a collaborative effort that involved contributions from various talented individuals. “It was just cool to see that little idea from earlier in the year finally be made into a song,” she says.
Creating Music from the Heart
For Terrian, creating music is about expressing her faith and emotions authentically. She strives to infuse her songs with genuine emotion and experiences, drawing inspiration from the biblical Psalms.
“God is not afraid of our emotions at all, and He wants to use that for his glory,” she emphasizes.
She strives to create honest and relatable music that offers peace and encouragement to her listeners.
“I like to do my best to pull from my own experiences and experiences of those around me as well, because that’s where the meat is,” she explains. It allows her to create songs that are musically rich and deeply meaningful
Her admiration for the Psalms, particularly the way David processes his emotions through his writings, helps her to be transparent in her music. “I’m so inspired by David because if you read through the Psalms, some of it is intense, but David is also processing his emotions,” she notes.
Authenticity and Emotional Depth
Terrian’s commitment to authenticity and emotional depth in her lyrics sets her apart as an artist. “We try and be as honest as we can and figure out where we can say things that maybe feels like it’s kind of like pushing buttons a little bit,” she explains. Her dedication to truthfulness not only strengthens her music but also fosters a deeper connection with her audience.
By addressing real-life experiences and emotions in her songs, Terrian creates a sense of shared understanding and empathy. Her music becomes a conduit for listeners to process their own emotions and experiences, knowing that they are not alone in their struggles. “That means a lot to me when I get to do that,” she says.
As you explore her music, may you find the same joy and faith that she so passionately shares. Whether you are a long-time fan or new to her music, Terrian’s journey and her songs are sure to inspire and uplift your spirit.
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