Artist Expo: Chris Renzema

April 1, 2022

Though it may not feel like it, it is Springtime here in Lynchburg. And there’s no better way to usher in the warm weather and new growth than with Chris Renzema’s song “Springtime”. Chris Renzema has been a campus favorite for a few years now and for good reason. His music combines various topics of walking with Christ and a unique blend of indie, soft rock, and folk styles. This musical combination allows Renzema to hit the heart of his listeners and not be lumped in with typical Christian pop artists.

This may be a lofty comparison, but when I talk to my friends about Chris Renzema, I like to compare him to J.R.R. Tolkien and C.S. Lewis. These men were masters at their craft. They wrote good literature flat out, and because of their faith in God, gospel themes are weaved throughout. It may be a Liberty cliché to say “if it’s Christian it ought to be better”, but I think it applies. When Christians are excellent in what they do and do it in the name of God, I think that is when we make a difference. Lots of Christian content gets a bad rep for being cheesy. I think that type of content has its place too, but what if we started making things that were so good the world couldn’t help but take notice, and in them we proclaim the name of Christ. To me, that’s what these authors did. And I feel like Renzema is on the same path with his music. He writes good music, takes care to master his craft, and does it all through the lens of his faith in God. In one interview, he asked the rhetorical question, “How does Christian music fit into what I love about music?” and answered by saying, “I love Jesus and I love music and that’s why I make what I make” (Carpenter, 2020).

Renzema’s lyrics are deeply personal at times, asking the buried questions of the raw human heart. At other times, his music explores theology and the person of God, like in his song “Son of God”. The Nashville-based artist actually made his official debut with that song. Since releasing “Son of God”, Renzema has put out a number of singles, extended plays, and albums. Most recently, he released “Get Out of the Way of Your Own Heart” and “HOPE OR NOSTALGIA LIVE”. While his music is still centered around God, his newest album explores our relationship with God in the midst of a messy life. Songs like “Hope or Nostalgia”, “No Room For An Anxious Heart”, “Only The Good Die Young”, and “Hard Drugs” feel different from some of the artist’s past work. These songs are truly honest, asking how sinful people who struggle in this fallen world can relate to and be in relationship with a holy God.

Listeners love his music for the stories he tells, care he puts into the writing of his music, and the messages weaved throughout his calm/indie style. One of my coworkers described Renzema’s music as “a morning cup of coffee”. I feel like this is such a good description, the sound is smooth like coffee and the lyrics are awakening and sobering. If you haven’t checked out this artist yet, I recommend you go on a drive and put his music on shuffle. Maybe you’ll find your new favorite artist!

Chris Renzema is currently sharing his music with the country on his tour with Antoine Bradford, who will also be joining us for the concert.  The two are playing over 26 shows all around the country, and they will be stopping here on Saturday, April 9 at 7:30 PM in the School of Music Concert Hall.

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