The one-time Richland church worship leader returns to West Michigan for a show at The Intersection’s Elevation on Friday. Cory Asbury’s back story today at Local Spins.
Playing Theaters and Clubs: Cory Asbury is also testing his country acumen. (Courtesy Photo)
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Singer-songwriter Cory Asbury’s musical career surged during his time in West Michigan.
While the musician was a worship leader at Radiant Church in Richland, northeast of Kalamazoo, his faith-infused ballad “Reckless Love” hit big in 2017. The top-charting song led to Billboard and Grammy nominations, and Dove Award wins for song of the year as well as topping two worship music categories.
“Actually, that song got its start when we were (serving a church) in Colorado Springs, but finally it was released when we were in Michigan,” recalled Asbury, 39, from his home near Nashville.
Asbury had artist-in-residence status at the church, which allowed him to record and do limited touring while maintaining connections there.
“They understood that was part of my calling, and I give credit to the senior pastor and church in setting us up to succeed,” said Asbury.
The artist was already part of a collective at the Bethel Music label. And his “Reckless Love” follow-up album generated the hits “The Father’s House” and “Sparrows”.
It was a creative period for Asbury. But he and his growing family were strained by the tight restrictions of COVID.
“My wife (Anna) was dealing with post-partum anxiety and depression, and that compounded things,” he said.
Looking Ahead But Finding A Balance: Asbury (Courtesy Photo)
“We went down to Alabama to stay with friends for a few months, passing through Nashville on our way and saw it was much more open,” he said. The couple realized they could live almost anywhere and still pursue music. So they made the move to Nashville five and a half years ago.
The North Carolina native has warmed to Music City’s country sound, rubbing shoulders with its artists and writers and loving the excellence displayed. It’s reflected in his newer music.
The ballad “Dream I Never Had” and the pop-country “Cheap Seats” definitely lean in that direction, whether it can be viewed as folk, Americana “or whatever you want to call it,” he said. “It’s been kind of fun to flex a difference muscle.”
His next album will be a collection of his new country-ish tunes, while also aiming for a live worship album early next year.
Asbury’s tour reflects his new approach. He’s playing theatres and clubs rather than churches, still including some of his older songs along with the new.
“We’re trying to find the balance and see what it feels like and see what listeners appreciate,” he reasoned. “We want to make sure its inclusive of everybody to be able to enounter the message in a place they’re comfortable in.”
He’s already played shows with country mainstay Chase Rice and western-country artist Ian Munsick.
Is this a full-fledged wave toward country or simply a quick foray for an artist who grew up doing faith-inspired music?
“You never want to abandon (the music) you brought and I love that world and appreciate that music,” he said. “I’m still kind of weighing it all.”
Asbury brings his tour to Elevation inside The Intersection in Grand Rapids at 8 p.m. Friday (July 18), with Thunderstorm Artis opening the all-ages show. Tickets are $35.24 in advance, available online here.
VIDEO: Cory Asbury, “Reckless Love”
LISTEN: Cory Asbury, “Dream I Never Had”
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