Blending pop hooks, hip-hop energy, and a subtle Southern edge, GLADDEN is carving out a lane that feels as personal as it is uplifting. Raised in Greenville, South Carolina, and shaped by a wide spectrum of music, faith, and life experience, GLADDEN's latest single, "Good In My Soul," captures a moment of clarity that has been years in the making. It is a song born from surrender, creative freedom, and a deep desire to make faith-based music that is joyful, accessible, and rooted in genuine spiritual growth.
Q: For listeners meeting you for the first time, who is GLADDEN, and how did growing up in Greenville, South Carolina help shape both your sound and your faith?
If you're new to GLADDEN, welcome! I do my best to make fun, unique songs that bring positivity and value to listeners. When writing a song, my goal is to create something that is both edifying and entertaining.
Upstate South Carolina boasts a diverse mix of cultures, especially in the art / music community. My parents raised me on music genres including: Christian, country, motown, disco, rock & roll, swing, and classical. Through my surrounding community, I grew to appreciate modern pop, rap, alternative, punk, and EDM! My eclectic music taste has shaped the songs that I write; I honestly can't quite pinpoint an exact genre for GLADDEN music! Each song has its unique blend of genres.
South Carolina is known for countless churches and a heavy Christian population. Learning the Bible in this environment allowed me a solid base for my faith (which began at 7 years old). My faith has since grown while viewing the experiences of life through the lenses of Prayer and Scripture, making decisions differently because of Jesus.
Q: "Good In My Soul" blends pop, hip-hop, and even a touch of southern twang. How did you land on that genre mix, and what made it the right sound for this message?
Although I don't typically make country music, I have family members who LOVE country songs. Syphon, a producer I work with often, released a pop / hip-hop meets country instrumental, and I knew I had a beat with the perfect blend of my normal style with a little Southern flavor! The sound of a dusty guitar reminds us that God can use even those of us who may have become lukewarm and placed our relationship with Him "on the shelf".
Q: You've shared that the song is a reminder that real change only comes through full surrender to Jesus. How did that truth become personal for you while writing "Good In My Soul"?
Good In My Soul includes elements of my spiritual journey that I felt could relate to listeners. The song begins stating that we are all sinners, then urges us to remove any sins that are holding us back from the Goodness of God. Once we get to the point of full commitment to Jesus, we rid ourselves of what is lukewarm and put on righteousness.
Q: Your music balances witty rhymes, gritty rhythms, and easy sing-along melodies. How intentional are you about creating faith-based music that feels fun, accessible, and uplifting for all ages?
While I strive to make unique songs with catchy melodies, I make sure to infuse my lyrics with the hope that I have personally experienced. GLADDEN songs have broad, relatable lyrics that also simultaneously pinpoint a Spiritual theme (typically, a Fruit of the Spirit).
Listeners will NEVER hear cursing in a GLADDEN song. My goal is to bring positive impact not only to the current generation, but also to countless generations to come. I do not use foul language, and I hope that my music encourages listeners to also refrain!
Q: After writing music for more than two decades, you've said you finally uncovered your true "sound." What clicked for you creatively, and how did that shift your approach to making music?
Around 10 years old, I began taking piano lessons. Instead of practicing the assigned pieces, I would compose original songs to show my very gracious piano teacher at the next lesson. In my downtime, I would also rewrite lyrics for soundtrack songs on my video games. My passion for music was certainly instilled; however, I never imagined that God would bring the dreams of those notepads to life.
I continued to make music through middle school, high school, and college. After college, I lived alone in a log cabin; there I began to unpack the GLADDEN "sound" that can be heard in my music, today. While on my own, I began to experiment weird song ideas and wild vocal techniques that I had never felt comfortable to try in front of others. The more I allowed myself to fail, the more I learned; and, in turn, the more creative I became. While not, immediate, my "sound" became more unique and noticeable to listeners until morphing into the GLADDEN of today. Finding a unique voice has opened a creative window that allows me to write freely and truly express my heart on each of my songs.
Q: Looking ahead, how does "Good In My Soul" point toward what's next for you? What can fans expect from GLADDEN musically and spiritually in future releases?
Oowee! The year is off to a great start with the release of "Good In My Soul"! Through Dream Label Group, in partnership with Ocean House Music, I will be dropping my first EP (which will include "Good In My Soul") later in the year. The EP will be followed by 1-2 singles each month through November.
Last year was one of the best years of my life while simultaneously proving one of the longest years of my life. I have grown so much Spiritually, so expect each of my songs to reflect elements of that growth. I've been digging deep, and I'm so excited to share more of my heart with you through music this year!
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