Veteran Christian artist, songwriter, and producer David Coate returns with a powerful new single, "This Is Love," now impacting Christian radio. Blending Inspirational, Christian Soft AC, Christian Country, and Southern Gospel influences, the song delivers a moving and timely reminder of the greatest love ever demonstrated-the sacrificial love of Jesus Christ-inviting listeners to reflect on its life-changing power and respond with renewed faith and purpose.
Q: For readers discovering you for the first time, how would you describe your journey-from your early days playing rock music to becoming a Christian artist devoted to sharing the message of Christ?
I was a "good" kid probably until about 13 years old at which time I became a lot more rebellious. Even though I was brought up in a Christian home, I didn't connect at all with God or the church we were attending. As a young teen I experimented with about everything you would not want your kid to be involved with. Thank God that He intervened during my early high school years. I had noticed and was impressed by the faith and character of Christian students in my high school, and eventually grew weary of my own direction in life. This realization led me to surrender my life to Christ. As a result, God re-directed my obsession to music to see it as a tool to reach others for Christ.
Q: Your new single "This Is Love" is rooted in John 15:13-what drew you to this passage, and how did it shape the heart and message of the song?
In our culture, we tend to use the word "friend" loosely. However, "greater love has no on than this: to lay down one's life for one's friends" sets a very high standard for that word. In fact, just the concept of the Son of God laying down His life for me is mind blowing! "This is Love" characterizes my gratitude to God for loving me through Jesus' sacrifice for my salvation. It is also a declaration for others to consider the magnitude of this precious gift.
Q: You've had a diverse musical background, from influences like Jimi Hendrix and Eric Clapton to Christian Soft AC and Southern Gospel-how do those influences come together in your sound today?
I've always loved a broad range of musical styles. As a composer and musician, and particularly as a Producer-I've needed to become fluent with a lot of musical genres. The cool thing is when you can meld those styles into your own music, but still have it sound like you!
Q: You've spoken about a season where you stepped away from music to deepen your faith-how did that time reshape your understanding of music as ministry?
In my early days before becoming a Christian, I was obsessed with music. What I did not realize is that something good like music can in fact become an idol if it is a higher priority than God. Looking back, I feel that God took music away for a while as I started to grow in Christ. What I found is that really all I needed was God, and I had substituted other things that I thought would fill the God-shaped vacuum in my heart. Once God is truly the #1 priority, other wonderful things like music can have their proper place.
Q: Over the years, you've performed in a wide range of settings, from prisons to major festivals-what moments stand out as especially impactful in seeing how your music reaches people?
Wherever faith based or worship music is implemented, I believe that God can reach people in profound ways. This is mainly because "wherever two or more are gathered in my name, I am with them." Meaning that God shows up if our main focus is worshipping Him and have an authentic relationship with Him. It's really that simple! Time and time again I have been surprised at how people are impacted by God in sometimes the most unexpected situations.
Q: Looking ahead, what can listeners expect next from you in terms of new music, projects, or the direction God is leading your ministry?
I am constantly working on new projects-right now an original worship music album, plus an all instrumental album.
Watch the music video:
Connect with David Coate:
https://www.facebook.com/DavidCoateMusic/
https://www.instagram.com/david.coate/
