Tobymac is the headliner of one of the industry's most popular events with the voice behind countless Christian music hitsHit Deep Tour. Still, he hopes that the “Christian Music” label will not feel forceful in his words.
It's not that Tobymac is ashamed of the label. It's just “Christian Music” labelhe believes, Pushing away potential fans.
“I always thought,” Toby Mac told the Crosswalk headline during a break from the 2025 Hit Deep Tour. heaven in my heartabove March 7th.
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The seven Grammy Award winner is the writer Such a legendary hit Jesus Freak Over 12 other chart toppers including 2022 Goodness.
He is excited about the future of CCM. He is also encouraged by mainstream artists who are open about Christian faith when making excellent music.
“I think sometimes the labels turn people off. I'm kind of excited about this, where people are Christians and it's not labeled 'Christian music'. …I'm excited About the facts It's spreading a bit, not “This is modern Christian music.” I'm excited that there are multiple tentacles out there, as there's no better term. …We're more accepting of that. We don't put each other in a small box as we used to be. ”
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Tobymac has a similar view on worshiping music.
“For me, I have a half-night worship service at the show and you don't call me a worship artist. That's fine. I'm just saying there are all these labels I think They are sometimes a little heavy. You need to listen to music and understand: Does this resonate with my spirit? Will it build me up or isn't it? Will it build up my flesh or my spirit?“
There “No doubt“ “Fans in the wider music market than they listen to Christian music“ “Well, that's not for me,“ He said.
Below is a transcript of the Crosswalk Headline interview with Tobymac.
Q. Which aspect of the tour do you think is the most fulfilling? Also, what personal challenges does the tour present?
A. Believe it or not, I love the behind-the-scenes elements of the tour. For me, On stage, it's exactly what we do. What is it It was Called do. …IfWe are a community behind the scenes. If we pray together, if we want each other, if we unite behind the scenes there is Something true of God is happening Behind the scenes, the stage is nothing more than a behind-the-scenes overflow of a community that is actually happening, a community of God. So I learned to focus backstage. That leads to this on-stage beauty. I know it sounds weird, but if we go on stage and act like we have it, it's just hypocrisy because it's confusing behind the scenes. I want to focus Authentic I have a relationship and then When I go out to present my music, I don't know those people, but I care about them because I care about everyone. I wish everyone very well. So I'm worried when I'm walking on stage for those audience members, deeplyI Really do. It is my prayer that God moves over their hearts, that whimsical believers can return to God…or God will introduce himself to someone for the first time. And Christians walking hard are encouraged and enlightened. But really, our relationship is behind the scenes and I think it is wonderful On-stage performance.
Q. Christian music has changed a lot Over the past 30 years, you've seen it change. I Curious, what Do you think it's a future change in Christian music?
A. Well, me Really I'll be concerned about that. That's gone More and more For me, it's important not to take it that, But give it to it. reason Hit Deep Tour existed teeth Because we wanted to develop artistry that will make our audience fall in love. I wanted to walk with these young artists. The reason why Gotee Records exists is exactly the same – I I wanted it To find the artist I feel You can navigate this with the wisdom of stepping into the role of a headliner and ultimately talking about this, and the people who invited them to walk the road before them. So, I will do my best to help other artists. I see it growing.
Q. Please give us your thoughts on the future of Christian music Regarding Young, new artist. It's like us They have excellence among a variety of genres that were not available 10 or 20 years ago.
A. I agree. I think there is Some wonderful There's artistry there. LikeIn other wordsTerrian is incredible She is I'm going I'll go to the location. You could feel it. there is Also clearly Josiah Queen, Halbay and John Reddick – The list can last many times. …aThen you have this thing on that side, where these artists are kind of mainstreamthey are Openly Christian. …I I think so Really nice. I don't think we need such a heavy label. I've always thought that. That's what people should make music. And that too A kind of It resonates with your spirit or it's not. There's no need to be called this or that. And it was either worship or Christian music, and I didn't like it. For me, I have a half-night worship service at the show and you don't call me a worship artist. That's fine. I'm just saying there are all these labels and I think they're a bit heavy at times. You need to listen to music and understand: Does this resonate with my spirit? Will it build me up or isn't it? Will it build up my flesh or my spirit?
I think sometimes label Turn people off. I'm excited about this, where people are Christians and make music. It is not labelled “Christian Music.” …I'm excited About the facts It's a little widerand that's true Not that, “This is modern Christian music.” I'm excited that there are multiple tentacles out there, as there's no better term. …We're more accepting of that. We don't put each other in a small box as we used to be.
Q. Do you think it's a Christian label? after that Do you ever turn off demographics? Have you ever seen it as an artist? that When people find out you are a Christian artist, Maybe they are Are you less likely to listen to your music?
A. I think there is absolutely People who aren't. If you label it, it immediately goes, “Well, it's not for me.“
Q. Your new album, heaven in my heartIt is scheduled to be released on March 7th. What central themes do you hope your listeners connect to?
A. It's walking our faith – good, bad, ugh of my life, and trying to walk together Jesus The past three years. I just Try writing a song from my life, what I'm going through, from the valley The summit and in between. I'm trying to write a song it is Based on what I'm going through, my relationships are getting better, worse, my hardships and sorrows are gone, I'm about to step back in my faith, all of them.
Photo Credit: ©Hits Deep Tour
Michael Foot For 20 years, I have covered the intersection of faith and news. His stories appear in the Baptist Press, Christianity Today, Christian Post, Leaf Leaf, Toronto Star, Knoxville News Sentinel.
Listen to Michael's podcast! He is the host of Cross Walk Talka podcast where he talks to Christian movie stars, musicians, directors and more. Listen to famous Christian figures keep their faith a priority in Hollywood and discover the best Christian films, books, television and other entertainment. You can find Cross Walk Talk Above lifeaudio.comor subscribe apple or Spotify So you won't miss an interview that will surely encourage your faith.
It was originally published on February 19, 2025.
