Eddy Mann, a celebrated Christian singer-songwriter, has spent decades creating music that blends heartfelt faith with the soulful rhythms of Philly and R&B. With over 20 albums and a global following, his artistry resonates with deep spiritual insight and vibrant storytelling. In this exclusive interview, Eddy dives into the inspiration behind his moving single “Just Like Jesus,” his genre-defying sound, and the enduring role of faith in his creative journey. Through his music, Eddy shares a message of love, hope, and compassion, inspiring listeners to embrace a divine perspective in their everyday lives.
“Just Like Jesus” is a powerful single that resonates deeply with its spiritual and lyrical message. Can you share the inspiration behind the song and how it reflects your personal faith journey?
Sure, just step back and take a good look at where our world is, and what we deem important. Look at the folks on the fringes, the people in the margins, and then listen to the endless squabbling about whose fault it is. As a songwriter once wrote, “What the world needs now, is love sweet love. Do you want to know what love is? It’s Jesus!
Your music seamlessly blends contemporary Christian influences with Philly Soul and R&B elements. How do you approach blending these genres to create your signature sound?
It’s not so much that I’m blending them consciously, it’s more of an attempt on my part to just let the song flow to where it wants to go. There aren’t any ‘don’t go there places.’ If I’m doing my job right, I’m just guiding the writing and then recording along. The same for live appearances whether I’m with my band or solo.
With over 20 albums and a global audience, how has your creative process evolved over the years, and how do you stay inspired to write music that touches people’s hearts?
My faith is the inspiration for my art. I believe my Maker has a plan and purpose for me and I need to be the best servant that I can in doing my part of the work. So I write on a regular basis, not as a chore, but just sharing my joy in having the opportunity and a platform to work from.
The Beatitudes play a significant role in the lyrics of “Just Like Jesus.” How do you see these teachings influencing the lives of your listeners in today’s world?
I garner the answers for my life from the Bible. I lean on it for guidance, for strength, and for wisdom …So it’s not hard to see how I would use that as inspiration. I only feel comfortable writing about what I know, and my songs, art, poems, and shorts are just a reflection of how I survive on a daily basis.
Many of your songs, like e “The Humble Cottage by the Sea,” focus on intimate, faith-filled storytelling. How do you choose the biblical or spiritual themes that guide your songwriting?
I think the stories are the driving force of the songs. On any given day a biblical story might strike a chord with something I’m living through, or something I’m personally witnessing. If it’s not Spirit-driven, it’s probably not worth sharing.
Your previous singles, such as “The Consequence” and tracks from “Chapel Songs,” have achieved chart-topping success. How does that recognition impact your mission of spreading faith through music?
Well not much if I’m honest. I mean every artist wants to get an emotional response from their audience, and everyone naturally wants to reach a larger one, but if I’m faith driven, then I just want to reach the ones that God has chosen for me to reach. If he deems one person, so be it. If he chooses a much larger group, then that’s fine too. I sleep well by doing the best I can to provide the media for him to use, so then he can purpose it as is his plan.
As a worship leader and musician, how do you balance performing music for worship with creating songs for a broader Christian audience?
It’s very rare that I’ll sit down to write something specifically for one space or another. I generally don’t know exactly where the song will end up. I like to just be in the moment, and allow it to flow as I mentioned earlier.
What message or takeaway do you hope listeners receive from your latest LP, “Turn Up the Divine,” and how does “Just Like Jesus” fit into the overarching theme of the album?
I’d like to offer a calming, more compassionate, and more loving approach to the world. For me, it’s been a revelation to address each new day from a biblical point of view. “Turn Up the Divine” offers a chance to face each new challenge with hope, with compassion, and with love.
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