Who: Andy Squyres
Andy Squyres is a unique voice within the sphere of Christian music. Abandoning the dominant aesthetic of contemporary Christian music while remaining wholly interested in writing on themes of wonder, suffering, and the earthly life, he has instead crafted a musical world influenced by artists like Bob Dylan. Leonard Cohen and The National. His albums Cherry Blossoms and Poet Priest have become staple records for many within the faith community who have a hunger for songs that refuse to ignore the absurdities of the human condition while still embracing gratitude at the wonder of being alive. In 2016 journalist Brett McCracken named Squyres’ album Cherry Blossoms the album of the year stating that “If people claim Christian music is all schmaltz that sugarcoats reality, they haven’t listened to Andy Squyres. The Charlotte-based (by way of California) singer-songwriter makes beautiful, brutal music that wrestles with grief, pain, and the struggles of faith.”