You Never Know

I have a really interesting story to share. I’ve been working with songwriters and artists since 1997. I ran a commercial recording studio north of Harrisburg, Pennsylvania, through the late ’90s until I moved to Nashville in 2003. Along the way, I had some pretty interesting clients.

I remember when a young band came to record some of their earliest songs with me. They were new and full of energy. Their lead singer was probably 16 or 17 at the time—already powerful, dynamic, and confident on the mic. Her younger brother was the drummer, about 12 or so, and still finding his way rhythmically, so getting solid tracks wasn’t easy.

At that time, they were writing and recording songs with a Christian worldview. After they finished tracking, the band came into the control room—the singer, the drummer, and their dad who played bass. They asked, “So, what do you think?” I said, “Well, the songs are okay, but they’re not great. I’m not sure why you’re trying to go into the Christian music industry.”

Now, I’m a Christian myself and was helping faith-based artists at the time, but something told me they wouldn’t fit well in that lane. The singer was too strong, too real, with a big voice and presence that didn’t quite fit the mold. Deep down, I sensed they’d find greater success elsewhere. I couldn’t have imagined that years later, they’d be selling out arenas all over the world.

I remember telling her, “Keep writing songs with a touch of redemption, but don’t be afraid to step into the mainstream. You’ve got something important to say.” I had no idea what would come of it, but years later, I looked them up and was blown away.

They definitely took the mainstream path. Many of their songs aren’t anywhere near Christian music, but every now and then, one surfaces with a spark of redemption. I still believe she’ll find her way spiritually. God uses every step—sometimes in ways we don’t see right away. I’m praying she’ll reconnect with that light in an even stronger way someday.

Take Jelly Roll, for example. He lived that wild, rough life for years before finding faith. Now he’s boldly sharing what God has done in his life, and it’s inspiring. That’s what redemption looks like—God taking lemons, cutting them up, squeezing them, and making something sweet out of it.

I was praying about what I told them so many years ago, feeling maybe I had ill-advised them. But I sensed God say to me, "Keith....I have a big testimony for them, I'm not done yet. Rest assured of my plan, and watch what I'm gonna do."

You never know what’s going to happen in music—or in life. What I admire most about that family is that they never quit. They stayed the course. So whatever your path is, stick with it and keep moving forward.

Check out the band I helped put on the path to stardom. Halestorm

I hope you enjoy my song, “You Never Know.”

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