Andrew Ripp is introducing himself to many new fans, thanks to the recent impact of his song, “Jericho.” Ripp may be new to Christian music, but he isn’t a new artist.
The thoughtful singer/songwriter has released four full-length projects and a handful of EPs. His songs have been heard on “American Idol” and “One Tree Hill,” among other television shows. In addition, he’s shared the stage with pop artists Andy Grammer and Sara Bareilles, as well as Switchfoot frontman Jon Foreman, among others. He co-wrote the title track of Zach Williams’ latest album, Rescue Story; and he’s set to open for NEEDTOBREATHE during a three-night set of socially-distant outdoor shows in March. Later this year, he’s poised to release his highly-anticipated new album, Evergreen, inspired by his faith journey and life with his wife, Carly, and their adopted daughter, Frances.
WATCH NOW: Andrew Ripp "Jericho" Acoustic Performance
KLOVE.com dealt Ripp 21 questions to uncover his songwriting inspiration, his favorite fatherhood moments, and all the unexpected places “Jericho” is taking him.
KLOVE.com: Favorite person you’ve ever written a song with?
Andrew: Gosh, I have so many favorites! If I had to choose one, I would say my buddy, Ethan Hulse [co-writer of “Jericho,” plus songs like Zach Williams’ “Old Church Choir,” Tauren Wells’ “When We Pray,” and Jeremy Camp’s “Word of Life”]. He feels like a partner or a bandmate, which I’ve never felt before from a co-writer. As a solo artist, I’ve always wanted to know what it feels like to be in a band.
KLOVE.com: The thing that consistently gives you inspiration for songs?
Andrew: I find that when I get busy, I have less to write about. However, when I make space to enjoy a walk with my family or take a longboard ride through the park, I suddenly have fresh ideas. The same is true in my relationship with God. The busier I get, the less tuned in I become. The less busy, the more tuned into His voice I become. Five years ago, I stepped away from music to pursue answers to some identity questions I had been having. About a month into my quest, my wife recognized me looking anxiously at an empty schedule on my phone and said these words that changed the game for me... She said, “Just because there’s nothing on your schedule doesn’t mean it’s not full.” Learning to live in the present moment is a full-time job.
KLOVE.com: Best thing about being a dad?
Andrew: I try not to make a habit of this, but every now and again I’ll hold Frances while she naps. I stare at her from two-inches away and study everything about her. It’s heaven.
KLOVE.com: Song or album that made you want to become a songwriter?
Andrew: I was way into the band Tonic in high school. I really didn’t pick up a guitar until I was 18, which is kind of late in comparison to most full-time musicians. After high school, I moved to California and actually wound up meeting the bass player from Tonic (Dan Lavery), and he produced my first record and is now a dear friend. So cool!
KLOVE.com: Artist you’d like to tour with?
Andrew: I’ll be honest with you, I’ve done a whole lot of touring over the last decade and have had the privilege of opening for some of my heroes. That said, I’m most looking forward to headlining. I want to create an hour-and-a-half experience that leaves people ready to pursue God’s will over their lives like never before.
RELATED STORY: Andrew Ripp Watches All His “Jericho Walls” Fall in New Song
KLOVE.com: Favorite line in “Jericho”?
Andrew: “Long before I ever called Your name, You were fighting for my victory.” That’s love right there!
KLOVE.com: Thing you’re most afraid of?
Andrew: Good question. Right now, I’d say becoming comfortable. I know what a successful song can do, and I’ve seen it dim the fire. My prayer is that “Jericho” would be the spark that ignites a wildfire of passion in me for the sake of others.
KLOVE.com: Most surprising thing about the success of “Jericho” at Christian radio?
Andrew: All of it. CCM radio wasn’t even on my radar until the Lord opened the door through a phone call from the amazing Andrea Kleid [radio promoter]. I am in awe of this and couldn’t be more grateful.
KLOVE.com: Favorite thing about Quarantine/2020?
Andrew: This is typical, but it’s the truth…time with my wife and daughter. There’s no way I would have spent as much quality time with them if it weren’t for quarantine.
KLOVE.com: Dream co-write?
Andrew: Max Martin. What has he written? EVERYTHING. Look him up… He’s written some of the most brilliant pop songs of all time. If not him, I’d say a close second would be Chris Martin of Coldplay. He plays a single note on the piano and I’m immediately inspired.
KLOVE.com: Book that’s inspired you the most?
Andrew: I just recently read “Greenlights” by Matthew McConaughey, and I couldn’t put it down. It’s actually inspired my next record, which I’ll talk to y’all more about in a few months.
KLOVE.com: Favorite thing to do on a day off in Nashville?
Andrew: Bike ride through the park with Frances. Then a walk through the neighborhood to Jeni’s Ice Cream with my wife, Frances, and our dog, Mae. Then we would head home to light up a fire in the backyard and have a few friends over to grill up some burgers.
KLOVE.com: Series you’re currently binge-watching?
Andrew: “Ted Lasso.”
WATCH NOW: Andrew Ripp "Jericho" Official Lyric Video
KLOVE.com: Songs from Evergreen you’re most excited for people to hear?
Andrew: “Rejoice” and “Helpless Without You.”
KLOVE.com: Memory that sticks out from your childhood?
Andrew: Playing baseball with my friends. That feeling of diamond dust on my fingers takes me back to the good ole days.
KLOVE.com: One thing that people might not know about you?
Andrew: If I wasn’t a musician, I would probably have become a builder/architect. I love making things with my hands. Looking back after a full day’s work to see a tangible result is gratifying to me.
KLOVE.com: Favorite Nashville memory?
Andrew: Two of my first friends in Nashville were Ben Rector and Steve Moakler. They are incredible humans and also great artists. We decided to split markets and do a co-headlining tour called “The Three Amigos Tour.” I often think of that time and smile. They are still some of my best friends, and I am so grateful to have met such inspiring humans right when I moved to town.
KLOVE.com: Reason Christian music is a part of your story?
Andrew: I had an experience a few years ago when my wife and I were trying to start a family and it wasn’t working. Around the same time, we began to listen to worship music on the tough days, and for the first time in my life, I felt the power of the Holy Spirit through melodies and lyrics. This music literally lifted me out of my circumstance and gave me strength. From that day forward, I have been on a mission to create weapons for people. I used to see myself as a songwriter, and now I see myself as a maker of weapons. Christian music in its purest form is exactly that—our songs are powerful weapons.
KLOVE.com: Where you were the first time you heard “Jericho” on the radio?
Andrew: We were driving up to Carly’s parents’ place to drop Frances off, and it was on when we turned the radio on. I thought it was my Spotify until the DJ said, “That’s BRAND NEW artist Andrew Ripp.” So fun!
KLOVE.com: One resolution for 2021?
Andrew: Become the warrior to deliver the weapons. To me, this basically means to love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul, mind, and strength. I’m on a mission this year and can’t wait to share it with y’all.
KLOVE.com: Place you’d love to take/show Frances once the pandemic is over?
Andrew: Big Sur/Northern California. That’s our heaven on earth.
