A Deep Dive into Thonia’s “Inside Out”

Thonia, a rising force in the inspirational music scene, is making waves with her latest single, “Inside Out.” Known for her voice that feels like a prayer and lyrics that cut through the noise, Thonia’s music is a compelling blend of faith, vulnerability, and introspection. With “Inside Out,” she dives deep into themes of self-reflection and the transformative power of faith, offering listeners an unfiltered glimpse into her spiritual journey. Her sound, influenced by folk and contemporary Christian elements, creates a unique space where personal discovery meets divine guidance, inviting audiences to explore their own faith through her soulful melodies.

Born with an innate love for music and a heart anchored in spiritual exploration, Thonia‘s journey has been marked by profound self-discovery and faith. From an early age, she grappled with life’s deeper questions, seeking purpose and fulfillment. Through her studies and meditative practices, she found solace in living a life dedicated to God, a revelation that has deeply influenced her music. “Inside Out” reflects this personal transformation, merging her spiritual insights with her musical influences to create an anthem that resonates with those on a similar path of faith and self-realization.

Thonia‘s creative process for “Inside Out” was as organic as her approach to life. The song came to her during meditation, with both melody and lyrics flowing spontaneously—a testament to her connection with the themes she sings about. The song’s lyrical focus on living authentically and embracing God’s guidance is underscored by the blending of folk and contemporary Christian influences, which add a captivating melodic layer to the spiritual message. Thonia’s intention is clear: to provide a soundtrack for those moments of quiet reflection and deep spiritual devotion.

The lyric “I’d rather follow you and be called a fool by the blind than walk by sight” stands out as a powerful declaration of faith. For Thonia, this line encapsulates her belief in walking by faith, even when the path isn’t visible. She challenges the notion of societal acceptance and encourages listeners to embrace the unseen truths that come with a life devoted to God. This theme of unwavering faith is what makes “Inside Out” a standout in Thonia’s growing discography, differentiating it from her previous work like “Out of Zion,” which, while equally faith-driven, explores these themes with a different emotional tempo and structure.

Thonia is set to release her debut album in the spring of 2025, an ambitious project that continues the themes of faith and personal growth while introducing new narratives of resilience and rebounding. Additionally, fans can look forward to a Christmas project that promises to bring Thonia’s unique spiritual touch to the holiday season. As she continues to weave her personal and musical journeys together, Thonia remains a beacon of inspiration, using her voice to spread messages of faith, authenticity, and the transformative power of divine love.

Top 10 New Christian Songs

The melodies of Christian music serve as guiding lights, offering solace and inspiration to weary souls. From the stirring anthems of CeCe Winans to the introspective ballads of Tenielle Neda, each song in this collection embodies the essence of faith and redemption, inviting listeners on a profound journey of spiritual exploration. Join us as we uncover the melodies that resonate with the human spirit, illuminating the enduring love of God and guiding hearts through life’s trials and triumphs.

1. CeCe Winans – “Come Jesus Come”

Cece Winans‘ song “Come Jesus Come” is a poignant appeal for divine intervention and spiritual salvation. The lyrics reflect a deep yearning for Jesus to return and transform the world, addressing personal and collective struggles. Rooted in the Christian anticipation of the Second Coming, the song calls for healing, justice, and the fulfillment of a promise of a world free from suffering. Personal lines such as “Sometimes I fall to my knees and pray” convey a sense of desperation and a need for divine strength, making the song relatable to those seeking comfort in hardship. The repeated plea “Come Jesus come” emphasizes the urgent desire for a divine presence in a troubled world, highlighting a universal longing for peace and redemption.

2. Ellie Holcomb – “All Of My Days”

Award-winning songwriter Ellie Holcomb has unveiled her new project, “All of My Days,” a Psalms-based album created to provide comfort during challenging times. This collection evolved from her “Memory Mondays” series on social media, where she paired scripture with melodies. Holcomb collaborated with her father, producer Brown Bannister, and musician Jac Thompson to craft seven songs inspired by her favorite Psalms. She aims to capture the raw authenticity and emotional depth found in these scriptures. Alongside the album release, Holcomb’s expanded devotional, “Fighting Words: Expanded Limited Edition,” is available, featuring additional devotionals and new artistic elements. Holcomb will celebrate the release with a performance at the Grand Ole Opry. For more information, visit ellieholcomb.com.

3. Sean Curran – “Led Me To You”

Sean Curran, known for his work with Bellarive and Passion, has released a new single, “Led Me To You.” This song diverges from his typical worship style, leaning more towards CCM pop, which might surprise his fans who appreciate his deeply honest and vulnerable worship music. Despite the song’s somewhat generic feel, Curran’s powerful and emotive vocals continue to stand out. Lyrically, “Led Me To You” reflects on life’s trials and how they lead to finding Jesus, though some may find the repetition and writing less impactful than his previous work. Nonetheless, Curran remains a notable artist in the worship music scene, and his future projects are highly anticipated.

4. Martin Smith – “Garment Of Praise”

Martin Smith, the influential former frontman of Delirious?, has unveiled his latest song, “Garment of Praise,” co-written with Brooke Ligertwood. Drawing inspiration from Isaiah 61, the song speaks of an intangible “garment of praise” that replaces despair with joy and salvation. Smith emphasizes the unique, priceless nature of this heavenly gift, which cannot be bought but is essential for daily spiritual renewal. Reflecting on his personal vulnerabilities and the continuous need for divine help, Smith’s new release underscores his enduring impact on modern worship music and his dedication to conveying messages of faith and hope.

5. Tasha Cobbs – “Leonard Do It Anyway”

Tasha Cobbs Leonard, Grammy Award-winning gospel artist, shares her journey of resilience and faith in her book “Do It Anyway,” with a foreword by Sarah Jakes Roberts. In this inspiring guide, Leonard reveals how embracing challenges and committing to God’s plans, even when they seem impossible, has led to her greatest breakthroughs. Through personal stories of pursuing dreams, adoption, and overcoming hardships like infertility and depression, she provides practical advice for maintaining faith and resilience. Leonard encourages readers to dream big, trust God’s guidance, remember His faithfulness, and not let fear deter them from their miracles, offering a powerful message of hope and perseverance.

6. Alexander Pappas – “A Great Awakening”

Esteemed worship leader and songwriter Alexander Pappas has unveiled his first new song in over a year and a half, titled “A Great Awakening.” This marks his debut solo worship track following his time with Young & Free and Hillsong. The song, which can be streamed and viewed with its official lyric video, is described by Pappas as evoking powerful connections to historic spiritual revivals like Azusa Street and the Jesus People Movement. Pappas, a two-time GRAMMY® nominee known for writing anthems such as “Alive” and “Echo” (Elevation Worship), aims for the song to inspire a deep longing for a new move of God.

7. Peg Luke – “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep”

Peg Luke, the Grammy and Emmy nominated artist celebrated for her enchanting flute melodies, unveils her latest musical offering with the release of “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep.” This deeply emotive single reflects Peg’s personal journey and unwavering commitment to her faith, offering listeners a transcendent experience of spirituality and introspection. With its heartfelt lyrics and captivating melodies, the song showcases Peg’s exceptional talent and profound connection with her audience. As she continues to captivate hearts around the globe, “Now I Lay Me Down to Sleep” stands as proof of Peg’s enduring ability to uplift and inspire through her music.

8. Jeremy Rosado – “Nothing”

Jeremy Rosado, a kingdom-based contemporary Christian music minister and gifted songwriter, delivers a heavenly sound titled “Nothing,” marking a divine offering that resonates with believers. Emphasizing the importance of advancing the kingdom of God through spiritual music, Rosado’s song serves as a powerful tool for uplifting souls and warding off negative influences. With its captivating melody and profound message, “Nothing” encourages listeners to prioritize their faith and share their spiritual experiences with others.

9. Rebecca St. James & for KING + COUNTRY – “You Make Everything Beautiful”

Multi-Platinum and four-time GRAMMY Award-winning duo for KING + COUNTRY, comprising brothers Joel and Luke Smallbone, have unveiled their latest project, “The Inspired By Soundtrack” album, in conjunction with their new family biopic film “UNSUNG HERO,” which hit theaters nationwide via LIONSGATE/ for KING + COUNTRY ENTERTAINMENT. Among the tracks featured on the album is “You Make Everything Beautiful,” for which the official music video is now available. This captivating visual piece features their sister, Rebecca St. James, adding another layer of depth to the poignant melody.

10. Tenielle Neda – “Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me”

Tenielle Neda‘s “Yet Not I but Through Christ in Me” is a profound testament to the unyielding grace and mercy found in Jesus Christ. With each verse, the lyrics beautifully articulate the believer’s reliance on Christ for joy, righteousness, and freedom. Through moments of weakness and rejoicing, the refrain resounds with unwavering hope, affirming that it is through Christ alone that victory is secured. The song’s emotive melody and stirring refrain echo the believer’s journey from darkness to light, from fear to freedom, culminating in a resounding declaration of faith and gratitude.

Peg Luke ’s Reflections On “Dirt Under His Nails” And The Divine Role Of Her Music

Celebrated artist and versatile musician, Peg Luke, has recently released her latest single, “Dirt Under His Nails,” a song that dives into the themes of sacrifice and love, drawing inspiration from a deep contemplation of the human aspect of Jesus Christ. In our interview, she reveals that this introspective exploration has profoundly reshaped her perception of Jesus, highlighting His relatable and human qualities.

Peg sees parallels between this exploration and the overarching storyline of her career, marked by personal challenges, including a rare autoimmune disease diagnosis, pandemic isolation, and a transformative evolution. The emotionally charged video re-enacting the crucifixion of Jesus reflects Luke’s commitment to visually encapsulate her music’s essence and convey life’s raw truths. 

Through vivid lyrics, she portrays Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, inviting listeners to find their own stories within the narrative. Peg’s music, including “Dirt Under His Nails,” continues her legacy of sharing messages that challenge, comfort, and heal. Her work addresses universal topics like love, redemption, and spiritual yearning, connecting with audiences on a deep and soulful level. 

What led you to explore the themes of sacrifice and love in “Dirt Under His Nails,” and how does this song connect with the overarching storyline of your career?

I read this wonderful meditation about the human side of Jesus Christ. It stated how Jesus had “Dirt Under His Nails,” calluses on His feet, how He healed the sick and bore bodily pain.  The meditation basically was stating how Jesus was like you and me when He lived here on Earth. This meditation for some reason really affected me. It made me take a step back and consider each descriptive word written on that page.

I normally had thought of Jesus in a ‘heavenly aura’ not a ‘human’ one. I always thought of Him as untouchable to the human dilemma. The dilemma of human feelings, fragility, and imperfections. This meditation made me change my concept of the human Jesus. From this came my song, “Dirt Under His Nails.” 

I think in a very veiled way “Dirt Under His Nails” resembles the overarching storyline of my career. I have had to step back and reexamine my concepts of what I wanted my musical career to look like. My diagnosis of a rare life changing autoimmune disease a few years back which has changed my career and the way I carry it to fruition. The pandemic, my bodily intolerance of the vaccine, the years of isolation, the huge presence of my invisible God and my stepping forward into a side of a music career I could have never envisioned. The evidence of everyday miracles.  Yes, ‘Dirt’ symbolizes this.

Could you share the creative process behind the emotionally charged music video re-enacting the crucifixion of Jesus, and what messages you intended to convey with these visuals?

One thing I really enjoy doing (although it can be time consuming) is creating video and photos that encapsulate the music itself. I use specific applications that help me achieve this. I take the lyrics and the visuals that I have in my head when I create the music and try to convey and expand those images when I create the video. I knew when I created the video that accompanied “Dirt Under His Nails,” that it may offend or be hard to watch. But truly, life is not all about beauty. Life can be hard and even harder to experience. I tried to express the truth behind the lyrics, the truth behind the music, the truth about life itself. There is a story that needs to be told and someone should do it. I just happen to be that “someone” in this instance.

How did you go about creating lyrics that vividly depict Jesus’ suffering and sacrifice, aiming to make this experience relatable and tangible for your audience?

Going back to that original meditation, I was moved by the descriptive words used. I tried to use that same process when going about placing lyrics into a melody that demands honesty, detail, and integrity. It’s an important message and my use of the words dirt, thorns, tears, nails, calvary, and even ‘sheepskin sandals’ are all extremely important. I want the listener and viewer to see their own story in the descriptive events I am trying to portray. The music helps to digest this pictorial experience.

Considering your impressive journey marked by Grammy and Emmy nominations and a notable discography, how does “Dirt Under His Nails” align with your growth, and what role do you envision it playing in shaping your artistic legacy?

Each and every tune that I compose or arrange has a story. There is a reason why I need to tell it. I don’t put out music and lyrics because I want to create a new song every week. I don’t put out music and lyrics because I want people to “feel fuzzy” inside. I don’t compose music for a good groove or vibe. My music can make you feel loved, seen, comforted, and healed.  But sometimes my music can make you a bit uncomfortable. 

I compose music and in some instances write lyrics because there is a need and a reason to do it. There is an emotion that needs to be told. I have done too many musical endeavors to place music out there now just to “place it out there.” It is more important because I place my music out there for my listeners. I don’t do it for me. Like I say to so many people, “I am just the messenger.” God uses me. Earthly rewards and accolades are not what’s important.  Telling God’s stories, that is what is important.

How do you perceive your songs connecting with today’s audiences in light of its exploration of universal and timeless themes like love, redemption, and spiritual yearning? What role do you think music plays in addressing these topics in our modern society?

I hope my music connects with listeners and society. It needs to. The message needs to keep coming out until people believe it. I write my own style of music. It does not belong in a box or genre. It just needs to connect. I have been rejected by many radio stations because my music doesn’t fit that “Christian/Gospel” mode. I ask, did Jesus fit in? Question answered. I keep doing my thing. Let God’s message keep coming!

Could you provide an example of how your music has brought people together and sparked positive change or a sense of community among your listeners?

The most recent and deeply felt communication that I’ve had was from my community on the ground in Ukraine. I try desperately to get my message of God’s love and peace to people there. I received and continue to receive love and positive uplifting messages that my music has given them hope. I wish I could give them more. Perhaps, worldly peace. At least I can try to offer them God’s peace. It is a very important message. I have also had many people that have encountered first-hand loss come to me offering thanks for my musical message.

What key lesson about faith, perseverance, and the music industry would you like to share with your fans and fellow artists as the most significant takeaway from your experience?

First of all I would like to say that my experience is far from being over. I feel like I have just begun. Funny how that happens. I think if we stay open, open our hearts, open our minds and open our soul to whatever you believe is being said to you from inside of you (whatever source that may be), you will continue to thrive and spread joy in whatever you do. 

It’s not easy and can be scary. That internal source for me happens to be God. God has never steered me wrong and I look to God to continue to offer me strength, love, and courage to keep going on my musical life path, whatever that may be. You’ll just have to wait and see what’s next. It keeps my life exciting! I am forever grateful for all that I’ve been given and continue to be given. I hope my community of listeners can sense the joy, peace, and love that I get from doing this.

Watch the music video below:

Listen to “Dirt Under His Nails”  here: