Michael engages in a heartfelt conversation with singer-songwriter and children's author Ellie Holcomb. They dive into her new book, "Spring Sings," exploring themes of hope, renewal, and the beauty of nature as a reflection of the Gospel message. Ellie shares her personal journey through grief and the healing power of music and storytelling.
Key Topics:
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Introduction to Ellie Holcomb and her new book, "Spring Sings"
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The inspiration behind "Spring Sings" and its messages of hope during difficult seasons
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The relationship between nature and the Gospel, highlighting how creation preaches hope
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Ellie’s songwriting process, blending melody with scriptural inspiration
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The impact of music as a bridge builder across diverse audiences
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Discussion on the categorization of Christian music and its implications
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The role of music in connecting people and fostering community amid division
Featured Resources:
Quotes:
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"Death is never the end of the story because of Jesus." – Ellie Holcomb
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"Music is a bridge builder, connecting our stories." – Ellie Holcomb
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"In any given day, there are acts of courage and kindness that remind us of the goodness in the world." – Ellie Holcomb
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Connect with Ellie Holcomb:
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Full Transcript Below:
Michael: Hey, Ellie, welcome to Crosswalk Talk. Thanks for joining me.
Ellie: It’s a gift and a joy to be here today.
Michael: Ellie, you have a new book, Spring Sings, by B&H. This is your fourth children's book. We all know you as a singer and songwriter, but you're becoming a prolific children's author. I'm excited about that. I don't want to steal your thunder here. I loved reading this book, reading about this book. I love the pictures. So what inspired you to write this book, Spring Sings? What's it about, and what do you want parents to know about it?
Ellie: Yeah, so Spring Sings is an Easter book, but I've been calling it an all-seasons book because I think if there's any time that we need the message of the hope of Easter, it is in the winter months that feel just gray and cold and long. Seasonal depression sets in, and you know, it just... So I actually remember talking with my editor. She's like, "You can't have too many winter spreads in this children's book, Ellie." And I'm like, "I know, but the whole thing is..." Spring Sings is really a book about the song that creation sings every year that reminds us that death is never the end of the story because of Jesus.
It's really fun to work with an illustrator like Laurana to illustrate that underneath winter, there's buried spring gold. My hope for the book is that it would help kids and the adults in their lives literally look out the window in the spring. I love that Lent stretches over winter and spring; they would look out the window and see evidence of the Gospel story literally outside. We get to tell that story with words and pictures, and then as a singer-songwriter, with melody as well. I've loved playing the song from the book every night on tour, and it’s so much fun.
Michael: I love how you're teaching people that nature preaches the Gospel. It's beautiful. I say that because I still have a little snow on the ground as we're talking right now.
Ellie: (laughs) I know! You're like, "When is this going to end?"
Michael: I love this book. It’s going to be 70 degrees here next week, so we get to learn the lessons of what you're talking about. There's a seven-track album as well, right?
Ellie: That's right! It will be out on the first day of spring, around March 20 or 21. The single is already out, so if you have the book, you can sing along with it, which is really fun. I think this is one of my favorite kids’ records that I've ever made. Writing this book has brought me hope, especially after experiencing some heavy things during the winter seasons.
Michael: Can you share more about those experiences?
Ellie: Of course. For several years now, I've faced heavy things—like COVID hitting right before spring in 2020 and a tornado that hit Nashville, which was terrifying. We also lost our niece last February to pediatric cancer. Writing this book during those deep grief seasons has been medicine for my soul. The way the earth preaches the story of new life has been healing.
Michael: The book is Spring Sings. Is the album also called Spring Sings?
Ellie: The album is called Sing Spring Songs. I have a series: Sing Creation Songs, Sing Remembering Songs, and there's a Christmas one called Sing Joy Songs. Who knows, maybe one day there will be a Spring Sings covering Sing Spring Songs!
Michael: (laughs) You've got me laughing! What does your typical songwriting process look like?
Ellie: I love this question! A lot of times, it starts with a melody for me. My husband calls me a modern-day psalmist because I sing my way through sorrow. Sometimes I won’t know what I need to say, but I’ll know the melody that helps heal my heart. It usually starts with a melody or a scripture I read. I’ve been like this since middle school. When I read God’s word, I want to sing it. There’s so much inspiration right outside your window, and I wrote almost all the songs for this record in two days, which is bananas!
Michael: That’s amazing! I tell people that if you want to learn about a subject, get a children's book because it simplifies complex ideas.
Ellie: Exactly!
Michael: You come from a music family. Your father is music producer Brown Bannister, and your husband is Drew Holcomb. You've sung Christian music and mainstream music. What are your thoughts on categorizing music by faith?
Ellie: It’s a both/and situation. I resonate deeply with what Toby Mac says about labels sometimes pushing away potential fans. If you're following Jesus, one of the joys we have is to be bridge builders. I’ve seen that songs—whether they’re Christian or not—connect people’s stories.
Michael: It seems like there’s a trend of mainstream artists also being Christian artists.
Ellie: Yes! Drew often says, when you go to a restaurant, you don’t ask, “Is this a Christian restaurant?” You want to know if the food is good. It’s about making excellent music that speaks truth and beauty.
Michael: There are many artists right now who are blending these worlds.
Ellie: Exactly! Music connects us all. It’s not just about the label but about creating music that resonates with the human experience.
Michael: Final word for you, Ellie. What do you want parents to know about Spring Sings and why should they check it out?
Ellie: I hope this book plants seeds of hope, beauty, and truth in kids’ hearts. It should spark conversations about new life happening in their hearts and in the world around them. It’s easy to see chaos, but there’s also goodness and kindness. My hope is that this book helps families look for beauty and cultivate it in their communities.
Michael: Thanks so much, Ellie!
Ellie: Thanks for having me, Michael!
Michael: If you enjoyed today’s interview, please make sure to subscribe and share the episode with a friend. A big thanks to the team at Life Audio for their partnership on the podcast. If you go to lifeaudio.com, you’ll find dozens of other faith-centered podcasts in their network. See you next time!
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