Josh Garrels is a singer-songwriter living in Portland, Oregon. He is the founder of independent label Small Voice Records. Garrels has released six albums, including the critically acclaimed, fan-financed 2011 release Love & War & the Sea In Between.
The making of Love & War & the Sea In Between was completely funded through the support of listeners and offered as a free download for one year, garnering 125,000 downloads in the first year after its release.
Named the number one album of 2011 by Christianity Today, the magazine described the recording as, “prophetic, incisive, achingly human, and longingly spiritual.”
From joshgarrels.com:
Garrels has spent more than a decade crafting music that cuts clean through. Resting in the space between accessibility and honesty, Garrels’ songs wrestle with and celebrate the mystery of faith with authenticity and heart. Cultivating a genre-blending mix of folk and hip hop, Garrels’ music explores themes of compassion, hope, longing, and liberation.
I believe that Garrels’ music is boldly prophetic, yet creatively introspective and mystical. His provocative lyrics are deeply theological and refreshingly honest. In many ways, Garrels’ courage personally reminds me of Keith Green and Rich Mullins, who were both pioneers as Christian artists.
Like Green and Mullins, Garrels’ music comes from deep within his soul, and you feel it. If you haven’t heard his music, I encourage you to check him out and see if Christ doesn’t minister to you in his rhythms.
In the following video, Garrels talks about believing in the one who created you, following the Christ who gives you the Kingdom, and committing for the long haul… “because not many people are ending well.”
Is this the first time you’ve heard of Garrels, or are you already a fan of his music? If you’re already familiar with him, what do you think about his unique style of music ministry? Do you find his words on believing inspirational? Why do you think so many people are not ending well?
D.D. Flowers, 2012.
The Centrality and Supremacy of Jesus Christ 
October 27th, 2012 at 1:30 am
My wife heard Josh Garrels on the local Christian radio station about a month ago. With some sense for the words from the song, “Farther Along”, we were able to find his work on iTunes, and I’ve been hooked ever since. I love seing videos like this one that give insight into what artists are thinking and how they’re living.
October 27th, 2012 at 1:33 am
Thanks for sharing, Kent. “Farther Along” is a great song!
October 27th, 2012 at 6:15 am
David, Josh Garrels is one of my favorite artist. I have a couple of cd’s and he is one of my primary Pandora stations. Musically and lyrically I find him right up my ally. Thanks for highlighting this brother, I also have promoted him to as many as I can.
I am sure you have heard of most of these, just thought I would list a few other artist I listen to frequently.- Daniel Bashta, Shawn McDonald, Charlie Dodrill, Jonathan David Helser & Jon Foreman. If you haven’t listened to any of these, check them out and let me know what you think. John Morris.
October 27th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Awesome! Thanks, John.
October 27th, 2012 at 7:37 am
What does he mean when he says “mystery of faith” ?
October 27th, 2012 at 1:23 pm
Hey Kelly, can you recall the sentence in which he used “mystery of faith”? Thanks!
October 27th, 2012 at 1:01 pm
David, I first heard of Josh on your Facebook page. I enjoy his music very much, especially Songbird.
Yes, I do find words on believing inspirational.
And this is his command: to believe in the name of his Son, Jesus Christ, and to love one another as he commanded us. 1 John 3:23
October 27th, 2012 at 1:24 pm
Good to hear, Ann.
October 27th, 2012 at 10:36 pm
David, it is part of the bold print: and looking back it doesn’t appear to be a direct quote but rather a description from his website about his music. It says.. Wrestles with and celebrates the mystery of faith
October 28th, 2012 at 12:21 am
Hey Kelly, I would say that the “mystery of faith” has in mind the mysterious nature of faith. True faith involves our intellect and reasoning, but it of course goes beyond our own understanding into the realm of mystery. I think that’s what it means here.
October 28th, 2012 at 12:46 am
This is my first time to hear Josh. In the samples used, I hear some similarities to Coldplay and Band of Horses. Really like it! There is a deepness, and simplicity, that shines through. Will be exploring his work now, thanks for the intro!
May 11th, 2013 at 11:31 am
What is his religion? Thanks!
May 11th, 2013 at 12:03 pm
Hey Clare, Josh is a follower of Christ.
November 10th, 2013 at 12:22 pm
I really appreciate how Josh Garrels uses the name Yahvey and Yahshuah in his music… it makes the experience so sweeet.
February 2nd, 2016 at 3:01 pm
My husband is a surfer of “the net” lol. He came across Josh’s music a few months back and what a blessing ! We are hooked !
Just wish Josh would tour up in Canada !