John Tibbs Shares the Passion and Life Behind "Dead Man Walking"

Dead Man Walking, the highly anticipated FairTrade Services full-length debut from singer/songwriter John Tibbs, is set to bow February 5th. On the heels of last fall's critically acclaimed Dead Man Walking EP, the album was produced by Ben Shive (Rend Collective, Colony House) and showcases 10 selections, eight of which were co-penned by Tibbs.
 
Highlights of Dead Man Walking include the soulful title track (featuring Ellie Holcomb); the edgy truth of "Silver In Stone"; "Abraham," a song inspired by God's faithfulness to the Israelites in Exodus; and "Everything I Need," which holds deep personal significance for Tibbs in light of his struggle with a lifelong speech impairment. 

Hallels:  Thanks John for doing this interview with us.  Just looking at the song titles on your new album already makes me want to listen to them.  "Silver in Stone," "Abraham," "Dead Man Walking" and others.  They sound like stories alluring us to listen in.  Is this intentional?  Did you spend time crafting your song titles that make them interesting and impacting?

It's great to talk with you. Thanks for your time! 

Great question. And I really appreciate you saying that. I think I struggle finding a title more than any other aspect of the writing process. I imagine a title to be like a door into a room- it starts you on a journey. I think if a song is named correctly it will lead the listener's ear down a particular road. Great music takes you somewhere, and that all starts with a title.

Hallels:  Prior to the release of this album, you have done a few independent albums.  How and when when did you start singing for the Lord?

I am the son of a pastor and have always been singing in the church. Right after I graduated from Anderson University, I started leading worship full time at a local church. That's when I really began to write - I wanted to write songs that connected people to Jesus, both the people who grew up in the church and those who had never been.

Hallels:  How did you end up working with Fair Trade Services?

When I was on staff at the church, some of my music began to really connect with people in our local congregation. I decided I wanted to give away those songs as a gift, in the form of an EP. So, I signed up on the music discovery website NoiseTrade. I didn't want money to be a barrier, so people could download it there for free or leave a tip. The response was truly overwhelming. In those first few months I had over 10,000 downloads. From there I released a single on iTunes, and with no marketing, it did really well thanks to all those who had downloaded my EP on NoiseTrade. People shared the music with others, and I was asked to share at churches, camps and events. At this point I really wrestled with the idea of doing music full time. It soon became obvious to my wife and me that it was something I needed to do.

So, in April of 2013 I launched as a full time independent artist, and we haven't looked back. It's been such a good journey, one that I'm very grateful for. I was asked by Audrey Assad to join her on her fall tour, and I crowd-funded a second EP that released in the fall of 2013. The response was again very positive and encouraging. At this point the founder of NoiseTrade, Derek Webb, reached out to FairTrade Services, who he has worked with throughout his career. We sat down, and from the very beginning of that conversation it was obvious to us all that this was the right thing to do. I signed with FairTrade exactly one year after I went indie full time. That was kind of our rainbow moment. Yet another example of God's faithfulness.

Hallels:  For our readers who hve yet to hear "Dead Man Walking," what's the song about?

I once heard it said that God came to change bad people to good. Rather, I believe God came to give dead people life! I think we all have our struggles and situations, and those things act as chains, keeping us from being the people God created us to be. I hope this song points people to their struggles and then helps them realize our chains have already been thrown aside. Because of what Christ did thousands of years ago, we have Hope, and life!

Hallels:  You also go to work with Ellie Holcomb on this new album, what was she like? 

Ellie is an absolutely incredible vocalist, and she is such a sweet person. It was an honor to have her on this project!

Hallels:  "Silver in Stone," what's this song about?

In every hard situation, something good can come out of it. For instance,  since I was a kid I've had this awful stutter. It is something I walk with daily. I have always been so frustrated with it. Trying to hide it and keep it from people has caused a lot of stress and strain in my life. A few years ago I decided I was finished with the facade that everything in my life was squeaky-clean and perfect. I was expecting that when I'd share my stutter with people, I would lose relationships and be isolated. That was all a lie though. Through that struggle came so much peace and joy, and more importantly, a greater opportunity to encourage people that they can be who they are. So, that's what "Silver In Stone" is about. The line that means the most to me is in the bridge: 'And I hold onto the promise that You'll never run // You'll see me through until Your work is done // oh You'll never let me go'
Every night when I sing that, I hold on to the promise that no matter what situation I find myself in, God is there and He's going to work things together for the good.

Hallels:  How do you wish this new album will impact the lives of your listeners?

I hope when people hear my record they'll hear my heart, and that I mean every word. I hope it inspires a peace, and a hope, and a courage that I know can only come from Christ. I really want to encourage people to own their struggles and to share their challenges with those around them. There is a freedom in that. I want people to know it's ok if you don't have everything figured out, or if your life is a mess. I think we are all walking this road slowly, trying to piece it all together. I want people to know they're not alone; Jesus truly loves them, deeply, where they are, and because of Him we are free. 

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