Sam Bowman Reveals the Reasons Behind His New EP's Title "Legend of Max"

Sam Bowman is a producer, singer, and songwriter that lives in the frozen tundra of Dallas, Texas. He has a deep passion for writing, creating, and pushing tiny buttons that make noises- the latter of which he discovered making beats on an iPad at age thirteen.

Most of all, Sam loves using music to tell stories.He believes music was created by God to tell the Grand Story of the human experience- the apex of which is experiencing Christ's love for His people, and love for Christ Himself. However Sam attempts to touch listeners' hearts, or blow their minds, or even make their heads nod in an approving "vibey" sort of way, he's a storyteller at heart that wants his listeners to see Jesus exalted. 

Sam has recently dropped his new EP Legend of Max on DREAM Records.  Available everywhere music is digital sold, the song was both produced and written by Sam Bowman.  The 5-song EP is the culmination of a string of digital singles leading up to the release with his new song "Daybreaker" also releasing today. 

Listen or Buy Legend of Max HERE.

Q: Sam, thanks for doing this interview with us. Could you please tell us about yourself and your ministry?

So honored to be invited! I appreciate the time to chat with you guys. My name's Sam. Some things about me- I'm a songwriter and producer from Dallas, TX. I push buttons that make noises. I'm a sucker for a good story, and I love working stories into the music I write. I'm a hopeless Lord of the Rings nerd. Actually, I'm kind of a nerd in general. Shocker, right?

I don't know if I've ever thought of what I publicly do in music strictly as "my ministry"- but it's entirely meant to minister to folks, so I'll run with it for this question. I never really thought that people would casually listen to the music I make. That was definitely not my plan. Looks like God had other plans for my work- at least for this season. So if that's the season He's entrusted me with- then my mission statement is to use my music to leave people better than I found them. And sure, you can do that with uplifting lyrics and fun, experimental production. I sure try. But I'm pretty convinced that there's not a lot that will edify us more than God's Word- and I'll probably have more to say about that in future questions. I want my music to bring Scripture to mind. Why would you need my words when you could have Christ's?

Q: In your bio, you mentioned that the "purpose of music is to point us to the beauty of Jesus." Can you explain and elaborate more on this statement?

Sure thing! Well, if we're actually having a conversation about it, I'd adjust that statement just a bit. I'd really say that the purpose of every created thing is to point us to the beauty of Jesus. Music, sports, food, relationships, work, everything under the sun. Anyone could say that in the right doses, these things are good things! Why? Scripture would say that it's because those things reflect the nature of their Creator. They were made BY Jesus, and FOR Jesus (Colossians 1:16). The only reason music even can be beautiful is because Christ Himself is beautiful.

Only Jesus can satisfy our hearts. Only He can satisfy our deepest longings- longings that we try to use created things like music to fulfill. Wouldn't it be a shame if I was so busy enjoying music that I lost out on the whole reason music is beautiful in the first place? Music is good. But it just isn't the greatest good. I'm not convinced of that, anyways.

Q: How did you get to work with DREAM Records?

What a privilege! I had DREAM reach out to me in early 2024. They had super kind things to say about my music and were interested in my releasing some songs with them. Almost a year of scheming and working later- and we've got an EP out. No pun intended- but it's been a Dream. Love those folks- so honored to get to work with them.

Q: Many of the songs on your new record are based on the Psalms. Please share with us how the Psalms have impacted you and your songs. 

All of the songs are based on a Psalm! If you're curious- "Daybreaker" is based on Psalm 19, "El Dorado" is based on Psalm 63, "Crowley" is based on Psalm 119, "Oh Wonder" is based on Psalm 8, and "Your Eyes" is based on Psalm 139. I don't always write as literally based on Scripture as these songs are- especially songs like "Crowley" or "Oh Wonder." But this was a personal challenge for myself- how can I help equip my own church and those I care about with some easy ways to memorize Scripture?

I do believe that we ought to be singing the Psalms regularly as believers! If nothing else, we'd be singing some of the most encouraging words Scripture has to offer- especially for those struggling with doubt and pain. They have tremendous range emotionally- but they so consistently point to an unchanging God. If God's given the Psalms to us for our encouragement, then it's a privilege to enjoy them!

Q: Why is the record entitled "Legend of Max"?

I have two reasons why I called this past EP "Legend of Max," which you'll notice doesn't have anything to do with Psalms.

1. I felt like it. Max is my dog and I thought it would be fun to put him on an album cover. My music has generally tended to be a bit more serious and I thought it would be refreshing to be a lil goofy. And be not deceived- Max is the goodest boy.

2. To lead people to ask why. At the risk of sounding pretentious, there are many terms used for titles in CCM that I think are unfairly called "Christianese." Many people barely notice what they mean because they are used so frequently. Water metaphors, chains being broken, banners, et cetera... these are good words representing good ideas! But as I age, I tend to notice that for many, these cultural words lose meaning. I wanted the title of this EP to be fairly disconnected from the message of the EP- because frankly, I'm not convinced we need my words. We need Christ's. So yes, it's a bit pretentious and I hope it's taken well. But I did enjoy a goofier title because I'm okay with pointing out that my words are foolish in light of Scripture.

Q: With Christmas approaching, you have also recorded a new seasonal song, "Misfit Toys." Can you tell us more about this song?

Tis the season! I had such a blast working on this song with my friend GLADDEN. The song is a super lighthearted Christmas tune about how much God loves to use what is despised by men to glorify Himself (1 Corinthians 1:27-28). Christ didn't have to come the way that He did. God doesn't have to use us the way that He does. But He does. Isn't that beautiful? Plus, GLADDEN and I were long overdue on another pop/punk song together and it was such a fun time putting it together.

Q: What does Christmas mean to you?

What a question! There are a lot of ways to answer it. I guess I'd say for right now that as I get older, I start to duct tape Christmas to New Year's in my head? It's a super nostalgic holiday and I am a hopelessly sentimental guy. Christmas, among so many other things, is a time for me to thank God for what He's done to lead me through a year. What better way to celebrate what He's done for me in a year than celebrating Him coming to save me from sin?

Oh yeah, and I put up a twenty-something-foot-tall snowman in my front yard every year and I start listening to Christmas music on October 1 and hot chocolate is literally flowing through my veins as I type this. I love me some Christmas. 

Connect with Sam Bowman:

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