The Rock Music's Steele Croswhite Celebrates Two Decades of Faith and Music in this Exclusive Interview

Steele Croswhite is celebrating two decades of ministry and music with the release of Captured By Grace (20 Year Deluxe Edition), a milestone project from The Rock Music. Over the past 20 years, Croswhite and his team have faithfully led worship, written original songs, and built a vibrant community of musicians and worship leaders out of The Rock Church in Salt Lake City. This deluxe edition revisits the beloved tracks that have defined their journey, offering reimagined arrangements, refreshed production, and new lyrical insights that reflect years of growth in both music and faith. With contributions from a live choir and a full production team, Captured By Grace (20 Year Deluxe Edition) invites longtime listeners and newcomers alike to experience the power of God's transforming grace through the heart of The Rock Music. 

Q: Looking back on two decades of ministry and music, what does the release of Captured By Grace (20 Year Deluxe Edition) represent for you and The Rock Music?​

For me it has been a celebration of Jesus' faithfulness. He has been so gracious to allow us to write, record and release original Christian music in Utah, the least evangelical state in America. What began 20 years ago as a leading from The Lord has become a reality for The Rock Music-multiple worship leaders, writers, and recordings coming out of a local church. 

Q: Many of these tracks have been reimagined for this milestone edition. How did you approach updating the songs while keeping their original spirit intact?

As a musician this was fun for me! Over the past 20 years I've learned so much more about recording, songwriting and producing. Every musician has thoughts of what they would do differently on a song after it's released; maybe add a different guitar tone, or vocal treatment or vibe. It was awesome to be able to do that very thing- make the changes that brought new satisfaction to the tracks. 

The closest to original tone and vibe is the title track, "Captured by Grace." Though even here, there were changes made to the speed and timing of the opening movements of the hook. Even these little changes gave so much more energy, lift and passion.  

For the other tunes, it was great to bring 20 years of perspective to the songs. We didn't alter the melodies but instead approached each song with freshness. We wanted to record the songs not from a perspective of, "What can we do to replicate the song?" but rather, "What does the song want to be 20 years later?"  

For songs like "Your Reach" and "Matchless," this meant more of a stripped down, guitar-centric vibe; for others like "I Want You" and "No Compromise," we went in a completely different direction than the originals. Adding a lot more production to "No Compromise" gave it a grittier, heavier vibe, lifting the lyrics to a desperate place. For "I Want You," we removed traditional instrumentation to highlight the plea of the lyrics. 

All in all, we want the music to encourage new listeners who are approaching these songs for the first time. Yet we also hope those familiar with our music will be surprised by a different spin on the songs, giving folks a whole new listening experience. 

Q: The album tells a story of God's transforming grace in your life. How do you hope listeners connect with that narrative today, especially those who may be encountering your music for the first time?

Jesus sees you, knows you, and loves you. In Him, you are enough and He is already pleased with you! My prayer is that people will catch even the smallest glimpse of God's unbreakable, unshakeable love, and that this love would transform them into the most authentic version of themselves, totally and completely free in their identity in Christ-captured by His grace.    

Q: With 12 of the 13 tracks penned or co-penned by you, what's your perspective on these songs 20 years later?

It was fun to listen to these songs and approach them freshly 20 years later. It feels like a time capsule in which I remember encountering Jesus' grace for the first time-fresh and revitalizing. I feel that in these songs. I feel my longing and zeal; it's beautiful. I suppose now though, there is more depth. Not necessarily just in my songwriting, though I think I've grown so much with chording and melody, but more in my faith. 

In the past, these songs reflected my longing and prayer for Him to use my life. My music was a response to what He had revealed to me and what I wanted that to mean for my life. Today, my songwriting comes more from an experience of knowing Jesus' faithfulness and mercy and His plan even more. Now I feel like a son writing about my amazing Dad.

On that note, for the songs: "Your Reach" and "I Want You," I wrote additional lyrics not on the original tracks. On "Your Reach" I added a bridge: It's not that I first loved You, but that You first loved me. Found in your affections of Your song sung over me. All creation praising The King of everything. And for "I Want You" I added a simple verse: And for all these many years, You're still my favorite thought. I see You in the movement of music and in themes of all my songs.

Jesus is much more to me today than 20 Years ago; I'm hopeful that translates in these renditions. 

Q: Captured By Grace was originally recorded in a makeshift garage studio. How did recording with a full production team and live choir change the energy or feel of these songs?

There was a sweetness to that first recording, and lots of discovery musically. While I would never take that back, there were also some limitations on resources and knowledge. So many things I heard in my head, I either didn't have the knowledge to accomplish or the gear to do it back then. This time, it felt freer. We brought so much more to the table with 20 years of musical growth, but we have also developed so many meaningful relationships with studios, producers and engineers. Working with others has brought a sense of musical refinement and respect for each song. We truly feel that every one of these songs was treated individually. 

Also, it was tremendous to work side-by-side with my co-worship leader and pastor Caleb Yetton. He is a brilliant musical mind and has been a wonderful friend. And having a choir on this recording was such highlight! The Salt Lake City Mass Choir is amazing. They are incredible musicians and have a real love for The Lord! They are a true blessing in my life and in our region. 

Q: Salt Lake City's The Rock Church has attracted a diverse congregation over the years. How has that community influenced the music of The Rock Music and the message of this album?

God has used The Rock Church to radically change my life. 1 John 3:16 says, "This is how we know what love is: Jesus Christ laid down his life for us. And we ought to lay down our lives for our brothers and sisters." The Most loving thing I can do to "lay my life down" for my brothers and sisters is to stay and play music for them and worship our King in the local church! My roots are planted deeply in The Rock Church and The Rock Music. 

When The Lord is moving through the walls of our local church; He is using this to encourage and inspire our music. I hope and trust that Jesus will use this to encourage His church locally and His Kingdom throughout the world. 

For further information, visit The Rock Music, The Rock Church or Turning Point Media Relations. Follow The Rock Music on Instagram and Facebook. 

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