Crowder plans return trip to southwest Georgia

Most of David Crowder’s fans, those who clamor to see him perform anytime he’s within reasonable driving distance, will tell you he’s a contemporary Christian artist. And there are others who throw around the word “eclectic” when they talk about his fusion of just about any genre of music that piques his interest.

But Crowder, who will perform at the John Hunt Auditorium on the University of Georgia Tifton Campus Conference Center Aug. 23, says his hodgepodge of musical styles comes from his willingness to listen to all types of music.

“I try to glean any inspiration I can from stuff I haven’t heard before,” Crowder said during an interview with The Albany Herald. “It’s kind of like I carry around a little bucket that I put little pieces of music in. Then, when I’m writing, I draw from all of those pieces.

“I can tell you, my Spotify playlist is all over the place.”

As his legion of fans will attest, whatever the artist is doing, it’s working. Crowder has recorded five No. 1 singles, has won five of the 20 Dove nominations he’s received, has five Grammy nominations and has more than 2.1 billion global streams.

Crowder last played in the area in June of 2022, wowing a crowd at the Albany Civic Center. He said he’s amped up to bring his tour back to southwest Georgia.

“I’ve got some new stuff I can’t wait to play for the people in my home state,” he said. “I can’t wait to see everyone in Tifton and southwest Georgia.”

Crowder managed to slip a few minutes into his busy schedule to talk with The Herald about his current tour.

ALBANY HERALD: You and I talked before your show in Albany back in 2022. I know you’ve put out an album since then … what else is going on with you?

DAVID CROWDER: We’re actually about to crank out a new album; we’re going to roll it out before the end of the year. I love performing during the summer season, so I’m looking for a fun time down there.

AH: You chose this career: Does it ever get old or does the passion wane?

DC: Oh, no, it does not. I have to pinch myself sometimes because I get to do this for a living. I’m always working on new stuff, and I can’t wait to get out and play for the crowds. It keeps it exciting.

AH: If you ever do feel the need to get away for a bit, what do you like to do?

DC: Summertime is my favorite time, and when I’m not playing I like to take my boat out on Lake Lanier. Last summer I broke my leg, so I missed out on a lot. I’m going to try and stay upright this summer, not fall over and enjoy the water.

AH: I’d never heard you play before the Albany show, and I have to admit I was completely blown away. I wrote then that your performance was one of my favorites for the year. Being a “Christian artist,” you kind of have a built-in audience. Do you play to that group or to people like me who maybe haven’t seen you before but who just love music?

DC: It’s really a little of both. I started in this business by basically helping out a friend of mine at church. He told me to “find songs that fit a collegiate crowd, a Dave Matthews kind of thing.” So I started out trying to do stuff that we’d both be into. But the goal now is to find something that people can be moved by.

AH: Are there unrealistic expectations from fans and/or label executives when it comes to your music?

DC: I’m still all about trying to help out what the church is doing; I call it helping people’s relationship with the Divine. I’ve been fortunate enough to have people in my career just let me do what I want to do, what I feel. I’ll keep doing it that way until I don’t feel useful.

AH: Whose music do you listen to, assuming you listen to lots of music?

DC: Oh, yes, I have it on all the time. My wife’s like you, she’s a classic rock fan, and if she’s around she’s got it on. I’m not really sure she’s heard my music. I’m always searching for vibes, little niches, gathering them. Then I’ll take those things that don’t necessarily go together and try to put them into the same pot.

AH: When you’re writing music, is there pressure to “be eclectic” or is it more you writing what you feel?

DC: Yeah, there’s none of that. The folks at the label are basically, “Let us know when you’re done.” I’m very fortunate to have that kind of freedom. I’m very grateful.

AH: We’re right up on the deadline they gave me for this interview. I’ve enjoyed talking music with you and could talk all day. But i’ll make this the last question: What can fans in Tifton who maybe haven’t seen you play live expect at your show?

DC: I tell everyone to come ready to sing. Because when people are singing along, when the room gets on the same page, gets communal, that’s when it really gets great.