What does the indie Christian music movement look like? Well, in a lot of cases, it looks just like its “secular” counterpart. I’ve grown to really dislike that word, “secular.” though. It’s like the word “Worldly” articulated in a less-confrontational way. In any case, the 2021 record Hold Still by singer-songwriter Taylor Leonhardt fits squarely in the singer-songwriter bucket and you ought to enjoy her stuff, whether you’re a person of Christian faith or not.

When listening, I was struck at how there was a slight drawl to the music. A little bit of Americana. If I were writing for Pitchfork or NPR I might compare her sound to something the realm of The Weather Station or Waxahatchee. Oh, wait… I can still do that. Her bright and clear vocals remind me a bit of Big Thief’s Adrienne Lenker as well. Indie darling comparisons aside, I would not place Taylor on one of those youth group Christian bookstore posters that say “If you like Artist X, try Artist Y.” Taylor is Taylor. Unapogletically herself enough to throw some shade at her sister in the album opener “Happy or Whatever”; the second verse reads:

I’m feeling all alone
My sister movеd back home
All she talks about now is her brand nеw job
And her fancy MBA
Her lawyer fiancé
I’m the jerk for wishing she would just stop.

Tongue in cheek commentary aside, this is the sort of vulnerable thing I really respect Taylor for writing. I had the chance to see her at Audiofeed Festival last summer but unfortunately I was preoccupied with making sure my own stage was running on point… I had a Citizens set to produce! I can only hope that those listening to her had the appreciation I do now for her vulnerability.

Taylor adds her own tongue in cheek commentary to the song “Human,” which churns along both in instrumentation and with a devastating dose of honesty. The storm ramps up like a storm rolling in. It culminates with some guitar-work that starts out subtle but adds a little twangy reverb (I’m sure there’s a better term for that) and attitude. The title track of the record acts as a bit of a palate cleanser from “Human” with a more approachable, yet nonetheless real track.

Returning to the “what is an indie Christian songwriter, anyway?” question, “Someday You’ll Leave Me” is a raw song that ought to be tacit evidence that any believer can be brutally honest about their insecurities in their art. The lyrics “someday you’re gonna leave me / and I don’t want you to” might seem simplistic at first listen, but honesty is often straightforward, and ugly. This song hearkens to a universal fear – one of being alone, usually tied to insecurity. “Belly of the Whale” is the most overt biblical reference you’ll hear on this record, but even then its relatable – as faith should be. She does dip her toes in worship territory in the last track of the record; but its a journal entry; not meant for corporate means. Hearing this personal outlet serves as an encouragement to me, though, as I’m able to extract truth from it for my own life. “I will not hang my head / His banner is over me / He said I am his poetry.”

I had the privilege of inviting Taylor to return to Audiofeed Festival this summer. I hope you will join us.

Follow Taylor on Instagram.