When you meet someone like Kate Stanford, you can’t help but sense that her passion runs deeper than music itself. It’s not just the sound, the stage, or the songwriting—it’s the heart behind every note. A heart that beats to the rhythm of something greater. We recently had a chat with Kate for an honest conversation about her journey as a Christian musician. She opened up about everything from first-grade talent shows to divine redirections, revealing how faith has been the thread holding it all together.
As you read through we’ll have the questions that we asked her listed with her answers
1. The Beginning of Kate’s Journey
What first sparked your passion for music? Was there a defining moment when you knew this was your calling?
Did you always see yourself pursuing music as a career, or did it unfold unexpectedly?
How did your faith influence your decision to pursue music professionally?
Were there any personal experiences or spiritual moments that confirmed this path for you?
When I was in the first grade, I enrolled in my school’s talent show. I sang “the Best of Both Worlds” by Hannah Montana. From that moment forward, I knew I loved to perform and be on stage. Shortly after, I started classical vocal training. I competed in classical competitions in high school, and even went to college for classical voice. After a while, I felt very confined and stifled by classical music.
It began to feel very purposeless, and I felt like I had to portray somebody that I was not on stage. At this point in my life, I began to feel a strong calling to Christian music. After putting out my debut album Bloom amongst other releases, I knew that this was something I wanted to seriously pursue. My love for Christian music is not only about the music itself, it is about fulfilling a purpose that is bigger than myself… that being to share the unconditional love of Jesus Christ.
2. Faith & Challenges
Have you ever faced doubts or moments where you questioned your calling as a musician? How did God show up in those moments?
What has been one of the biggest challenges in your music career, and how has your faith helped you overcome it?
Have you ever had to make a difficult decision between industry expectations and staying true to your faith? How did you navigate that?
How do you handle rejection, setbacks, or uncertainty in the music industry while keeping your faith strong?
I have faced many doubts when pursuing my career as a Christian artist. Unlike other careers, success is not linear and can be measured in many different ways, some ways not being tangible. The landscape of the music industry is changing, and much of an artist’s success now lies in their social media presence or if the artist can produce “viral” songs. It can become very easy to get addicted to the external validation of likes, streams, comments, and followers.
This can lead to burnout quickly, so it is very important to know who you are as a daughter or son in Christ. I chose to reframe “setbacks” or “failures” in my mind as redirection from the Lord. If an opportunity is for me, I truly believe that the Lord will open that door for me… it is up to us to put in the work, day in and day out.
3. Faith in Action
How do you invite God into your music career and creative process? (Prayer, scripture, fasting, mentorship, etc.)
Have you ever experienced a moment where you knew God was providing for you in a way only He could?
How do you balance the business side of being a musician with staying true to your spiritual purpose? Do you find it challenging to integrate faith into your music without it feeling forced?
I do my best to invite God into my music career through my words and actions towards others. I am a firm believer that every single person you meet deserves the same kindness and respect, regardless of how they can “benefit” you. We are called as children of God to build community and to build one another up for His glory. I can and will do everything in my power to build other artists up and champion with them along the way.
I believe that my whole music career would not be possible without divine intervention. I had my first “big break” when I was asked to produce a song for the movie, Palou the movie in 2019. My song, “I’m a Believer” was included in the soundtrack, and I believe that opportunity would not have been possible without Jesus.
I enjoy the way that entrepreneurship, musicianship, and spirituality can complement one another when pursuing a career in Christian music. As an artist, it is important to have a business mindset when marketing your brand and networking. As Christians, I believe that we are not limited in how we choose to use our God-given gifts.
4. Impact & Calling
How does being a Christian shape the way you connect with your audience and fans?
Have you had opportunities to share your faith through your music? Can you share a memorable story?
What message do you hope people take away from your music?
As a Christian artist, I believe that connection is everything. I want my fans to always feel accepted, loved, and valued by me and through listening to my music. My main goal through my artistry is to remind my audience of their worth in Jesus, and that their lives have a unique, God-given purpose.
My most memorable story is from 2022, when I played Big Ticket Festival in Gaylord, Michigan. During my set, a mom and daughter were sitting in the front row singing along to every single song. At this point in my career, I was still starting out, so I had never met anyone who knew all of the words to my song. After the performance, I met the mom and daughter, and they told me they would listen to my songs every morning before she dropped her daughter off for school. This was the best encouragement I could have received, as I hope to inspire and encourage the next generation.
5. Lessons & Encouragement
If you could give one piece of advice to a Christian artist just starting out, what would it be?
How has your understanding of success changed since putting God first in your music career?
Is there a specific scripture or biblical principle that has anchored you through your journey?
If I could give advice to a Christian artist starting out, I would tell them to stay true to themselves and to never be ashamed of what makes them unique. Being authentic is personal freedom. Your authenticity is contagious, and can be sensed by your audience and listeners.
I believe that success is not contingent on what other people think of you. I have learned that throughout my life, you will never be able to please everyone.
I am not for everyone, and I am perfectly okay with that. I define success as making your younger self proud. As shown up for yourself, even on hard days. Success looks different for everyone, and it looks different each day.
Kate’s words are a reminder that music is more than performance—it’s purpose. Whether she’s on stage, writing a song, or speaking with fans, her heart remains rooted in Christ. And in a world that often values virality over vulnerability, her faith-first approach is exactly the kind of melody we need.
Stay connected with Kate Stanford and follow her journey on all major streaming platforms and social media. And if you’re a Christian artist just getting started—let Kate’s story remind you: there is beauty in the process, purpose in the pauses, and power in saying yes to God’s call.