Joel Houston, the creative force behind Hillsong United, has always been at the forefront of innovation. His latest project, amxnradio, is a testament to his desire to redefine what Christian music can be. After years of touring and collaborating, the pandemic forced him to explore new creative territories on his own. In the studio, he rediscovered the joy of making music for the love of it, free from pressure and expectations.

Joel Houston's amxnradio: Redefining Christian Music

Exploring the Origins of amxnradio

Joel Houston had long harbored ideas for music that didn't fit into the existing molds. During the COVID-19 pandemic, with time on his hands, he began experimenting with beats and different songwriting approaches. This solo exploration laid the foundation for his new project. Years of touring with Hillsong United had given him a wealth of experience, but now he was ready to venture into uncharted musical waters.In the studio, surrounded only by his instruments and imagination, he found a sense of freedom and creativity that he had missed. Music became a therapeutic outlet during those challenging times, allowing him to reconnect with his passion for creating.

The Vision Behind amxnradio

After years of solo experimentation, Houston brought in trusted friends and advisors to help bring his vision to life. Under the moniker amxnradio, he describes the project as an "experiment in worship." He believes that Christian music, especially worship music, often has a certain sound that limits its potential."Music is a gift from God that should be used to serve and inspire us in all aspects of life," he said. "amxnradio is about creating a soundtrack for those moments beyond the church service and radio. It's about reaching people in their daily lives and helping them connect with God through music."

The Impact on Hillsong United

While amxnradio is a new venture for Houston, he is clear that Hillsong United is not going anywhere. It remains a passion project for him, and he sees amxnradio as a way to push the boundaries of Christian music while still maintaining the essence of Hillsong United."The Christian music industry is a small part of the general market, but there are so many Christians who listen to music," he said. "We need to be more adventurous and take risks with the music we make to grow this market and reach more people."

Championing a New Wave of Christian Artists

Houston is not alone in his thinking. Indie Christian artists like Josiah Queen and Forrest Frank are leading the way in a new wave of Christian music. They are breaking the rules and challenging conventions, and Houston hopes that their example will inspire others to step outside the box."These artists are showing that there is no limit to what Christian music can be," he said. "As Christians, we should be supporting and championing these creative voices. The creative spaces are a mission field, and we have the opportunity to use our gifts to draw people into the presence of God."

The New Mindset in Creative Projects

Creating amxnradio has given Houston a new sense of freedom in his music-making. He sees it as a metaphor for his faith, where he sets his sails and trusts that God will guide him. Sometimes the wind will blow and the journey will be fruitful, and other times it may not. But either way, he is content to keep creating and exploring."This new mindset has taken a lot of pressure off," he said. "It allows us to embrace our gifts and callings without fear. We can just focus on creating music that matters and making a difference in the world."To hear more of Joel Houston's story and his conversation with us, check out the latest episode of The RELEVANT Podcast.