Alabama native Ryan John reprises his signature modern rock sound on Beautiful Scars, the latest offering from this pastor/speaker turned artist. The album, available now, has already received enthusiastic reviews from critics, including CCM Magazine and ChristianityToday.com
Produced by Marcus Acker of Houston-based band Inhabited, Beautiful Scars is Ryan’s second independent release. Written entirely by Ryan, the album is reminiscent sound-wise to projects from popular artists like Jeremy Camp or Third Day. Lyrically, the record talks about facing life’s challenges and learning to grow emotionally and spiritually from those trials.
Ryan explains, “It is our scars that often times define us. While physical scars change our appearance it is the emotional scars that define our character and growth. The past year of my life has been filled with scars from both my jobs and my relationships. There have been times when the cause of these scars was too difficult to bear on my own. It is Christ that carried me and saw me through the pain. I hope this record will encourage others who are dealing with their own scars.”
Early reviews of Beautiful Scars are singing its praises, with ChristianityToday.com calling the album “fresh and inspired,” while CCM Magazine hails, “…a promising beginning for this Alabama native.” Music blog Christian Music Zine applauds the CD for its “maturity not seen in most independent releases,” adding “this is a great independent release to pick up.”
Fans can purchase the CD online where digital music is sold as well as at ryanjohn.com. The disc is also available at physical retail outlets nationwide. For additional information, visit ryanjohn.com or myspace.com/ryanjohnband.
Hailing from a suburb of Montgomery, Ala., Ryan John began speaking at church conferences and youth rallies when he was 13 years old. By age 18 he had become a licensed ordained minister and pastor of Grace Point Community Church in Wetumpka, Ala. He began his music ministry with fellow bandmates Mark Kirkland (bass, background vocals) and Andrew Mohney (drums) nearly eight years ago. Since then the trio has released two independent projects, the first titled Deeper Waters (2002), and tours regularly ministering to youth and adults alike. An updated tour itinerary is available at ryanjohn.com. You can also follow Ryan John on Twitter at twitter.com/RyanJohn18.
