A decade ago, Finding Favour (Blake NeeSmith, Allen Dukes, Dustin Daniels, and Josh Duckworth) came together in Lyons, Georgia. In 2012, they signed with Gotee Records and recorded their first studio EP. The record was followed by tours with Building 429 and Hawk Nelson.
The group recently finished a 42-city tour with the Newsboys and have just released their debut full-length CD, Reborn. The first single from the album, Cast My Cares, has become their fastest rising single to date, already in the Top 20 of Billboard’s NCA chart.
Vocalist Blake NeeSmith graciously agreed to an exclusive interview with Divine Detour.
When did you first realize you wanted to make music your life’s work?
I first realized this when I was about thirteen years old. I already loved music but around that age my singing voice began to develop. I started singing in front of people and was pleasantly surprised to see their reaction. I finally felt like I’d found something that I was good at and wanted to use that gift to glorify God.
Along that journey, have you ever experienced a “Divine Detour,” a God sent redirection to your path?
Most of my ‘Divine Detours’ have been yield signs; God telling me to slow down and be patient. I’m the kind of guy that likes to be in control and push the button. God has to remind me often that He has a plan and to be still and know that He is God.
Let’s talk about your debut full-length CD, Reborn (Gotee Records, June 2015). Congratulations! Please tell us about it.
Thank you! It’s been a long time coming. We’ve been a band now for almost ten years and this is our first full album. This album is definitely years of hard work, heartache, and hope. We truly believe in every single song on this record and each one was chosen with conviction. Our hope is that people will hear something that speaks to their soul!
What is the story behind Be Like You, your current single?
I recently became a father. My wife and I had a beautiful baby girl named Harper Sage NeeSmith. On the way to the hospital I started thinking about all the things that I’d messed up in my life and all the times I’d dropped the ball, if you will. I started praying and asking God to not let one of those things be my relationship with my daughter. I wanted to be the father that I needed be. I wanted to be the example that she deserved, so I wrote a song or prayer, if you will, to ask God for a little help. That song is called Be Like You.
It’s a great CD. One of my favorite tracks is Say Amen, which was singled last year. What’s your favorite song to perform on tour?
That’s a hard question to answer. I think each song has its place and purpose but if I had to choose one for no other reason but enjoyment I’d probably choose Cast My Cares.
[ctt title=”Our hope is that people will hear something that speaks to their soul! ~ Blake NeeSmith” tweet=”Our hope is that people will hear something that speaks to their soul! ~ Blake NeeSmith @FindingFavour http://ctt.ec/f5z6b+” coverup=”f5z6b”]A few fun questions…
You have a busy touring schedule. What comfort food do you miss most when you’re away from home? What’s your go-to road food?
I miss my wife’s cooking in general. I don’t tell her often enough but she’s a very good cook! I don’t necessarily have a Go To, but I do like to eat on the healthier side.
In the story that is your life, are you the tall, dark stranger; the romantic lead; the mythical warrior; the mad scientist; or the child in an adult’s body?
The Romantic Lead
I’m a dog lover. Please tell us about your pets, if any, or your favorite pet as a child.
We have a small female Maltese named Vanna White.
Thank you, Blake! It’s an honor to have you as a guest at DivineDetour.
My pleasure!
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For more information about Finding Favour, visit them on their website, on Facebook, on Instagram, and/or on Twitter.
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