Quotes by Eric Church on Authenticity and Following Your Own Path

Eric Church has a distinctive style of songwriting and performing that fans are drawn to. Known as "Chief" after his grandfather, who was chief of police in Church's hometown of Granite Falls, North Carolina, Church wears his signature baseball cap and sunglasses while performing, adding to his rugged appearance.

From Church's 2011 "Drink in My Hand" to 2024's "Darkest Hour," Church has a unique way of expressing how music has the power for introspection and eventually action. In this article, you'll read some of the most pertinent and powerful country music quotes and lyrics from Church that provide purpose and motivation.

Church is an optimist, and he believes that music is one of the purest forms of expression that can help dispel fear and bind a community together. Church's belief in the redemptive power of music is evident in his new album, Evangeline vs. The Machine. From Church's website about his latest album:

"The world of Evangeline vs. The Machine is one of experimentation, creativity, and surprise. It is a collection of eight songs made to be listened to front-to-back, from an artist who has never given up hope on the power of the album. While suits in boardrooms are obsessed with manufacturing 30-second 'songs' that go viral, prizing profits over creative freedom, Evangeline vs. The Machine refuses to surrender. It invites you to stay and fight with it."

Church sticks to his roots, faith, and conviction as a way to stay true to his authentic voice. His main advice for success, whether in a career or personal journey, is to have a clear vision. According to Whiskey Riff, Church said:

"If you don't have a vision of who you wanna be, what you wanna be about, what you wanna make, what product you wanna make … if you don't have that, there's no way for anybody to help you get to that. That's not something you can develop along the way .... And there's a ton of challenges along that way, but that vision, if you have the vision, and you have the conviction to that vision, everybody else will get on board and help you get there."

From the powerful "Hands of Time" to the song regarding the state of numerous school shootings in "Johnny," these songs from Evangeline vs. the Machine send a powerful message to take a look at what's happening and do something about it.

One aspect that sets Church apart from commercial-oriented country music in his rocking version of rebel country is his authenticity and ability to connect with his audience.

According to AZ Quotes, Church says, "I don't use the big video screens that a lot of other artists use because personally, I think it's kind of a crutch. I think sometimes it's like watching television as opposed to really getting involved with what is happening onstage and the people in your section."

Church uses his music to help unify communities, especially the country music community. From AZ Quotes, Church says, "Country fans are the best fans out there because of the loyalty, and the way that they apply your music to every aspect of their life."

Church has a pragmatic view of life's challenges and rewards. His philosophy is to work hard and earn what you deserve. As a rulebreaker, Church has often faced difficulties, such as being fired from touring with the Rascal Flatts tour for not following timing rules. Church wants to help break the cookie-cutter formula often expected from the music industry and be able to express his opinions respectfully and optimistically. And Church's theme is that music is the unifying force.

"Faith is a big part of my life, and it's always been a big part of my life. And I think, for me, the most powerful thing about music is we can disagree on everything. We can disagree on politics. We can disagree on (whatever)," Church adds. "But music is the one thing where it's kind of a safe space."

Church excels in writing about the battle between good and evil. The battle has been going on for a long time, but Church believes in love, faith, and community, as is apparent in the song "Love Your Love the Most," and home and family values, as seen in his song "Talladega."

For Church, the way he stays true to himself is to have a clear vision, create his own voice instead of copying others, and use his talents to help create and inspire good in others for a better world.

Church is a man of faith, family, and authenticity. He has been married to his wife, Katherine Blasingame, since 2008, and the couple has two sons. They founded a charitable foundation called Chief Cares in 2013, which helps underprivileged families throughout Tennessee and North Carolina.

According to the Academy of Country Music, Church is known as a voice of rebellion, defined by authenticity, within mainstream country music. Church has continued his commitment to his sound while honoring the genre's roots.

Church continues to create groundbreaking music that helps inspire his fans, other country music artists, and those in the industry to stay true to their roots, convictions, and visions to make the world the best place it can be for everyone. His use of his voice for redemptive powers is an inspiration for all of us to stand up for ourselves and speak out through voice, pen, and song.