From Testimony to Truth: Justin Warren Shares the Heart Behind His New EP

Singer/songwriter Justin Gambino is set to release his highly anticipated new EP, Just Like Jesus, on Friday, July 18, via Residence Music, an imprint of Centricity Music. Known for his soulful, folk-rock sound and authentic storytelling, Gambino delivers a five-song project rooted in personal testimony, spiritual growth, and the relentless love of Christ.

Following the success of his 2023 full-length album Made New, which captured hearts with its vulnerability and honesty, Just Like Jesus continues the journey-this time focusing on how grace meets us in our weakest moments. The EP features the lead single and title track, "Just Like Jesus," a joyful anthem celebrating God's unwavering pursuit and second chances.

Q: Justin, it's good to chat with you again. After your successful "Made New" album in 2023, what was your vision for this new EP?

It's great to chat with you too! After the release of Made New, I was not prepared for all the media attention that followed. I was so blown away by how many people were touched by that album, which shared my testimony through 13 tracks. Navigating through that season, I was just trying to keep up! I was writing but really didn't have a solid and clear vision from God about the next project.

About a month after the release of Made New in 2023, I attended an indie artist retreat where I finished two songs that are now on the new EP-"Just Like Jesus" and "Good Intentions." Those tracks felt like a solid foundation for a project, so we kept writing. I later signed with Centricity's Residence Music, and they helped me choose which songs would be best to roll out first. Now we are full steam ahead, and I am beyond excited for this new music!  

Q: How, then, did you get to work with Centricity's Residence Music for this new project?

I got connected with Centricity back in 2022 through my producer. I had just released the single "Courage" from the Made New album, and it was receiving some attention. I would meet with them every time I was in Nashville working on new music, and nearly two years later I attended their indie artist retreat. They really loved on me and all the other artists. It created an environment for connection and creativity, and then shortly after, they offered distribution and publishing deals to me. I am very blessed to have such a great team of Jesus loving people in my corner over at Centricity Music.  

Q: What was your favorite moment in the making of this record?

My favorite moments were working with the gospel choir TenTwoSix Music Group. Their sessions were phenomenal! The choir director allowed me to observe the sessions for "Just Like Jesus" and "You Were Always There." The energy that they brought to those songs is unmatched. I'm so thankful to have had the opportunity to work with them and I'm looking forward to the next time. I'm also grateful we were able to capture some special moments during the choir sessions which can be found on my YouTube channel. 

Q: I love how you interweave your testimonies in your songs. Tell us more about the story behind "You Were Always There."

"You Were Always There" came straight out of my journal. About two years ago, I wrote a couple of thoughts down which became the first two lines of that song: "You knew my name before I took a breath/You knew that I would run before I took a step." The last time we were inspired by thoughts from my journal was for the song "There's No Love Like The Love of Jesus" from the Made New album. It's always special, yet so terrifying, to pull lyrics from a journal-something so personal. After we finished writing "You Were Always There," I felt as if we had just told my testimony in three minutes.

Q: One of the most unusual songs is "Judas In Me." Please share with us your heart behind this track.

I was on my way to Nashville to write and record for this project. On the plane, I was reading a book called Not Safe by Mark Batterson. He talks about how we all have a little bit of Judas in us. We may not have the intention of pickpocketing our Savior, but we rob Him of His glory every time we don't show up and show out for what He has called us to. That spoke to me and convicted me. When I entered the writing room with my producer, that thought was heavy on my mind and heart. Uncertain if anyone had ever written a song from that perspective before, we knew we had to chase it.

We worked on it for a couple of days and then began production. Writing the song really pushed us into the Scriptures, and a couple things just kept jumping out at me. When Judas came to betray Jesus, Jesus still called him "friend," and even before that moment in the garden there was still a place prepared for Judas at the table. Jesus had already forgiven Judas. That wrecked me and reminded me of how many moments I can look back on now-when I was betraying my Lord-that there was always a place at His table for me, the table of grace. 

Q: How do you hope these new songs will impact your listeners?

My only hope is that these new songs point people to Jesus-that they would remind us of just how much He wants us, wholly. In response, we are guided to love like Jesus, forgive like Jesus, and be His hands and feet. 

Q: I believe you will be on the road in the fall to promote this record. What can fans be looking out for when they come out to see you?

My tour started last month, and we've already had such special nights of songs, stories, and fellowship. I've shared my heart behind these songs as well as my testimony. Most of my events are stripped down acoustic sets, which are my favorite. It takes me back to how the songs started-an instrument and a voice, raw and authentic. I've also been sharing some new songs I plan to release over the next year. These are songs that have been welling up from within me-songs of original worship. We can talk about that more next time!

Thank you so much. It's been a pleasure to talk about my music and point people to Jesus with you. 

For further information, visit justingambino.com or turningpointpr.com. Follow Gambino on Facebook and Instagram.  

 

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