Reformation: An Interview With Stephanie Staples
by Matt Wheeler
A story with an arc of redemption is compelling. We each find ourselves in a tangle of choices and circumstances that can feel random at best or actively working against us at worst, and it’s important that we know deep down that there is a larger plan at work — that there is a loving and powerful Father whom we can trust with the details. The new album ReFormation by Nashville-based singer-songwriter and Rabbit Room community member Stephanie Staples is a brilliant example of such a redemptive narrative. While musically covering territory as diverse as contemporary ballads that evoke the work of Sara Groves and Jaci Velasquez and Beatles-tinged orchestral music, Staples’ ReFormation leads listeners on a journey: an invitation to return, a call to awaken to hope, and an encouragement to abide in the love of God.
Matt Wheeler: Congratulations on your new album project, ReFormation — and we will talk about that in detail, but let’s start here: tell me about your calling and journey with music.
Stephanie Staples: I had a pretty radical encounter with the Lord when I was in high school. An intense battle with depression was taking its toll on my body. Because I had been raised in a Christian home and had amazing parents, I knew where to turn. I started reading my Bible more, trying to find some light. One day, I was sitting in a local coffee shop in Toledo reading Romans 6 and the words began flying off the page. It was an experience I will never forget. The idea of being raised to new life was so compelling and gave me hope. That moment was the beginning of my journey toward healing. I began writing music and haven’t stopped. I love Psalm 40–I am a living testimony of someone who has been “lifted from the pit of destruction” and given a song. A few years later, I discovered the writings of George MacDonald and that was another season of radical encounter. Our lives are a never-ending journey of formation. The music part of my story cannot be separated from these encounters. Writing songs is how I seek connection with the Lord. I never expected to take these songs across the pond but over the past 13 years, I have had the opportunity to share them all over the United Kingdom and a little bit in continental Europe. It’s been an incredible journey. I believe my calling is like any other artist’s calling: to be a conduit for others to find connection with their Creator.
MW: What is the “why” behind ReFormation? What led to this set of songs and what you want to say through them?
SS: I released a song called “Reconstruct” in January of 2024. It was basically a letter to a friend of mine whose wounds from well-meaning but misguided Christians have driven him away from Christianity.
What if everything you knew wasn’t wrong?
What if some of it was true all along?
Maybe they were just confused
When their voices pummeled you
With their misguided affection.
Last year, I was sitting in a conference with ministers and missionaries from 67 different countries. One of the speakers, a famous agnostic with much to say about Christianity, made a comment that resonated (paraphrasing): “With all of the deconstruction movements, you guys are in your own reformation of sorts.”
I had released “Reconstruct” about five months before the conference but we hadn’t decided on a title for the full record. Hearing those words made my heart leap: REFORMATION.
To “reform” is “to make changes in order to improve.”
I think we can all agree that the Western church is in need of reform. My song “Reconstruct” asks the question: what if we took a few moments to re-examine these ancient truths instead of forsaking them altogether and looking elsewhere?
MW: That brings to mind an incisive quote from G.K. Chesterton: “The Christian ideal has not been tried and found wanting. It has been found difficult; and left untried.”
SS: Exactly! The heart behind ReFormation is to start a conversation: What if we tried to actually understand and practice authentic Christianity?
MW: I understand that you worked with Grammy-winning producer Mitch Dane on this project. How did that connection come together, and how did it shape the recorded songs?
SS: Jeremy Casella, who produced my Love Broke Through record, recommended Mitch Dane, and I am so thankful. Mitch produced my last record, Streams, as well.
Mitch does what everyone hopes a producer will do—he takes what you have and brings it to its fullest potential. But what sets Mitch apart is his genuine care for the artist and respect for their work and their voice. I have never felt more at ease and welcome in a studio setting. While he will certainly challenge, he will always respect, and always make sure at the end of the day the loudest voice in the room is the artist’s.
He also takes the time to understand the ”why“ behind each song. I believe that is the reason the last two records have felt and sounded like the me who has been writing for over twenty-five years. So many long time friends have commented, “These recordings finally sound like you.”
When I first started writing I would always hear strings in my head and dynamics that were impossible to capture on my own while tracking long-distance and with a limited budget. My songs never sounded as layered and “big” as I knew they could and should. My ReFormation record has texture and movement and strings on every single song. A dream come true for me.
MW: This was clearly a collaborative project. Who are some of the key contributors, other than Mitch Dane?
SS: Caitlin Anselmo deserves a shoutout for her superb string arrangements. Her arrangements are both creative and responsive — she pays attention to every nuance and makes sure the strings are telling the story. She is also one of the kindest people I have ever worked with and I now consider her a friend.
Musicians Nate Dugger, Charlie Lowell, Paul Eckberg, Byron House, Matt Pierson, David Davidson, David Angell, Betsy Lamb, Carole Rabinowitz, and Austin Hoke all contributed to this record and I cannot say enough about their professionalism and kindness. I pray to work with all of them again, soon. (Plenty of songs for another record! I need some patrons!)
MW: Please tell me about your song “Awake, O Sleeper”.
SS: In August of 2023 I was in Edinburgh, Scotland to celebrate the release of my “Streams” record with a concert at Charlotte Chapel. I was walking down a random street when a song I had written many years ago started coming back to me: “Awake, O Sleeper.” Ideas for another section started coming to me so I started typing them into the notes section on my iPhone.
The Spirit of the Lord is breathing life in those who sleep
He’s coming, our salvation is nearer than we think…
I texted my husband, “I know this is going to sound crazy but I have an idea for another record. And I am hearing bagpipes!” (A dear Scottish friend later reminded me that bagpipes were often used to alert the troops to battle so it was fitting I felt so strongly they needed to be on the song.) I guess you could say that moment was the inspiration for the entire ReFormation album.
MW: Ultimately, what would you like for the listeners of ReFormation to take away from engaging with the songs?
SS: Tracks 1-5 of ReFormation are a call to return and to awaken. Tracks 6-10 are songs of hope. “Holding On” and “Still Waters” were both written with tears streaming down my face. I hope those who listen all the way through ReFormation to the last track, “Grace”, will sense the love of God in a way that is palpable and be inspired to re-connect or connect with Him more deeply. I have been thinking about Luke 19:31 lately, when Jesus wept over Jerusalem because they misunderstood the plan of God and refused to draw near to Him. I think he’s weeping over a lot of prodigals right now and we who know his comfort need to be willing to sit with them in their darkness, listen to their questions, and give testimony of how Christ has been an answer for us.
Listen to Reformation
Matt Wheeler is a troubadour, poet with a guitar, & stage banter-conversationalist, Matt Wheeler lives in Lancaster County, PA with his wife & teenage son. He specializes in songs based on classic works of literature - his 2021 album "Wonder of It All", featuring songs & stories based on books including "The Horse & His Boy" & "Watership Down" is an example. His new album, "A Hard History of Love" is inspired by a series of Wendell Berry's short stories & released in September 2023. You can read and listen to more of his work at www.mattwheeleronline.com."
Nashville-based international singer-songwriter Stephanie Staples has been sharing her songs around the world for over two decades. Stephanie has written and recorded ten full albums and an EP, including her latest, ReFormation.
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