If you’ve ever been to a Rend Collective concert, you know what to expect—energy, joy, celebration. But behind the upbeat anthems and folk-infused worship songs is a band that’s not afraid to wade into deeper waters. During a recent conversation on Christian Family Radio, Derek and Bridget sat down with Chris Llewellyn, lead singer of Rend Collective, to talk about fatherhood, faith, music—and the fight for mental health.
From Bible Study to World Stage
It might surprise you to learn that Rend Collective didn’t start with dreams of tours or radio hits. “Up until like three months before our first U.S. showcase,” Chris said, “we were just a Bible study. Not even really a band.” That all changed when worship leader Chris Tomlin got hold of one of their EPs—recordings that had 25 to 30 contributors from their local faith community in Ireland. From there, the doors swung open.
“We kind of had to pretend to be a real band,” Chris laughed, recalling their first U.S. showcase at Nashville’s Hard Rock Cafe. “We cobbled something together last minute.”
Today, Rend Collective is known worldwide for its infectious joy and signature sound. But behind the curtain, Chris has also been quietly waging a different kind of battle.
The Fight of My Life
Their newest single, Fight of My Life, is more than just a song—it’s a personal prayer. Chris shared how the lyrics stem from his own journey with depression. “At first, I didn’t think I’d ever sing it in front of people,” he said. “It felt like a song just for me. But I realized people need songs and prayers about more than just victory. They need language for the valleys, too.”
That honest perspective has opened a floodgate of connection. “You crack open the door for people to talk about mental health, and suddenly it all comes pouring out. I’ve heard from so many—especially young people—struggling with depression, anxiety, even suicidal thoughts.”
Chris hopes this vulnerability helps remove the stigma around mental health, especially within the Church. “Jesus said, ‘In this world you will have trouble.’ If there was ever a verse we all know is true—it’s that one.”
Therapy, Faith, and Finding the Right Fit
Chris credits his healing to a combination of faith and therapy—a message he shares openly. “I don’t think you have to pick a lane,” he said. “God and therapy together are powerful. I’ve learned that human tools like counseling and even medication can be gifts of God’s grace.”
His own path wasn’t simple. It took a few tries to find a therapist who truly understood him. “That’s something people don’t talk about enough,” he said. “It’s okay if the first one isn’t the right fit. It’s like any relationship—it takes time. And that’s normal.”
He encourages anyone seeking help to keep going. “You’re allowed to try again. You’re not going to offend anyone. Just don’t give up.”
Defiant Joy
While Fight of My Life deals with heavy themes, it’s anything but somber. “It’s actually joyful,” Chris said. “Sometimes I don’t want a sad song when I’m in a dark place. I want something defiant—something that says joy is still possible.”
The artwork that accompanies the single captures that defiance—a small knight squaring off against a giant fire-breathing dragon. “Depression feels insurmountable,” Chris said. “It feels like a monster, like it’s all around you and you’ll never escape. We wanted the artwork to reflect that illusion.”
Fatherhood, Faith, and Future Hopes
Chris also shared some fun personal reflections—including his love for Daniel Tiger (a parenting essential) and the life lesson he learned from his own dad: “Energy is everything. If people can’t feel what you’re doing, it doesn’t matter how perfect it is.”
When asked who from the Bible he’d like to have dinner with (besides Jesus, of course), Chris said Zacchaeus. “What happened after he came down from the tree? I want to know how his life changed. There are so many people in Scripture whose stories are just beginnings—we never hear the rest.”
Chris also had a word of encouragement for anyone navigating their own mental health journey. “Sometimes the fear underneath depression is just the fear of doing the hard work of change. For me, it meant facing some relationships that needed healing. But the more we bring things into the light, the more manageable they become.”
And if you ever visit Ireland? Take his advice: “Stick to the edges. If you can’t see water, you’re doing it wrong.”
Final Thought
Chris Llewellyn’s willingness to be real—with his music, his struggles, and his faith—is a powerful reminder that joy and sorrow often walk hand-in-hand. Fight of My Life isn’t just a song—it’s a lifeline for anyone feeling overwhelmed. And Rend Collective’s message is clear: You’re not alone. There is help. There is hope. And yes, there is still joy.
