While tackling thought-provoking questions in their song lyrics, the contemporary group Carrollton desires to provide audiences with inspiring messages about God’s sustaining power.
The group is made up of lead singer Justin Mosteller, bass player Jordan Bailey, drummer Michael Loy and guitarist Jeremy Menard. Their group name derives from a city in Kentucky located halfway between their hometowns.
“Two of us live in Cincinnati, Ohio, and two of us live in Louisville, Kentucky,” Mosteller explained. “Exactly halfway between our cities is this little town called Carrollton. It’s a small city that is the halfway point between us. It represents how hard we travel and being on this road together. It’s a peaceful reminder of being halfway home and halfway where we’re going. The name actually fits in a way we never expected.”
During their travels the group members want to help audiences find clear direction.
“When we play a concert, we want to give people the space and environment to find some rest that night,” Mosteller said. “We want everyone to take a collective deep breath together and experience some joy. It’s always inspiring when we get an email about a song encouraging someone at just the right moment in their life. At a live concert, we get to experience those moments together. We love that interaction and engaging with audiences.”
The theme for their new album, “Sunlight and Shadows,” features songs about God’s faithfulness in the midst of the peaks and valleys along life’s journey.
“This record was written out of painful times and really good times,” Mosteller said. “Some days are covered in sunlight and it’s beautiful. Other days are covered in shadows and we see the opposite of beauty as we see the pain of life.
“We didn’t realize it when we started writing the songs for this album, but when we got to the end of the recording process, we looked back and saw the theme. We have some songs that really celebrate the beauty of life and the goodness of God. Other songs are really heavy on our hearts. The common theme is because of Christ, we can still express hope regardless of the circumstances.”
The band keeps a busy schedule performing concerts around the country. The group has shared the stage with artists such as Matt Maher, TobyMac, for KING & COUNTRY, LeCrae, Switchfoot and Newsboys. In 2015, Carrollton performed at the International Conference on Missions in Richmond, Virginia. They also were featured on the More Than a Song Tour with JJ Weeks before joining Jason Gray on the Christmas Stories Tour.
Wherever they perform, their goal is to connect audiences to the gospel through music.
“During our concerts we want to share a message of hope,” Mosteller said. “Hope is what brings life into people. You see someone’s eyes light up when they experience true hope and joy. Our prayer as we put out music and put on a concert is that people walk away with more hope than they walked in with.
“We want them to be reminded of the goodness of God, reminded of the gospel and the good news that Jesus came and rescued us. We’ve heard stories about how our songs have been an anchor for people who are struggling. Through these songs, we want people to know that no matter what they may face that God is always with them.”
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