With a unique blend of contemporary worship songs, folk, pop music and inspiring harmonies, the Nevada-based band I AM THEY is capturing the attention of audiences across the country.
However, it’s the message behind their music that the group hopes will resonate most with audiences.
“We really want the stories in these songs to connect with people,” lead vocalist and guitarist Adam Palmer said. “Our songs are little snapshots of moments we are going through captured in lyrics and melodies. Just because we are on stage, we are far from having it all together.
“These songs express real moments of our daily walk and journey of faith. There are times of feeling distant, when we feel like we don’t have words to say in our prayers. Other songs express times of feeling jubilant and in celebration. With every song and emotion we are grateful that we are redeemed because this life is hard enough, but without a relationship with Christ it would be hopeless.”
In addition to Palmer and his wife, Sarah, who plays drums, the band is comprised of Matthew Hein, vocals and guitar; Stephanie Kulla, vocals and violin; Justin Shinn, keyboard; and Bobby Stiehler, bass.
The band’s name is based on John 17 where Jesus was praying and refers to His disciples as “they.”
“We were going through several names for the band and my wife came across this chapter,” Palmer said. “We thought it would be an amazing way to personalize the group name and to let people know that we are followers of Christ. The name is meant to be inclusive of the family of Christ, rather than pointing back to the band. The name was specifically taken from verse 16, where Jesus said: ‘They are not of the world, even as I am not of it.’”
At their concerts, band members emphasize how a relationship with Christ has radically transformed their lives by giving them a constant source of strength and identity.
During his childhood Palmer experienced the tragic loss of his older brother due to a drunk driving accident. Throughout his teenage years he battled severe depression and anxiety as his family tried to sort through their emotions in various ways. Eventually his parents divorced and Palmer attempted suicide.
By sharing personal testimonies filled with struggles and stories of redemption, the band is able to reach out to audiences in an authentic and approachable way.
“We’ve gotten so many emails from people who just pour out their stories and struggles to us. That is something we do not take lightly or take for granted. We consider it sacred. When people share their stories of how God has delivered them, that’s a holy moment. Every single person has a different story. Our first priority is to be ministerial — that’s our heart. It’s what we know and want to continue.”
Their music and message are being well received. With the release of their self-titled debut album the band made an impressive entrance into the Christian music scene while garnering a spot in the Top 10 on the Billboard Christian Chart.
“Our hope is that this album connects with people on a deeper level,” Palmer said. “We want the listener to connect with the album in a way that feels like a journey of faith — a realistic one of valleys, hilltops and mountaintops (with) all the turmoil, joys and struggles, everything in between.”
The band is currently performing on the 23-city “Rock and Worship Roadshow” tour. This spring, I AM THEY will tour with singer/songwriter Matt Maher. During the summer the group plans to perform at several Christian music festivals and will join Casting Crowns on select dates of their tour.
“In our touring we want to have a relatable ministry where people feel free to talk with us and open up. We love interacting with people after shows and hearing about what God is doing in their lives.”
Sharing struggles
“In every single concert someone comes up to me and shares that they are struggling with addiction, family problems or contemplating suicide. Because of my personal testimony a lot of people feel comfortable opening up to me. It’s been amazing to let them know from my own experience that there is hope and redemption [through] Christ.
“If my story with its extremes can see the redemption of Christ then their story can too. Their story does not have to end with tragedy. It can begin with victory because Jesus can redeem their past, their choices and their decisions.”
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