Twenty-year-old, Christian artist, Riley Clemmons has teamed up with Country artist, Lauren Alainato release a new edition of “Over and Over.” The new collab comes after the “Broken Prayers” singer has released a home video for the single.
“Over and Over” has the makings of becoming a cross over song. To a Christian listener, the lyrics are apparent she’s talking to God about choosing her over and over, no matter how many times she messes up. Clemmons sings:
Staring at a Mountain Thought I had already Climbed The Weight of my Mistakes Hold me down like I’m Paralyzed How many Times Have I asked for Grace Standing in the same Broken Place I’ve given You Every good Reason To Walk Away
But somehow You Choose me Over and Over Again Over and Over Again You keep Running to me No matter where I am
“Over and Over” can also be applied to various situations. A parent, a partner, a friend. Alaina is the perfect fit, as she is also very vocal about her faith being a big part of her life.
In a previous interview with News Release Today, Clemmons spoke about the meaning behind the song.
This particular songwriting session was super special to me. I was talking with my label about writing this song. We discussed who I’d like to meet with to co-write it. I picked three of my favorite songwriters. I normally start a session talking about what’s going on in my life at that moment, taking that and finding a title and lyrics, based on that situation. For this song, I had been at church the day before. The pastor preached about what it means to recommit yourself to God every day. In a personal way, for me, that’s waking up every day and making the decision to choose God, over and over again. More so that I’m in awe of the fact that somehow I’ve been chosen to be a child of the God of the universe every single day, over and over again. Really, this song came from a place of just being in awe of God’s grace that doesn’t ask for anything back.
Take a listen to the collaboration below!
About Riley Clemmons:
Riley Clemmons is a 20-year-old pop singer/songwriter from Nashville, Tennessee. Raised on southern gospel music and classic rock, Riley began singing at a young age. She was discovered by her manager Mitchell Solarek at age 13 and began attending writing sessions shortly after. At 16, Riley was signed to Capitol CMG and sky-rocketed onto the scene with her 2017 debut hit single “Broken Prayers,” which has amassed over 30M global streams since its release. Riley followed up the song with her self-titled debut album in August 2018, which debuted at No. 13 on the US Heatseekers Albums chart. In June 2019, she released her single “Fighting For Me,” which was one of only two female songs to reach Top 5 on the National Christian Audience radio chart in 2019, establishing Riley as a radio mainstay. Riley was then nominated for “New Artist of the Year” at the 2019 Dove Awards and named a feature performer. She also hosted the award shows’ official pre-telecast. An accomplished composer, performer, and recording artist, Riley is inspired by numerous genres, from classic artists such as Fleetwood Mac and Barbara Streisand to 2000s female pop vocalists Ariana Grande and Katy Perry. Her latest single “Over and Over” is out on all streaming platforms now.
It’s been several years since Mallary Hope has made an appearance at CMA Fest, and this year she took us to church! Hope has changed paths from Country Music to Christian, but she was still invited to take part in Spotify/Opry’s Hot Country/Christian Brunch at Blake Shelton‘s new restaurant Ole Red.
We had other plans during the time slot, but once Hope announced her performance we knew we had to be there! It’s been awhile since we’ve gotten to see her perform and after all, she is one of our favorites! Hope has been busy raising two little girls with her husband, Ryan Dokke and performing on the Winter Jam tour that recently wrapped. She has been working on new music since releasing her self titled debut Christian EP Mallary Hope.
WATCH MALLARY HOPE PERFORM HER UPCOMING SINGLE “ME”
Hope has had a big impact on the Country Music scene, writing songs for the likes of Lauren Alaina, Jana Kramer, Katie Armiger and the cast of the show Nashville. She has been featured on two of Darius Rucker‘s albums and contributed background vocals on Miranda Lambert‘s Platinum album.
Hope was the first performance of the day and CMA Fest goers were waiting a long time to get inside to experience Ole Red and all it has to offer. She did not disappoint and engaged the crowd to clap and sing along as she performed familiar songs and new ones as well. Hope is celebrating her birthday today! Happy Birthday Mallary! Enjoy the photos from her performance!
When life doesn’t go the way we plan, it becomes hard to stay positive and see the bigger picture. Mallary Hope has experienced a lot of closed doors and phrases like “You’re too this or that” over and over again. She didn’t know where she belonged, or if music was something she should keep pursing.
Hope released her debut single to Country radio 8 years ago, and today her debut Christian single “Now” is going to radio. In that time she has cried, rejoiced and prayed a lot. She’s let go of everything she can’t control and has gained an incredible support system, amazing husband and two incredible daughters. She’s also gotten a record deal with Curb records and is finally able to get her music heard. She’s already charted in the top 40 thanks to early stations adding her single!
WATCH THE MUSIC VIDEO FOR MALLARY HOPE’S SINGLE “NOW”
Variety Beat had the chance to ask Hope questions about her journey and how much this new single means to her and how much we hope it will mean to you.
Variety Beat: Congratulations on the release of your new single “Now,” can you describe your emotions, getting to release a single for the first time in seven years and what that journey has been like?
Mallary Hope: The journey has been heartbreaking at times, but I wouldn’t have it any another way. God had to break my heart so that I would learn how to depend on him. Sometimes He brings us to our knees because He needs us to look up. Faith can be so hard because it is FULLY trusting in His plan.. He doesn’t expect us to be perfect at it, but He does want us to try to just lean on him. I will say that I haven’t been this “giddy” in a long time. I’m just so proud of this music. We wrote “NOW” when I was pregnant with my first baby. So this song is almost 3 years old. It’s amazing to look back and see how God was working on me, and orchestrating this journey from the start. It just took me a minute to open my eyes and let him do the driving.
Variety Beat: You were previously releasing music on country radio, what helped inspire you to move to Christian radio?
Mallary Hope: I think the transition is very natural for me. I’m a child of God first, and I just love making music. My music has always reflected my life. Where I am in some relationship, or where I was in my career.. I honestly thought that (and forgive me for going third person here) but Mallary Hope the singer was all I was.. it was my entire identity. I’ve been making music since I was 9 years old and when I wasn’t being successful at it, I started to question why God made me.. I love country music and I thought that was where God wanted me to be. I used to think that if I wasn’t successful at music, then there would be no reason for me to live. (Let me be clear, I was NEVER suicidal I just remember thinking, God If you’re not gonna make this happen, then why am I here?) ME ME ME.. How crazy immature that sounds now.. I think that is the mindset of someone who believes their entire identity is defined by what they do.. God wants us to see that He made us for so much more and that He has plans for us. Plans to prosper, but we have to give up the control.
I remember crying and praying that God would just take the love of music away from me, because it just kept breaking my heart. I was in this miserable place and then it hit me.. It’s a lot of “Me Me ME” What a selfish place to be in.. It was all about me.. But I needed God to show me that it wasn’t about me at all.. It was ALL about Him.. So he completely took away that desire of music that I’ve had since I was 9 Years old.
Then, when I was pregnant with my first child, while listening to Christian radio, I just had this overwhelming feeling to make/say something important. What’s the most important thing a Christian can do? It is to be Christ like, love others, and tell people about God’s love. This life is temporary but as a believer we have eternal life and it is imperative that we help win others over for the kingdom.. So I figured, if God gave me this love of music in the first place.. It was about time I used my gifts for His glory. For the first time in my life, I didn’t need someone to tell me “I love your voice” for me to feel validated.. I found my validation in Christ… I just want to make music that can help people come to know what an amazing God He is. To experience His unconditional love and peace. For people to know that it is ok to surrender your ideas of what you think you were made for. God will show you exactly what He has in store for you.. You just have to allow Him to do so.
Variety Beat: Tell us about your single “Now,” the inspiration behind it and what you hope listeners can take away from it.
Mallary Hope: My single Now is my journey all wrapped up in about 3 mins. Pretty much the same answer as #2.. Just a song about coming to a place of surrendering your desires for God’s plan for you. Sometimes what we want for ourselves isn’t what He wants for us, but what He has in mind is so much better. It’s just a reminder that He has been with us every step of the way. Even when we might have ignored Him, He was there.
Variety Beat: What’s been some of the biggest differences since working with Christian radio and so you feel it’s been more welcoming to new talent?
Mallary Hope: Well, there’s not really THAT much of a difference. Just people who love music and artists who love to sing. The topic is really the only difference. Instead of me singing about an ex boyfriend, I get to praise and worship God.
Variety Beat: “Now” that you’ve released a new single, what else is on the horizon? Is an album in the works and will you be getting to perform at some events?
Mallary Hope: We have an album coming out in the fall. (that’s the rumor anyway) KLOVE fan awards are next month, and those are always fun. Will be doing some more radio tour.. and then some Touring in the fall. We will be excited to get out and play this album for people.
Variety Beat: What’s been the most encouraging part of this next chapter in your life?
Mallary Hope: I think the most encouraging part is knowing that I’m doing exactly what I was put here to do.. And that there’s no pressure because for the first time in my life, I’m letting God be in control. So, if this music just reaches one heart then that’s enough for me. There’s this amazing peace because I know who I am now, and getting to make music is just icing on this already amazing life.
Variety Beat: Who have you written with lately that you’ve always wanted to work with?
Mallary Hope: I love all my cowriters on this album. This entire album was written with new people and I’m just thankful they allowed me to come in and share my story with them.
Variety Beat: What’s one of your favorite quotes or scripture that helps you through difficult times?
Mallary Hope: There are so many Great ones, but i really love this one from Isaiah 43:2 “When you pass through the waters, I will be with you; and when you pass through the rivers, they will not sweep over you. When you walk through the fire, you will not be burned; the flames will not set you ablaze.”
(Again it’s just a reminder that no matter what we go through, as a believer God is right there with us. Fighting our battles for us, and helping us get through times of trouble.)
Variety Beat: What do you want listeners to know about you?
Mallary Hope: I just want people to know that I love God, and feel so blessed to be able to use this platform to tell others about how awesome He is.
Hillary Scott of Lady Antebellum is about to release her solo album projects she’s been working on with her family Love Remains. The album is set to be released July 29 and was recently plugged by Boyz II Men after a Billboard article came out saying Scott has been influenced by their music!
The lead single “Thy Will” has been making powerful waves through the music community as Scott shared the inspiration behind the song had to do with her miscarriage. Although Scott is a Country Artists, she is making a faith based album with her family! The songs so far have truly been inspiring, encouraging and uplifting.
WATCH: “LOVE REMAINS” LYRIC VIDEO:
Bonus: Listen to “Beautiful Messes” from the upcoming album Love Remains
Hillary Scott bravely shared the meaning behind her new single “Thy Will.” It was inspired during a very hard time in Scott’s life as she suffered a miscarriage. It’s still hard to think about and Scott was emotional talking about it.
The behind the scenes video is very insightful as it explains some of what might have been a little difficult for everyone to understand. In the original video, Scott can be seeing untying knots in a rope – the behind the scenes video explains that.
Shane Drake, the Director of the video explains:
“The idea of the knots is that we sort of tie these knots ourselves and we untie them only to let go and create the same problems for ourselves again instead of just trusting in God, we sort of just try to force the answers… You get a clear perspective of experiencing God’s will.”
WATCH: Hillary Scott & The Scott Family – Thy Will (Behind The Scenes)
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