Who?

Wes Pickering isn’t really the rock star type, but he’s also not just another guy with a guitar. Whether he’s on tour with some of the biggest names in Christian music or in the studio putting the finishing touches on a new song, the thing that shines through about Wes is not just his exceptional musicianship but his heart for other people.

“That’s how I want it,” Wes says when asked about it. “Jesus said in John that the world will recognize his followers by the way they love, and that’s what I try hardest to communicate through music. I often write songs with specific people in mind, to send them an encouraging word in a difficult time, and along the way, the songs end up in the hands of a lot of other people facing the same sorts of issues. At the end of the day, the thing we all have in common is that we are weak when we’re by ourselves, but we have tremendous hope in God’s strength and love. You can never write enough songs to fully communicate that kind of love.”

Hope

On his latest full-length album, entitled Hope, the message of compassion is evident throughout. Thematically, the album contrasts doubt and trials with faith and redemption in Christ’s salvation. Moving easily from personal snapshots to intimate worship songs, the album plays from start to finish as a tapestry of what it means to be the Chruch by loving God and loving his people. One of the most powerful moments on the record is “Calm My Heart,” a song that echoes Mark 9:24: “I do believe! Help me overcome my unbelief.”

“I wrote this song for two dear friends.” Wes explains. “Both are fathers of young daughters who deal with extremely tough medical issues, one with type 2 diabetes and the other with an intense eating disorder. I’ve spent hours with both of them, listening as they told me about staying up late at night, praying for God to bring healing to their daughters. In that dark place, where so much doubt sets in, often the best thing we can do is cry out, ‘God, teach me to have faith!’ I think that verse in Mark is one of the most honest and beautiful statements in all of Scripture. There is so much to gain when we admit our weakness and lean into our Father.”

Stylistically, Wes weaves together the sonic qualities of bands like Death Cab for Cutie and Coldplay, blending them with the lyrical depth of songwriters like Sara Groves and Andrew Peterson. His love for acoustic instruments comes alive in surprising ways on anthems like “Open My Heart,” while songs like “Help Me To Know You” paint elegant sonic landscapes with synths, samples, and electric guitars.

Artist and Musician

Wes plays just about any instrument he picks up: from guitars, piano, and drums to banjo, mandolin, and xylophone. If it makes sound, he can find a way to make amazing music with it. Over the last five years, Wes has spent a lot of time on the road, playing his own music as well as supporting other acts. He regularly tours with top Christian contemporary artist Josh Wilson, both as an opening act as well as a member of Josh’s band. As a gifted multi-instrumentalist, Wes has played an integral part in Josh’s critically renowned Christmas show “Noel.” He has also written songs for, produced, or played on recordings for numerous other artists including No Other Name, Sara Beth, and Lindsey Jones.

During live concerts, Wes manages again to come across like an old friend. Whether he’s by himself or fronting his band, his shows are entertaining and engaging, all the while holding on to the honest vulnerability that make his recordings so special. Hand in hand with his ability to write and sing a song is his ability to tell a story, and he often shares some of the stories behind his music. Any chance to hear Wes play is an occasion audience goers don’t soon forget.

Email Wes here if you’re interested in having him play a concert at your church or event.

Worship Leader

Wes has been leading worship for over twelve years and has played at hundreds of churches, youth camps, revivals, and conferences. In 2009, he released his first worship project, In Work and Worship, and has shared these songs in worship services across the country. His passion for Christ and his love for God’s people are clearly evident as draws others into worship. In every setting, whether it’s with a full band or just by himself on guitar or piano, Wes has an anointing to lead congregations young and old to the feet of Jesus through song. Wes serves on staff at Longhollow Baptist Church, leading worship for their White House campus.

“Worshiping with music is about connecting people to the heart of God,” Wes says. “We worship because that’s what we were created to do, and we worship because He deserves it. As a worship leader, my goal is to open hearts to God’s Spirit and give Him the honor that only He is worthy of.”

Contact Wes here if you’re interested in having him lead worship at your church or event.

Bits and Pieces

When he’s not playing music, Wes can be found at home in Nashville TN with his wife Hannah and their dog Esther. He loves spending time cooking and cheering on the LSU Tigers. Originally hailing from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, Wes spent most of his childhood years with his parents doing full-time missions work in the Netherlands where he learned how to speak Dutch and play soccer. After graduating from Belmont University in Nashville, he decided to stay in town and made music his full-time profession.

What others are saying

“In a modern-day glut of talented singers and musicians all scrambling to make a name for themselves, Wes Pickering stands apart. A deftly skilled musician, vocalist and lyricist, Wes pursues his artistry with a passion and purpose that transcends temporary grabs at fame. An excellent communicator both on and off the stage, his greatest strength may be his desire – and his ability – to use his unique gift to serve others, and to give voice to the unspoken questions, fears and curiosities we all experience on life’s road.”

– Constance Rhodes, Founder, FINDINGbalance. Co-Founder, The True Campaign. Author, Life Inside the Thin Cage and The Art of Being

“I downloaded Wes’ Being Born EP two months ago now, and I still have the melody of “Little Darling” go through my head at least twice a day. The whole project is intimate and elegant, sparse yet complete. This recording is a great snapshot of the artist Wes is now, and an exciting picture of the one he’s becoming.”

-Andrew Osenga, Singer Songerwiter, Caedmon’s Call, The Normals

“Listening to Wes’ music is truly delightful. His tenderness and passion come through in every note played and each word sung. His generosity to the True Campaign has been encouraging to us and inspiring to those we seek to help.”

-Travis Stewart, Ministry Relations, Remuda Ranch. Co-founder, True Campaign