Biography
There are few things in life more valuable than honest conversation with a close friend.
Our confidants give us an open channel of comfort, vulnerability, accountability, shared sadness, and shared joy. That kind of friend is rare and treasured. The same is true when you stumble across a song that says the words that could could very well be your own. They are the songs we play over and over again, and each time we see the video reel in our head of scenes from our own life. Wes Pickering writes that kind of song.
His latest EP entitled Being Born is a remarkable collection of five songs about beginnings. It opens with a powerful anthem about starting over, winds its way through themes of new life, new love, and innocence. The record closes with “Little Darling,”an intimate song Wes wrote for a friend as she battles and recovers from an eating disorder. On every song, he ties his words together with melodies that you can’t forget, and the result is a record that ends up on repeat so that you can listen to it all over again. Being Born is Wes’s third project, but thankfully it is just the beginning for this remarkably gifted singer-songwriter.
Wes also completed a simple yet beautiful album of songs for the Church last fall called In Work and Worship. Birthed from his work as a worship leader at churches, conferences, and camps across the world, Wes weaves together a beautiful tapestry of new songs and old hymn texts. The anthem “So That The World May Know” is a cry for the Church to engage the world in Christ-like love. The album closes with the intimate song “Such a Hope” which speaks to the longing for Christ’s return. Wes be found on most Sundays leading worship at Christ Church in Nashville TN.
When it comes to live performances, Wes manages again to come accross like an old friend. Wether he’s by himself with his acoustic guitar or fronting his band with an electric guitar, 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 Wes often shares some of the stories behind his music. As with his albums, Wes’s shows leave audiences buzzing and wanting more.
Though 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 play piano and drums, speak Dutch, and play soccer. In the late 90s he moved to North Carolina and began playing guitar and writing songs. Since then, Wes has been writing nonstop. After graduating from Belmont University in Nashville TN, he decided to stay and make music his full-time profession and has been playing concerts and leading worship across the US with audiences and congregations both young and old. He finished his first CD Being Fickle in the summer of 2005, and In 2007 Wes followed it with his much anticipated second record Poetry and Patience. The songs on these two albums are a testament to his ability to connect with his audience.
When he’s not playing music, Wes can be found in Nashville hanging out with his dog Esther, working as an advocate for pro-life causes, or cheering on the LSU Tigers.
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’ 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, Caedmon’s Call
“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
