We are often introduced to artists by other artists.  Such is the case with Jason Lenyer Buchanan, an artist who was produced by Joel Rousseau (of Carrollton) and coaching by Ross King.  He’s been releasing singles since 2019, but this last week released his debut full-length album Crooked Rivers, a 13-track project full of lyrics that are rooted in the tension between the life rooted in faith and the well-worn path of everyday life.  We were thrilled to interview Jason Lenyer Buchanan this last week.

UTR: When did you discover a love for songwriting and making music?

Jason: I discovered a love for making music at an early age. As the youngest of three children, my family would sing around the piano after church while lunch was cooking. We’d each take turns playing songs and singing harmony — everyone in the family sang and played piano. I learned songwriting in the church, writing worship songs for youth group. That passion was fueled by a creative writing class in junior high. Then it grew in college and was influenced by life experiences. My mother was a poet and a dreamer, so I received the passion for writing through her.

UTR: Can you share why you feel led to make faith-fueled music for a wider audience, instead of just congregational songs?

Jason: I’m an ordained and licensed minister and previously did write music only for congregational singing, but that changed when the church became increasingly politicized and deacons questioned my faith because my vote didn’t align with their expectations. The church’s stance on homosexuality and transgendered people also pushed me toward a wider audience as I realized many of the people I love most dearly were being ostracized by the church. Now, I realize many people of faith have had similar experiences. Some chose to remain in the fold of congregations, others felt led to wander. I’m wandering. But while I’m in this diaspora, I’m still writing and singing. There’s an old hymn with the lryic, “…and He talks with me as He walks with me. And He tells me I am his own. And the joy we share as we tarry there, none other has ever known.” I’m still walking with the Lord, so how can I help but write music that has faith imbued in it?

UTR: Your debut album ‘Crooked Rivers’ just released.  First, what was the creation process like?

Jason: The creation process for Crooked Rivers was encapsulated over the last eighteen months and reflects the themes and experiences I’ve shared with my wife, Hope, as we moved from Texas to Wyoming.  Joel Rousseau, my producer, was on board from the very beginning, giving feedback and guiding the process. Also, my brother Paul and my best friend Jonathan were part of the coalescence of themes into songs. Jon Gardzelewski with the Wyoming Singer Songwriter Foundation was also a key adviser in the process.

For this project, we brought other industry veterans onboard for strings (Nate Leath), bass (Scott Mulvahill), drums (Andrew Picha), and steel (Toby Friesen). My buddy Marcus Gallizzi even played trumpets on the song, “A Happy Song in Sad Times”. While I can look back on the original scratch tracks and see that the songs still clearly reflect my artistic vision — I can also see how Joel orchestrated a team of musicians around me to create something more sonically fulfilling for listeners. He is a master at harmony and layers, too. I think listeners will appreciate that.

UTR: Can you share some of the themes and inspiration running through the album?

Jason: Many of the songs on the album were inspired by current events. “Love the Sinner” was the result of a conversation with my oldest daughter about arguing with people on the Internet and how hateful Christians can be in the name of love. “The Ballad of Moses and Pharaoh” was the result of a kitchen table conversation about an abortion clinic in Casper, WY that had been burned down. But there are several songs on the album that deal with relationships, the sacrifice of caregivers, growing up, and getter older.

UTR: What are some things you hope the listener walks away with?

Jason: I hope listeners walk away with a sense that they are not alone. We don’t often sing about pain and struggles in church. And, like we do on social media, popular music can often omit the ugly parts of life. But I hope these songs show that you can have both — difficulty and joy, sadness and hope, faith and doubt.

Jason Lenyer Buchanan is a singer-songwriter originally from Southeast Texas and currently residing in Cheyenne, WY.  His debut album Crooked Rivers is available on Spotify (now) and all other music platforms.