A Q&A With Songs of Hope Promotion Winner, Katie Rey Sutherland

Katie Rey Sutherland is InspireMore’s Every Songs of Hope promotion winner for her song, “God, I’m Good.”

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In a conversation with InspireMore, Sutherland described the track as “a catchy anthem reminding us that while we’re really good at falling short, God is really good at picking us back up.”

“He has never forsaken us, and He never will. I think it’s easy to get caught up in striving to be good enough or trying to achieve some sense of perfection in our faith, but that’s never what God has asked of us,” she said. “He invites us into a relationship with Him, and through the finished work of Jesus on the cross, He’s already done what we could never do for ourselves.”

“I wanted this song to bring a sense of hope and joy while reminding people what God’s grace really looks like,” Sutherland continued. “We don’t have to live in a constant state of striving or feeling like we’re falling short. We get to rest in what He’s done, celebrate His goodness, and praise Him for the grace He so freely gives!”

Read on to learn more about Sutherland.

HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN SONGWRITING? WHAT GOT YOU INTO MUSIC IN THE FIRST PLACE?

I’ve been songwriting since I was seven years old! I would fill up my journals with songs and poems about heaven, and from as early as I can remember, I’ve always had a melody in my head.

I also grew up in a home where my parents constantly encouraged me to sing. They loved hearing my voice, and looking back, I think that encouragement helped cultivate a deep love for music that has stayed with me ever since. I was always listening to music and singing along in the car, and taking piano lessons helped me fall in love with songwriting, chord structures, and the way music comes together.

Over the years, I’ve realized that every joy and every pitfall brings me back to the feet of Jesus and, eventually, to a song. Music is one of the most natural ways for me to express what the Lord is teaching me, and I couldn’t be more grateful that I get to do this!

WHY DID YOU ENTER THE CONTEST?

As a young, up-and-coming artist, I’m always looking for opportunities to share the music God has placed on my heart. My songs mean so much to me, and my prayer is that they would reach people who need to hear their message. This contest felt like a wonderful opportunity to put my music out into the world, connect with new listeners, and hopefully encourage someone through a song!

WHY DID YOU CHOOSE TO SUBMIT THIS SONG OVER ALL THE OTHERS IN YOUR CATALOGUE? 

I felt led to submit this song because it’s one that I think anyone can listen to and enjoy, whether they typically listen to Christian music or not. At its heart, it’s a reminder to recognize the blessings right in front of us, regardless of our circumstances: the beat in our hearts, the breath in our lungs, and the ground beneath our feet. Those are such simple truths, but they have a way of shifting my perspective and reminding me that there’s always something to be grateful for, even in the middle of hard seasons. I wanted to write something that would help people take a step back from everything they’re carrying, remember God’s goodness, and find joy in the life He’s given them. I really believe we could all use that reminder, and that’s what made this song stand out to me!

WHAT HAS WINNING MEANT TO YOU?

I couldn’t be more grateful to have won this competition! It’s incredibly humbling to work so hard on a project, put it out into the world, and not know what the outcome will be, all while trusting that the Lord will use it however He sees fit. I can confidently say that He has exceeded my expectations! Winning is such an honor, and it’s also an encouragement to keep writing, creating, and releasing music. More than anything, I’m grateful for the opportunity to share these songs with more people and see how God might use them in someone else’s story.

WHAT SONGWRITERS AND ARTISTS DO YOU COUNT AS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATIONS? WHY?

Some of my biggest inspirations are Ellie Holcomb and Lauren Daigle. I’m drawn to artists who write with honesty, vulnerability, and a deep sense of purpose. I love how their music communicates meaningful truths in ways that feel personal and relatable, while still pointing people toward something bigger than themselves. As a songwriter, I’m inspired by music that tells a story, creates an emotional connection, and leaves people with a sense of hope. I hope to continue growing into an artist who writes songs that are genuine, joyful, and rooted in my faith.

TELL US ABOUT YOUR PLANS IN THE MONTHS AHEAD.

There are so many exciting things ahead! Be on the lookout for new music coming soon. I’m constantly writing and collaborating with other songwriters, chasing the songs that are on my heart, and performing live whenever I get the opportunity. I’m excited to keep growing as an artist, sharing more of my music, and seeing where the Lord takes these songs. There’s a lot in the works, and you won’t want to miss what’s coming!

WHAT IS YOUR BIGGEST CAREER DREAM?

One of my biggest dreams is to tour and share my music with people in different cities and communities. I would love to release EPs and full-length albums, continue building a catalog of songs, and create opportunities to connect with people through music all over the world.

I also have a deep love for the Church and feel incredibly passionate about leading worship at retreats, camps, and conferences. What I love most about music is its ability to connect people who might otherwise never meet. We may have completely different stories and experiences, but a song can give us a place to connect, feel understood, and find hope together. I think it’s such a beautiful gift from God.

As much as I dream about the future, I’m constantly reminding myself that Jesus is enough for me. I believe He writes far better stories than I ever could, and I want to remain faithful to whatever He places in front of me. I have big dreams, but ultimately, I trust Him with my future and believe that the life He has for me is worth following wherever it leads.

WHAT WOULD YOU TELL OTHER ARTISTS WHO ARE CONSIDERING ENTERING THE CONTEST?

Don’t hesitate to put yourself out there! Sharing your music can feel vulnerable, especially when a song comes from a personal place, but you never know who might be on the other side of the screen and need to hear exactly what you’ve written. Don’t let fear keep you from sharing something you’ve created. Creativity is such a beautiful gift, and I believe it’s meant to be shared in community with others. You don’t have to wait until everything feels perfect to take a step of faith. Your willingness to share your story could be the very thing that encourages someone else in theirs.

Photo by Isaiah Davis