Ethan Kent’s new EP, TIME, stands as a testament to the journey of faith, personal growth, and the healing power of music. In a recent in-depth interview with Charles Clark on The Daily Mix, Kent opened up about the challenging life experiences that shaped the EP’s reflective tone and its timeless lyrical messages. This article explores the album’s inspiration, themes, and Kent’s evolving perspective as both artist and believer, providing readers with an inside look at one of gospel music’s most thoughtful voices.
The Genesis of TIME
Kent’s career has spanned over a decade, beginning with his well-known debut Work in Progress. Yet, he describes the past five years as especially transformative—a period marked by family challenges, personal loss, and revelations about the nature of faith. The EP TIME was born out of these experiences, particularly the pain of losing close friends and witnessing his loved ones battle serious illness. These hardships led Kent to write from a place of vulnerability and introspection, emphasizing the importance of processing grief and finding healing in music.
He explains, “It was a Sunday. I was watching the cowboy game that they lost on crazy. And the Holy Spirit was like, go sit at the piano…time just dumped in my lap. It’s probably the fastest song that I’ve ever written.” The title track emerged as a poetic monologue, blending the struggles and lessons learned during a season of uncertainty. For Kent, the song was both a personal therapy session and a gift: “You needed to process this inner pain that you’ve been dealing with and really grieving right in a healthy way,” he recalls.
Songs That Heal and Inspire
Reflecting on the EP’s message, Kent notes how each song connects listeners to the bigger story of life—trusting God in seasons of uncertainty, celebrating the moments that matter, and acknowledging the brevity of time. He speaks candidly about tracks like “Trust In The Lord,” a fresh take on a classic hymn handed down from childhood. This song was written during his mother’s struggle with dementia and cancer, a time when he recalls, “She called me by a name that wasn’t me. I got in the car and I was like, Yo, this is crazy.” Such raw vulnerability infuses every note, inviting listeners to lean into faith when life feels uncontrollable.
Another standout, “Heaven Fighting For Me,” draws from Kent’s memory of his mother playing a sermon tape and a near-fatal car accident. The family trio “The Fam” lent their harmonies to the track, making it a celebration of protection, resilience, and communal faith. Kent says, “It was therapy for me, for sure. And the same with my sisters’ cancer battle and just a lot of life experiences over the last five years just kind of culminating to this release.”
Evolution and Authenticity
Since Work in Progress, Kent’s approach to artistry and ministry has matured. He’s more focused on authentic storytelling and using music as a vehicle for emotional healing rather than industry accolades. Early in his career, Kent confesses he sometimes let church and ministry “numb” him to pain rather than address deeper emotional wounds. Now he is committed to honesty, grace, and modeling a walk of faith that values genuine expression over showmanship.
He asserts, “I want people to be able to connect with what I’m doing…if I’m just making this music to minister to my kids, my mom, my sister, I’m good with that, and I feel like that’s a great place to be.” His new release rhythm—“every four to six weeks, y’all are going to be hearing, okay, this is what’s coming next”—signals a pledge to consistency and stewardship in sharing his message with the world.
Connecting with a New Generation
Kent has also embraced the realities of the modern music industry, investing in content creation, social media outreach, and visual storytelling. He admits, “TikTok was kind of like, ah, that’s the kid thing…but you gotta get on those platforms.” The EP TIME marks not just a musical milestone, but a strategic shift in how Kent connects with today’s listeners—meeting them where they are, with music that ministers to their hearts and minds.
Ultimately, TIME is more than an EP—it’s a soundtrack for seasons of change, loss, and hope. Ethan Kent’s latest project offers gospel music that transcends fleeting trends, providing enduring reminders to trust, reflect, and cherish each moment. With thirty unreleased tracks ready to follow, Kent promises his audience not just content, but spiritual sustenance for years to come.
