As "It Is Finished"—the raucous collaboration between Sean Rodriguez and Disciple—continues to tear-up the Rock Chart, legacy Christian media outlet CCM Magazine sat down with both front men today to learn more about the song and to talk latest news.
Featuring Disciple lead Kevin Young and guitarist Josiah Prince, "It Is Finished" (Oct. 25, 2024 on WieRok Entertainment) is the fourth release on Rodriguez's "waterfalling" project to culminate as the Jesus Will EP in early 2025. At the time of this interview, the song has risen to no. 5 on the Christian Music Weekly Rock Chart, in addition to receiving the week's most additional spins (+28 Power Surge) of any entry.
Rodriguez, currently in-studio writing for a new project, and Young on his tour bus, briefly linked up with CCM Magazine's Brandon Woolum for today's discussion via video conference.
"The song-start came to life during the early weeks of Winter Jam," recalled Sean, as Woolum asked both artists about the formation of the single. "It didn't take long, and we thought, 'Wait a minute, is this the song we need to take to Kevin?!'"
"[I felt like the song] didn't need me at all—I asked Sean, 'Why do you need me on this?'" said Young, surprised that Sean and his co-writers needed the help to make the song any better.
Young further added, "[Sean] is unreal. He's unlike any artist you'll ever see, seriously!" after reminding Woolum and the viewing CCM Magazine audience that Sean performed an early and solo version of "It Is Finished" on stage at Winter Jam just one day after it was written.
"It started with, 'Wouldn't that be cool IF...' '...wait, is this a thing?' To, 'Oh my gosh, this is happening!" recounted Sean on trying to convince Kevin and the band to get involved on the track. "['It Is Finished'] was never on the bench—it was always in the starting lineup from the moment it existed!" said Young.
When asked about the seemingly slight sonic diversion with "It Is Finished" compared to other recent releases, Sean answered, "When God opened up the door for me to do this full-time, I wanted my music to reflect the ministry He put in my heart, so that's why the Jesus Will EP that's coming out is a blend of different things—it's aimed to reach all generations."
In addition to now having a Top 5 charting collaboration with Sean Rodriguez, it's been an exciting year for the band Disciple, receiving its first-ever GRAMMY nomination. When asked about the honor, Young responded, "We just decided to record it—because we wanted to—so, to get a GRAMMY nomination for [recording "Firm Foundation" by Cody Carnes] is absolutely insane! We were just worshiping Jesus, it's a meaningful song to me and the GRAMMY nomination is really just kind-of 'whatever,' it doesn't seem real."
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