Christian Music News

Nashville, TN – Indie music and radio favorite JJ Heller’s professional and personal life always seems to be chronicled in her songs. With the release of her eighth studio album Sound of a Living Heart, JJ stays true to her signature style, welcoming her listeners to join her in the pursuit of a whole-hearted life. Produced by Jonny Macintosh (Third Day, Switchfoot), Sound of a Living Heart will hit stores and online outlets August 21, 2015.

The songs on Sound of a Living Heart seamlessly merge JJ’s charming, accessible voice with a new sound for the seasoned songstress. The album features pop-infused tracks, familiar folk melodies (you might recognize “This Year” and “Meant to Be” which already garnered immediate and widespread attention with millions of listeners through JJ’s social media presence), as well as soaring power ballads, a gospel-inspired tune, and a heartrending story-song that features the vocals of Sanctus Real frontman, Matt Hammitt. The 11 brand-new songs describe the pursuit of a whole-hearted life like a well-textured story, inviting the listener into a deeper journey that continues long after the final song ends.

“I’m a recovering perfectionist,” Heller says with a laugh, “but I’m learning to press into the discomfort and messiness of life. I know I’m going to make mistakes and experience pain, but God is always there to put the pieces back together.”

JJ first hit the spotlight when her music was discovered by the hit show So You Think You Can Dance? in the fall of 2009. Within weeks, her music blossomed beyond her fan base, and found a life of its own on radio airwaves spanning the country. Since that time, JJ has achieved incredible achievements for an independent artist, with numerous TV placements and a successful touring career. Her song “Your Hands” reached the #18 spot on the Billboard Christian Charts and #9 at Indicator and was named Best Christian Song on Amazon’s “Best of 2010” list. This was followed by the song “What Love Really Means” peaking at #12 on the Billboard Christian Charts and the #9 spot at Indicator. Most recently, JJ was honored to receive an Inspirational Album of the Year nomination at the 2014 Dove Awards for her lullaby album “I Dream of You.”

With Sound of a Living Heart, JJ hopes that listeners will realize the incredible story they are living out. On her journey toward an authentic and honest life, Heller is choosing vulnerability even if is painful. “Rather than trying to shield myself from pain,” Heller says, “I want to choose to be adventurous, take risks, and tell a better story with my life.”

JJ Heller – Sound of a Living Heart – will be available in stores (New Day Distribution) and via digital outlets August 21, 2015. Currently the album is available for pre-order at iTunes, where fans can receive her new single “Fully Known,” and story song “Father-Daughter Dance” as an instant digital download after pre-ordering the album.