Shea Dalton is a worship leader from Southern California, who has been a singer and songwriter since childhood. The origin of his time making music pushed him on a path to the pop-punk world. But after a sharp redirect from God, he began writing to Christian themes.
Branching out into the realm of releasing that creativity into the world is new territory. But he is handling the change with faith.
He released his first single in 2018. And since then, his mission has not wavered. In his own words, his passion is “not only leading people to worship in a song but writing songs that point people to Jesus.”
We spoke about the themes he wants to explore as an artist, as well as his musical influences and most recently released music. Not to mention his aspirations for the future and his love for the community in which he serves.
You're starting out as an artist. What are some themes you want to explore in your music?
I'd like to break away a little bit from some of the usual themes that are popularly written about in worship music. Don't get me wrong, I love singing about and writing about the love, grace, and mercy of God. But there are times when people walking through seasons of lament or seasons of pruning that would love to engage the Lord in song with these kinds of themes.
I'd love to write a variety of songs that not only glorify the Lord but encourage and minister to people wherever they find themselves.
As a worship leader, what has been some of the most enjoyable moments serving your local community in this capacity?
I love people. So, the more I'm able to be around my team, the better. Some enjoyable moments for me have been the conversations that have unfolded with my team members over the years. We've shared many laughs, tears, and ups and downs—all things that have helped sharpen us into the servants that we are today.
Talk about your latest song, "King of Glory."
I wrote this song at some point in 2016. I was sitting in my room with my guitar—seeking the Lord and worshiping him in song. The next thing I know, the melody and lyrics flowed right of me.
At that moment, I sensed how the spirit was drawing to remembrance some simple, yet profound truths of who God is: that He is a hope to the hopeless; He is a peace to the restless.
We live in a generation plagued by fatherlessness. So, this song points us to the reality that we have a heavenly Father who loves and cares for us in ways unparalleled.
This song recognizes that God is “calling home all the broken," while also declaring for His “kingdom come in all of the earth.” In a nutshell, it's a simple worship tune highlighting the King of glory.
Earlier this year, you released your first song in three years, "You're Always Good." Talk about that single.
I wrote this song a couple of years ago. I ended up showing it to a producer friend, Gabriel Wilson, who ended up co-writing a few lines on the song.
Keyboardist David Funk (Bethel Music) played keys on it and my buddy, Noah Debolt (Jeremy Riddle), played the drums on it as well. It was awesome the way this song unraveled: the writing process, the musicians, everything.
Ultimately, this song points us to rest in the promises of God—that no matter the circumstance, God is always good. In fact, part of the chorus says that: “I know there’s pain here and I know there’s loss/But You’re good all ways and You’re always good.”
God doesn’t promise us an easy life. But He does promise to be with us and show himself strong amid our pain, hardship, and struggle.
In this life, we’re not always going to find answers—and we’re not always going to understand why certain things happen.
But we can rest in promises like Romans 8:28 where “God causes everything to work together for the good of those who love God and are called according to his purpose.”
What are some artists that are currently inspiring you and why?
There are many names that come to mind. Contemporary icons Matt Redman, Paul Baloche, and Martin Smith have inspired me. They are all great songwriters in their own right. But what has inspired me the most is that they've all been faithful and steadfast over the course of time.
Even when life got hard, I'm sure they praised the Lord and stood the course. They've remained passionate in their pursuit of Jesus; it’s evident in some of their latest releases.
I've also always been inspired by the way contemporary artist John Mark McMillan writes. I like the way he experiments with new sounds and thinks outside of the box lyrically.
What's next?
Well, that's what I'm currently trying to figure out. I have so many songs written—so much material to share yet lack the financial resources to bring them to light. I might launch a fundraiser to get the next few projects funded. Still figuring that out. But I'll still be writing more music and working towards releasing new music in whatever way I can.
How can we be praying for you?
This goes hand in hand with the last question. I'd love it if you prayed for open doors to record and release new music soon. And I'd also love it if you can pray for perseverance—to be passionate and steadfast in my pursuit of the Lord in worship. That He'd continue to keep the fire lit.
Kevin McNeese started NRT in 2002 and has worked in the industry since 1999 in one form or another. He has been a fan of Christian music since 1991.
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