Audrey Assad (born July 1, 1983) is an American singer-songwriter and contemporary Christian music artist. Known for her lyrical depth, spiritual reflections, and genre-blending sound, she has released six studio albums and four EPs. Her work is celebrated for its poetic nature and liturgical influences, making her a unique voice in both Christian and secular music spaces.

Early Life and Background of Audrey Assad

Family Heritage

Audrey Assad was born in Secaucus, New Jersey, to a Syrian father and a Virginian mother. Her father, a jazz musician, deeply influenced her appreciation for music from a young age.

Religious Upbringing

Raised in a Protestant household, specifically within the Plymouth Brethren denomination, Audrey was immersed in faith-centered values and worship traditions early in life.

Childhood and Early Education of Audrey Assad

She began playing piano at the age of two. Her family later moved to Scotch Plains, New Jersey, and then to Florida when she was eighteen. These environments helped shape her creative and spiritual journey.

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Musical Journey

Audrey Assad Early Career in Florida

Audrey began writing and performing music in Florida, funding her early efforts by working odd jobs. She recorded a demo with Drew Middleton from Tenth Avenue North and began performing live, leading worship, and touring independently.

Moving to Nashville and the Firefly EP

She raised $7,000 from fans to relocate to Nashville. There, she met fellow Catholic artist Matt Maher, who invited her to tour with him. Their partnership helped her grow a fanbase and gain attention in the Christian music scene. She signed a publishing deal with EMI.

Signing with Sparrow Records

In 2009, she signed with Sparrow Records and released her debut album The House You’re Building in 2010. The album was Amazon.com’s “Best Album of 2010” in the Christian category and charted at No. 12 on Billboard’s Christian Albums chart. She followed it with Heart in 2012, which also achieved critical acclaim.

Independent Work and Founding Fortunate Fall Records

In 2013, Audrey Assad left Sparrow Records to work independently. She launched a successful Kickstarter campaign that raised over $60,000 and founded Fortunate Fall Records. Her first independent album, Fortunate Fall, was released the same year. In 2014, she released the live EP O Happy Fault, paired with a concert film.

Notable Albums and Projects

Inheritance (2016)

This album featured hymns and spiritual songs and showcased her deep appreciation for traditional church music and her Catholic faith.

Evergreen (2018)

This project marked a period of spiritual renewal. She partnered with Preemptive Love Coalition to donate a portion of proceeds to humanitarian aid in the Middle East.

Recent Works

She continued her musical journey with Peace (2019), Eden (Live) (2021), and her 2025 album That Kind of Love, inspired by author Jean Vanier.

Musical Style and Influences

Audrey Assad blends folk, pop, liturgical, and poetic influences. She has cited secular artists like Paul Simon and religious figures like Rich Mullins and Matt Maher as inspirations. Her music often focuses on singing to God rather than about God, fostering a deeply personal and meditative atmosphere.

Personal Life and Beliefs of Audrey Assad

Conversion to Catholicism

In 2007, Audrey converted from Protestantism to Catholicism, a shift that greatly influenced her music and theology.

Marriage, Family, and Personal Struggles

She married in 2011 and had a son in 2014. Audrey has been candid about her struggles with pornography addiction and her ongoing journey of healing. She divorced in 2019.

Leaving Christianity

In 2021, Audrey publicly announced that she no longer identified as a practicing Christian, though she continues to engage with faith-oriented themes in her art and collaborates with artists in the spiritual music community.

Discography

Audrey Assad Songs

• The House You’re Building (2010)
• Heart (2012)
• Fortunate Fall (2013)
• Inheritance (2016)
• Evergreen (2018)
• Peace (2019)
• That Kind of Love (2025)

Extended Plays (EPs)

• Firefly EP (2008)
• O Happy Fault (Live EP) (2014)
• Eden (Live) (2021)

Notable Singles and Chart Performances

Her singles and albums have topped Amazon and iTunes charts, with Billboard rankings including No. 12 for The House You’re Building and No. 2 for Heart.

Legacy and Impact

Audrey Assad has had a significant impact on contemporary Christian music, offering an alternative that is deeply theological, poetic, and inclusive. Her music continues to inspire both faith-based and secular audiences.