Benjamin William Hastings was born on November 15, 1991, in Northern Ireland and raised on the culturally rich streets of Belfast. His early exposure to music and storytelling would later form the backbone of his lyrical style—raw, poetic, and unfiltered.

Benjamin William Hastings’ Journey to Australia and Love Story

In his twenties, Benjamin William Hastings moved to Sydney, Australia, where his life took a significant turn. It was in Sydney that he met Jessa, a fellow word-lover and aspiring creative. Their connection was swift and deep—within six months, they were married. While they initially attempted to write songs together, they soon realized that their creative chemistry was better reserved for parenting than producing music. The couple now has two children and maintains a delicate but supportive creative balance—Jessa as the author of the popular Magnolia Parks series, and Benjamin as a worship leader and singer-songwriter.

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Hillsong UNITED and Rise to Prominence

While in Sydney, Benjamin William Hastings became connected to a group of musicians—some of whom were childhood friends of Jessa. This group would go on to become his creative home: Hillsong UNITED. Through this connection, Hastings became an integral part of the Hillsong music ecosystem, contributing vocals, songwriting, and touring efforts.

He is most widely recognized for his work on the globally acclaimed worship anthem “So Will I (100 Billion X),” where he not only co-wrote the song but also delivered its lead vocals. The track, known for its lyrical depth and emotional intensity, catapulted him into global recognition.

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Songwriting Legacy and Collaborations

Beyond Hillsong UNITED, Hastings has collaborated with some of contemporary Christian music’s most celebrated voices. Notably, he co-wrote:

• “The Father’s House” – Cory Asbury’s No. 1 radio hit

• “Gratitude” – A worship favorite by Brandon Lake

• “O Praise The Name (Anástasis)” – Sung in churches worldwide, a staple of Hillsong Worship

Collectively, his songs have been streamed over 500 million times, a testament to their resonance with worshippers across the globe.

Current Life and Solo Work

Now living in Los Angeles, California, Benjamin continues to pursue his passion for honest and vulnerable songwriting. Though he and Jessa no longer co-write, they remain actively engaged in their individual crafts, supporting one another from parallel creative lanes.

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His latest solo project takes a deeply introspective turn, confronting questions of faith, doubt, identity, and divine encounter. The album is characterized by its raw emotional weight and lyrical vulnerability. Hastings describes the record as “perhaps a little more honest than you’re used to hearing,” but hopes that in its authenticity, listeners discover something sacred.

“Sometimes you gotta lie in the dirt just to stare at the stars,” Hastings reflects—a poetic glimpse into the themes that define his current artistry.

Still a Member of UNITED

Despite his solo efforts, Benjamin remains an active member of Hillsong UNITED, with no plans to leave the group. His voice, both literal and lyrical, continues to shape the collective’s evolving sound.

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Frequently Asked Questions about Benjamin William Hastings

Who is Benjamin William Hastings?

Benjamin William Hastings is a Northern Irish singer-songwriter and worship leader best known for his work with Hillsong UNITED and his solo projects that explore faith and vulnerability.

When and where was Benjamin Hastings born?

He was born on November 15, 1991, in Northern Ireland, and raised in Belfast.

Is Benjamin Hastings married?

Yes, he is married to Jessa Hastings, an author known for the Magnolia Parks novel series. They have two children.

Did he really write “So Will I (100 Billion X)”?

Yes, Hastings co-wrote and performed lead vocals on “So Will I (100 Billion X),” one of Hillsong UNITED’s most impactful songs.

What other famous songs has he written?

• “The Father’s House” by Cory Asbury

• “Gratitude” by Brandon Lake

• “O Praise The Name (Anástasis)” by Hillsong Worship

Where does Benjamin Hastings live now?

He currently resides in Los Angeles, California, with his wife and children.

Is Benjamin still part of Hillsong UNITED?

Yes. Despite his solo work, Benjamin is still an active member of Hillsong UNITED.

What’s different about his solo music?

His solo work dives deeper into personal reflections, questions of faith, and emotional wrestling—often more transparently than typical worship music.