Emerging Christian duo DUPREE is not only making history as a mother-son act on Christian radio, they are carrying a deeply personal testimony of faith, resilience, and unwavering devotion to Christ. In this exclusive interview, they share the heart behind their latest single "Jesus Is King," how personal loss strengthened their calling, and what listeners can expect next as they continue spreading a message of hope and belonging.
Q: For those who may be discovering you for the first time, who is DUPREE, and how would you describe your heart and mission as an emerging Christian artist?
First of all, thank you so much for interviewing us. It means a lot so we can share our message of hope and belonging with our Christian music. Hey new members of the DUPREE family! We're a Mother/son duo and the very first one to ever hit Christian radio. Our music features guitar solos (think TobyMac or Jeremy Camp but with some shredding) and our lyrics are positive and our mission as an emerging artist is to be able to let everyone know that they matter and belong. The world will throw some major challenges your way sometimes but we want people to know Jesus before those things happen. I mean really knowing Him and having that solid relationship. The first step is to accept that He is the King and we are all the same no matter our status or how much money we have. Our story of losing my dad from cancer makes my mom and I living proof that you can push through anything if you truly know Christ.
Q: Dylan, "Jesus Is King" was born out of both Scripture and personal loss. How did walking through your father's battle with cancer shape the way you wrote and recorded this song?
My dad wore the kindness of Christ and everyone who met him knew immediately that he was selfless and put others first over himself. The suffering we watched him go through during his battle was unfair. But, the proclamation of Christ during the midst of his pain and suffering changed the way that I think about my faith. It helped me fill any holes that were there and opened my heart for Jesus to fill those holes. Writing "Jesus Is King" started with the music first. I had the drum sound and the synth verse sound before we started writing lyrics. I did it this way because one time my dad stormed into my studio when he liked a sound I was working on. He would say "that is the sound."
As far as the lyrics of the song, the title came to me one afternoon and I knew it was the one. As a writer, you get that feeling and we know it is the Holy Spirit. I want this song to be a reminder to never stop praying and saying "AMEN" and to accept that Jesus is your Savior. Worship leaders that are reading this right now: try it out at your churches. We wrote the chorus to stick in people's minds and the repetition is key to making sure they never forget that JESUS IS KING. And it will be available on Multitracks soon!
Q: The phrase "Jesus Is King" is already widely declared among believers. What did you want to communicate musically and spiritually that might feel fresh or newly personal to listeners?
Musically, I wanted to adapt what I have heard from modern synthwave style production, reverb studio tricks, and my "rock" side to make it a buildup to a chorus to say "I know Jesus Is King." Hearing the "I know" manifests strong faith. Manifestation works in every aspect and when you say it out loud it makes it true. Since everyone is saying it already, we might as well put it to a melody around some cool sounding elements that were adapted by what we hear on top 40 today, but safe listening for the little ears.
Q: Romans 10:14-15 speaks about the beauty of those who bring good news. How do you see this single fitting into your larger calling to help people hear, believe, and boldly declare the name of Jesus?
I am so glad you asked this question. The talk about the chorus made me forget the importance of the first words you hear me sing in this song. Let me quote the song lyrics based on Romans. It goes: "how are they to hear if we don't speak. Beautiful the feet of those who preach..." This is evangelization. If I kept quiet and my mom and I bottled up these lyrics and did not share it with the world, then we would not only be saying no to our calling, but we would also be preventing people from knowing Jesus. He relies on us to preach and declare He is King. This is the entire reason why Christian artists like us do this and are grateful for Christian radio that has played our songs. God will place you where you need to be so you can share the gospel. He will also provide for you when you need it the most.
Q: You've shared that you and your mother chose to continue the ministry after your father's passing. What has that journey looked like practically and spiritually over the past year?
It has not been easy. We lost our biggest fan, supporter, provider, manager, and a loving father. He chose to be buried in our merch shirt he would wear at our concerts. We honored that and the image will always stick in my mind. Because we set the example for him and wore the strength of Christ. He smiled when we was told he did not have much longer to live. He said "I'm going to meet my Jesus." I learned how important the music I was making was at that moment. It is not something I want to ever stop doing. My mom and I are leaning on God to show us what to do next. Whether it is to seek new management, a label, or build a team. We're always looking for people who are passionate about Christian music and want to be a part of something big.
Q: Looking ahead, what can listeners expect next from DUPREE? Are there more songs or a larger project in the works that continue this message of faith and hope?
We plan on continuing to write and produce more songs until we have a full length album. I want this next album to be a playlist of songs that will spread positivity and make people happy when they listen to it. I'm sick of draggy music and sad songs. Let's embrace the joy of Jesus even in the dark times. "Fear can't live where thankful is" is the other powerful lyric in this song. Express gratitude always! I would like to thank Australian Christian radio too. They played some of our songs so much it landed us very high up on the charts. Like "He Tells Me (Who I Am) which hit number 9. It really gives us hope and solidifies that our music that we are producing is enjoyed by not only us but other believers around the world.
The YouTube lyric video for "Jesus Is King" is now available.
Listen & Watch Here:
YouTube Lyric Video: https://www.youtube.com/@DUPREEmusic
Stream on All Platforms: https://linktr.ee/dupreemusic
For more information, visit https://dupreemusic.com.
