Semler on Preacher's Kid and the power of claiming labels
meet Semler.
i’ve had Preacher’s Kid on repeat for months, and i’m not the only one - it went #1 on the Christian charts on iTunes (!!). music has the power to touch people on such a personal level, and i believe faith is perhaps the most intimate of all. if you’ve ever questioned your faith or felt ostracized because of who you are, then this record is absolutely something you should listen to. i’m so grateful that i got to talk to Semler about what it’s like being an indie artist, inclusion, acceptance, and the power of labels, and i hope you enjoy this interview.
I have to tell you, I don’t think I could love Preacher’s Kid any more. I never really understood the phrase “instant classic” before, but this is it for me. Starting with the title, what was life like for you like growing up as a preacher’s kid?
Thank you so much. Growing up a preacher’s kid is a really unique experience. There is a certain spotlight that comes with the territory of my Dad being a faith leader. It could be frustrating as an angsty teenager. But fortunately my parents have always been very understanding and accepting of all the antics I threw their way.
In Bethlehem, you sing, "But I'm a child of God / Just in case you forgot / And you cast me out every single chance that you got / And that's your loss, not mine / I'll be better than fine." There have been times in my life when I’ve felt like I didn’t fit in, and I personally didn’t have that self-belief that I’d still be fine or okay. Have you always had a sense of reassurance in life that things will be okay?
In the moment that I wrote that line I’m not sure I even knew if I would be okay. I was wrestling with a lot. I think I wrote that as almost a prayer for my future self. That I would be fine. And I feel that now.
Knowing now what you maybe didn’t then, what would you say to someone who feels judged or excluded by the ‘Christian community?
I would say that you are not alone. You’re not what other people say you are. You are loved and worthy of that love. And that it may seem far away now, but you will get through this.
You articulate a lot of things on this record that I was always thinking, but didn’t know how or if I could say it out loud, and I’m sure I’m not the only one who feels that way. From calling out mission trips to the people who point fingers to “fame hungry pastors,” it feels real and unfiltered, but there’s a sense of decisiveness to it. It feels complete. Making this independently, you have a certain level of freedom. What was the process like?
For better or for worse I had absolute creative freedom with this project. That allowed me to really listen to what was on my heart and what I wanted to say. It’s by far my most honest and vulnerable songwriting. Once I wrote “Jesus From Texas” I felt so free to just get a lot of stuff off my chest and hope it might resonate with people.
When I first heard the record, it was instantly and inherently a Christian record to me, but it also felt like the other side of a coin we don’t often get to see. It’s raw and very intimate, and while I can imagine a crowd of people singing along to it (when things are safe again), it doesn’t have that polished, glossy production that typical “Christian music” does. Faith and music really seem like the two things that are there for you in your deepest, darkest moments - sometimes before you’re even able to speak about it to someone else. Why hasn’t contemporary Christian music evolved to be as inclusive as it could/ should be?
I think sadly it comes down to money. There’s a certain chord structure, lyrical cadence and artistic expression that does well in CCM and I don’t think they want to challenge that unless there’s a financial incentive. Eventually, hopefully in my lifetime, unconditional love and inclusion will come for CCM too. I just wish it wasn’t so much of an uphill battle.
Something the music industry, theology, and just humans in general have in common are the use of labels. They can bring people together, but also create divisions, and individuals wear many hats. I can be a Christian and disagree with some of the teachings; you can be queer and write a Christian album about God. Whether it’s for personal identity or attaching your music to a genre, how important, necessary, or useful are labels?
I think there is a great deal of power in claiming a label for yourself. I remember learning about gender diversity and feeling so understood and excited to finally have words to describe something I’d always felt. However, when other people try to force labels onto others is when boundaries are crossed. It’s about using words and labels to describe yourself to the world not the other way around.
This is a Christian record, even if some people don’t want to accept it as such. I personally think there is - and has always been - a major problem within the church when it comes to acceptance. I hate to think like this, but what if some churches or people are never ready? What about people who aren’t willing to be uncomfortable?
I’ve made peace with that. I know this record and my future recordings will not be for everyone and that’s okay. I just ask that people who engage with Preacher’s Kid do so in good faith - not for me but for the people who have found comfort in it. Like don’t come to my socials and harass people who like my music. Peace be with you and mind your business.
Another thing you really break the dam on is the fact that it’s also okay to doubt God and be skeptical. You have this way of saying things that feel like the biggest sigh of relief - like, “Wow, someone feels this way, too?” In a religion built on the concept of truth, why do so many people hesitate to share theirs? This is a big ask, but how do we create more inclusion and acceptance?
It means a lot that you’ve taken that from my songs. How do we create more inclusion and acceptance - phew! That’s so tough. I think first there must be an acknowledgement and atonement for the systemic harm by Christians across so many communities. From there I think it’s about raising the profiles of inclusive, affirming, decolonized, anti-racist theologians and pastors. Extending an invitation to Christians that there is another, more loving, way to practice our faith.
As a collective, do you see the church progressing to allow honesty or evolved beliefs and ways of thinking? For example, you did an episode with Refinery 29 that touched on the notion of taking the Bible literally. I think things get sticky when we embrace medical discoveries that maybe benefit our lives and health, but in the same breath might completely dismiss something else that is provable.
We’re seeing a really exciting progression within the church right now. More and more progressive Christians are finding community with each other. It’s really exciting. And hopefully it can be an example of a dynamic, examined faith that believes in science and medicine and also loves God.
Definitely. What is one thing everyone should know how to do?
Make a good pot of coffee or tea.
What does a day in your shoes look like?
Mostly what I do is dog care with occasional musical interludes.
I think you’ve shined a light on this dichotomy within faith. It’s individual, inherently about your relationship with God and more than a standing Sunday morning appointment. At the same time, those churches and communities shouldn’t be discounted or disregarded, not only because they create a sense of belonging, but because groups of people have the power to change minds and change the world. My last question for you is, from your perspective, what does it mean to be a Christian?
I’m a Christian because I love Jesus and I do my best to study his life and example.
seven questions with semler:
I can’t go a day without… caffeine
Everyone should listen to… The album “Emotion” by Carly Rae Jepsen
Life is better with a little… dog
Everyone in their 20s should… have a lot of fun
One insider thing to do in LA… have breakfast on the beach
What the world needs right now is… more queer content
One way to spread love is… sending a loved one flowers just because
Listen to Semler on Spotify and Soundcloud, and don’t forget to follow along on Instagram, too.
Photo courtesy of Bia Jurema (@biuh).
“In the moment that I wrote that line I’m not sure I even knew if I would be okay. I was wrestling with a lot. I think I wrote that as almost a prayer for my future self. That I would be fine. And I feel that now. ”