Phil Laeger is a pianist, composer, and singer/songwriter living in Tennessee with his wife and kids. He’s written worship songs for various occasions and recently stepped into being an independent musician full-time. 

PEER: How did you come to know Jesus? Did you grow up attending The Salvation Army?

PHIL LAEGER: My parents were Salvation Army officers (pastors), so I grew up attending church. My faith became my own at a critical moment shortly after high school. I was at rock bottom and fell to my knees and asked Jesus to make something of my broken life. 

P: Did growing up in the church have an impact on your musical dreams?

PL: I knew I wanted to do music from a young age, but I didn’t know what form it would take. I saw a lot of church musicians who weren’t really living the life, so I knew I didn’t want to do that. I was disillusioned with church in my teens. Eventually I stopped going, but in my heart of hearts I knew there was something more than just making money or pursuing a dream.

P: At what moment did you realize music was more than a hobby and that it could become your calling?

PL: When I surrendered my life to Jesus, I began to sense He wanted to use my music, too. The more I pursued music on my own terms, the less it made sense. Conversely, every time I said, “Okay, God,” my musical offerings became more than just pretty sounds or words.

P: How does your faith and relationship with God influence your creative process (writing lyrics, putting music together)?

PL: I’m in the Word every day. I’m in prayer every day. I’m making music every day. God weaves those three together as I think through things that the saints have wrestled with for ages and as I face all of the same trials that every believer faces. I’m constantly challenged by the lyrics of an old Matt Redman tune, “I’ll bring You more than a song…”

P: What helps you keep Jesus at the center of your music?

PL: Making music is both an art and a craft, both by inspiration and hard work. I work really hard on my craft. Whenever you work really hard, you are tempted to take an unhealthy pride in what you’ve done, making it about yourself, instead of about Jesus. There’s always that danger. I remind myself often that God chooses weak and foolish things to put to shame the ones who think they are wise and strong. St. Augustine said, “Humility is the foundation of all the other virtues hence, in the soul in which this virtue does not exist there cannot be any other virtue except in mere appearance.” Anyone who finds themselves frequently on stages needs to be wary of this.

P: You just released a new album all about songs and stories. What inspired that album?

PL: “Where Else Could I Go? (Songs & Stories, 1996–2025)” is a compilation album I’ve just released. It’s less a highlight reel, and more a testament about the faithfulness of God. 30 years spent writing music for the Lord makes me feel really old (I’m not!), but in a lot of ways I feel like I am just getting started. The album is less of a destination and more of a rest stop. Lots more to come.

P: What excites you about making worship music in 2026?

PL: I am excited to explore different terrain, sonically speaking. I love a lot of different kinds of music, and “worship music” can seem so restricted, so confining a lot of the time. There’s a time and a season for everything, and a lot of what I do is aimed at serving congregations — but I don’t think that needs to mean aiming for the lowest common denominator in terms of playability or skill. I have a few projects coming up that push the boundaries both lyrically and musically. I think I’m less afraid to try new things than I have been in the past.

P: What advice do you have for aspiring musicians who want to see their musical dreams turn into reality?

PL: Get good. Practice, practice, practice. Listen to great music. Practice some more. Surround yourself with other great musicians. If you don’t have a goal, you won’t hit it. You want to release an album or a single? Set a date. You want to have it sound professional? It’s going to cost. Save for it (and practice). Start local. Who do you know? Start building a network. Keep emails. Do open mics if that’s your thing. Practice. Whatever you do you have to put yourself out there. Just don’t lose sight of your love of the pure art of it. Practice. 

P: Do you have anything exciting in the works for 2026? 

PL: My new single came out February 20 called “Until He Comes.” I’m working on my third instrumental album, which will be called “River: Companions.” Through my work with The Salvation Army’s Children of Grace program, we’re releasing a children’s praise and worship album called “Walking In Eden.” 

P: How do you practice self-care when you’re feeling overwhelmed?

PL: I take a break from social media. Recently I’ve gotten into birdwatching, which I love!

P: What are you currently listening to? 

PL: Really digging this band called Night Traveler. I listen to a lot of history podcasts. There’s a great series on Joan of Arc that “The Rest Is History” podcast just put out.

P: What’s a Bible verse that’s been on your heart recently?

PL: “For it is God who works in you, both to will and to work for his good pleasure. (Philippians 2:13, ESV). 

Follow Phil and upcoming releases on Instagram @firstdraftphil.