Tate Butts is a 14-year-old singer-songwriter from South Carolina. He brings a heartfelt and youthful perspective to his music, pairing catchy melodies with authenticity. His faith plays a central role in his artistry, fueling both his message and his drive to connect with listeners in a meaningful way. 

His debut single, “My Defender,” became a breakout moment and surpassed a million streams across platforms. 

This past July, he released his debut EP, “Something to Believe In.” 

PEER: Tell me about your religious upbringing. Did you grow up in the church? Did you always know Jesus?

TATE BUTTS: I’ve been going to the church since I was born because my mom and dad were in the worship band, until my mom pulled out and she became the kids pastor. So we’ve always been really involved with the church. I’ve always known Jesus and I’ve just always been involved with it because everybody in my family is a part of it.

P: Who are your music and songwriting influences?

TB: Forrest Frank, Brandon Lake, and Josiah Queen. I’ve recently gotten onto Elevation Rhythm a lot. I’ve always liked their music, but lately I’ve been listening to all of their songs a lot more. And then Justin Bieber, obviously, and I like the feel of Bruno Mars’s songs. They’re the big ones, the big names.

P: When was the moment that you realized music would be more than just a hobby?

TB: I think honestly around this time last year [July 2025] is when everything started kicking off. I had thought I might have a shot at this. Then at a talent show competition, I had a video go viral of me singing “Hard Fought Hallelujah.” That was my breakthrough moment. I think that’s what let me know that there’s a chance at this when everything started going crazy. I started giving everything to the Lord, and He’s started making things come happen or come true.

P: How does your faith and your relationship with God influence your creative process?

TB: Obviously, going to church. I think I observe so much when I’m at religious things or when God’s talking to me. I think that helps me get ideas to put in my songs to touch others. I think it’s just God moving through me to say words to other people to help them.

P: What was the inspiration for your first viral hit, “My Defender”?

TB: I think before I started writing Christian songs, I was doing pop music, and I was like, “I think I should start doing Christian music.” It was really late at night — I think it was like 2:00 a.m. I needed to get up and write these lyrics. I get up, I go mess around on my piano, I get the lyrics. The story was saying that God’s always going to be with you, no matter what the devil’s throwing in your way; He’s going to be your defender.

P: Tell us about your newest EP, “Something to Believe In.” What was the inspiration for that EP, and do you have a favorite song?

TB: I think my favorite song on it would probably be “Coulda Woulda Shoulda,” because it’s about my grandma. It’s my most personal song. It’s about my grandma that passed away that I didn’t really hang out with and talk to her as much as I should have. But I think the story behind it is saying, with where we’re at in the world right now, everybody feels lonely. Not everybody has somebody to call on, but there’s always something to believe in, and that’s God. He’s always going to be there. If you need something, He’s always going to be there for you, and you can run to Him.

P: What advice do you have for young Christians your age who may be struggling with their faith and identity in Christ?

TB: Again, just run to God. If you feel like you’re ever too small, God doesn’t care what size you are. He’s always going to be there. If you need somebody to run to, He’s going to be there. If you need somewhere to go hide away, He’s always going to be there for you. Don’t let anybody ever tell you that you can’t do nothing, because God’s always going to be there for you. So just don’t worry about it.

P: A lot of readers have big musical dreams. What advice do you have for young, aspiring singer-songwriters?

TB: Don’t let anybody tell you you’re too small. Don’t worry about what other people say, because whatever you put your mind to, you can make it happen. Just set an example for others and don’t worry about what the world is telling you.

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

TB: I like listening to worship music. It helps me calm down. I just go off by myself and talk to God.

P: What are you currently listening to right now? What’s on repeat?

TB: “The Jesus I Know Now” by Brandon Lake and Lainey Wilson, probably “Thank God I’m Free” by Elevation Rhythm & Lizzie Morgan, and “Washed” by Elevation Rhythm. That’s my big three that I’m listening to right now.

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

TB: Isaiah 60:22b, “At the right time, I, the Lord, will make it happen.” It tells me not to rush anything, that it’s going to be God’s timing, and God’s timing is perfect.

Stream Tate’s new EP wherever you listen to music.

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