At only 22, he’s an old soul with wisdom beyond his years. And perhaps that’s what makes him such a compelling new act. A brief stint in a now defunct boyband gave the Alabama native his initial taste of the spotlight, but it was his incredible falsetto that originally led to his first solo record deal at 19. Following a musical hiatus and a season of soul-searching, Christian is opening a fresh chapter of his story in partnership with new label home Capitol Christian Music Group that reveals a soulful singer, multi-instrumentalist and skilled lyricist hitting his stride and discovering his own voice. The music he’s making is a mix of the R&B he was raised on, the pop excellence he once aspired to, and the faith he’s deciphering. He’s currently working on a slate of original songs in LA with some of mainstream pop’s most esteemed producers. Meanwhile, Christian’s first single, “Won’t Rain Anymore,” has quietly ushered in his next era, previewing what’s to come with its textured sonics, effortless vocals and an undeniably positive message. Zane Lowe premiered the rainbow-after-the-rain track, produced by Frequency (Eminem, Rihanna), on Apple Music, giving listeners a glimpse into the trailblazer’s innovative musical direction — a merger of bold pop strokes and thoughtful lyricism that include thinly veiled references to the hope he’s found in giving his life over to something bigger than himself.