Two-time GRAMMY-nominated band We The Kingdom recently released its self-titled sophomore album via Capitol CMG. The 13-track project not only features a genre-transcending blend of rock, country and gospel, but also draws inspiration from decades-worth of musical influences in a way only a multi-generational family band can. We The Kingdom is comprised of brothers Ed Cash and Scott Cash, Ed’s children Franni Rae Cash Cain and Martin Cash, and close family friend Andrew Bergthold, who all came together as musicians during a life-changing Young Life experience. In this TCB Exclusive, the band talks about the impact of their sophomore LP, reflects on their fall headlining tour and previews Winter Jam 2023 as a confirmed headliner.
When we had last talked, you had just pre-released “Miracle Power.” Now, the full self-titled project has been out for about two months. Is there a track, or lyric, that you’ve been surprised by how listeners have responded and interacted with?
Martin: We have a song called “Jesus Does.” As far as we know, for a song that wasn’t pushed super hard [on playlists or as a single], it’s been encouraging to see that song minister to people and really connect. A lot of times in the studio you’ll have songs you think are going to blow up for how people will connect with it, but then you’re wrong and it’s a different song. So it’s always cool to see when God puts something on your heart in the beginning that you believe is special and you’ve done the work to protect it, and people latch on to it. It is a really special feeling!
How have you been able to realize your goals and impact for this project?
Franni Rae: One of the cool things about this record is when we set out it was all about the journey home. So we talked a lot about incorporating images of earth and heaven. So in our live shows, we have this moment with a backdrop that has twinkling stars and wrapped around the mic stands we have greenery. So it’s a collision of heaven meeting earth, which has been really cool!
You are soon to be wrapping up your headlining tour with Cory Asbury. Looking back on the nights, was there a favorite moment with those in attendance or song to perform?
Andrew: There are a couple for me. One is the song that Martin just said, “Jesus Does.” And we have a moment that we do all on stools, a pretty intimate moment, called “Family,” which was a song we wrote in the middle of a big argument.
The tour started off different than expected because you had to change first weekend routing with the impacts of Hurricane Ian in Florida. How did that affect the group?
Frannie Rae: This year has been just crazy with being on the road and making this record. During times of rehearsals we were just exhausted. So when we found out the first weekend was rescheduled, it was actually really nice. I am so thankful Florida was safe, but for us, we got to spend a weekend in Nashville in October. It’s a lot of our favorite months in Nashville; it’s so beautiful, and we don’t usually get to spend much time there in October. So that weekend was really special and I won’t forget that!
And looking ahead into 2023 you’ll be on the Winter Jam tour with other amazing artists! Have you started to think about what message you want to share during your time on stage?
Martin: We’re just going to wing it and see what happens!
Ed: The reason we’re a little groggy right now is we were on the bus until after midnight talking about it.
Martin: We’ve spent a lot of time and effort dreaming up this. We’ve never approached an angle like this before. The biggest thing is there are so many bands, and so we are really trying to hone in on what is unique to us. And we don’t want to just promote ourselves, but how we can love on others in a different way. One artist is going to love on them in a way that we aren’t going to be able to, and we’ll be able to love on them a way that others won’t be able to. So the combination of that is a beautiful thing!
What are you most expectant for looking to 2023?
Franni Rae: I would probably say Winter Jam! It is going to be an incredible tour! That tour in particular gives you the opportunity to build community with artists that other tours might not offer. This is a long tour with a lot of different artists. So I’m excited for the community and fellowship, and it’s important that we all help carry each other’s burdens. There’s a unique understanding of what we all go through because we go through it together, so that companionship will be special! I also love Anne Wilson, and she’s one of my good friends, so I’m stoked to be able to share the dressing rooms.
