"I believe Christian Musicians should be the ones who write the most creative music in the world. I believe God intends to see an industry changed, so He can in turn, turn a nation towards Himself. I often hear people praying for God to change a nation in a day, and I wonder what would happen if He did. If God showed up to every person in the world in a vision and everyone was miraculously changed, I wonder if everyone would still be in the same place the next week. The truth is, there is a stronghold and a willing submission to immorality rooted in the music industry. I am pushing to make the coolest and best music end up being Christian. I want to disciple a nation and the only way I know how to do that is to move my way up the industry. God has called us to be the head and not the tail. (Deut 28). I believe when we as Christians, who know the most creative being who ever existed, step up and challenge themselves and write the most creative music ever, that we’ll be in a place where we can disciple an industry back to playing moral music. This is my heart. To see a nation changed. I just have a heart for the music industry. - Ian Though claiming only 20 years of age, Ian McIntosh is already quite an accomplished musician. He has close to 10 years of keyboard playing under his belt, hundreds of hours of live playing time, and dozens of event appearances. Ian has been leading worship many years, and has been working to channel musical influences that include bands such as Sigur Rós, Muse, Delirious, Coldplay, and Mew. He has embarked on a journey to develop a "new sound." His debut album “Awakened” is full of emotion. It has one of the most distinct sounds around - it sounds nothing like a typical worship album. Instead, the album’s tone is aggressive and atmospheric and connects the listener on a spiritual level. But it is undeniably worship. Starting with the first song “Such Beauty” Ian immediately sets the tone by expressing a need for God. He writes “in all my life, God, keep me lest I die” which then turns into “You are so beautiful, I cannot describe You.” This album is full of passionate, energetic songs including “You Are”, “Always Good”, and “Everything Good”. The other aspect of the album shows up in the title track “Awakened.” These songs are very moving titles that express worship in a different way than is normally seen. Some have very few words, and are explosive, emotional and moving in the melodies carried by vocals and instruments alike. The track “Adoration” is mostly a poem, ending the album in a complete expression of worship that is concluded by singing with no lyrics. Whether it’s the dramatic piano hooks, the ethereal vocals, or the massive guitars behind it all, the music is compellingly creative in nature. Powerful and airy hooks show up throughout the album. Each song encourages the listener to respond in some way. Some people will respond by singing along, while others respond inwardly. This album begs for a response. This album is explosive. Ian is one of the most refreshing things to hit worship. His music challenges stereotypes and brings about responses. He is an artist to look for this year, as his debut album “Awakened” is introduced and his music becomes a movement in itself.