Josiah Queen and Henrik harnessed their complementary folk-pop stylings to create “I Need You More.” The meandering acoustic-driven original reverberates with the kind of heartbreak required to unlock true beauty found only in surrender. The single notes our desperate need for God as we strive to do things in our own strength.
RELATED CONTENT: Faith Behind The Song: 'I Need You More' Josiah Queen and Henrik
Verse two, in particular, also addresses how technology keeps us isolated and offers a prayer for more community and less loneliness — a bold statement coming from a pair of 20-somethings. The two rising acts penned the haunting stomp-clap track with Jared Condon.
With a sense of yearning in their respective vocals, Queen and Henrik convey our collective hopelessness if it weren’t for a Savior willing to rescue us. In fact, “i need you more” calls to mind Luke 5:31-32: “Jesus answered them, ‘Healthy people don’t need a doctor — sick people do. I have come to call not those who think they are righteous, but those who know they are sinners and need to repent.’”
The folky duet appears on the deluxe edition of Queen’s critically acclaimed full-length debut, “The Prodigal,” whose driving title cut became a breakout hit for the Tampa native.
Henrik Hoeldtke, who grew up in New Jersey and records under his first name, began his professional musical journey by crafting a hefty mix of rap and pop-punk melodies. He’s gradually transitioned into more mellow territory, turning out thoughtful, left-of-center folk faire, and describing his collaboration with Queen as “granola Jesus music.”
Henrik will support viral singer-songwriter David Kushner on tour this fall. Meanwhile, Queen will headline his own 14-city “My Promised Land Tour” this spring with returning favorites Strings & Heart opening. Queen also recently collaborated on the spirited “Can’t Steal My Joy” with Brandon Lake, but it’s “I Need You More” that earned the GMA Dove Award New Artist of the Year contender his Air1 debut.
