Jesusfreakhideout.com: Christina Warin, "Safe Place

JFH Indie Review

Christina Warin
Safe Place - Single

Artist Info: Discography
Street Date: March 30, 2020
Style: Singer/Songwriter / Contemporary
Official Site: Facebook
Get It: iTunes

Hailing from New Zealand (though currently residing in Tasmania), Christina Warin has released her debut EP, Safe Place. Running only three tracks long, Warin nevertheless produces a triad of songs that tell a story of God's faithfulness and love. These encouraging lyrics are told against the backdrop of piano-driven AC with strings often backing up the main band (the closest comparison that comes to mind is Selah). While the music re-enforces the comforting themes of the lyrics, they contain just enough of a haunting element from time-to-time to subtly remind the listener that one's spiritual journey in Christ isn't an easy-going stroll.

"Gone Astray" leads the EP off with a song of being drawn back to Christ after a period of wandering. The title track then revels in the safety of Christ to process emotional baggage and hurt. The muted drum effects in the first verse and chorus might throw the listener off, but normal drums come in soon enough to overcome this little bump. The set closes out with "Waves of Your Beauty," a dramatic focus on the exaltation of God's beauty. The songs are encouraging and the music is pleasant enough to listen to, though neither break much ground or do much to stand out. Safe Place is still a satisfying little EP in its own right and fans of the genre will likely consider Christina Warin an artist to follow.

- Review date: 5/28/20, written by John Underdown of Jesusfreakhideout.com

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JFH Staff's Second Opinion

Christina Warin is a singer-songwriter from New Zealand whose spiritual journey led her out of a cultish church, into even darker places, and back to the love of Jesus. Her powerful story has led to her new single, Safe Place. While labeled as a single, it's more of an introductory three-song EP. Musically, Safe Place is CCM-oriented with pop and worship influence. Thematically and lyrically, it seems to be a brief synopsis of her journey. "Gone Astray" has Warin going away, but describes God watching over her during this time. The song triumphantly announces her return to God as she sings, "You picked me up holding me close to Your heart and You carried me home with You." The title track talks about finding a 'safe place' in Jesus who healed her brokenness after truly surrendering her life. Finally, "Waves of Your Beauty" feels like a worshipful reverence and thankfulness to God as the "Waves of Your beauty that emanate from Your face washes over me." If you're looking for some well-produced music with some depth and meaning, Safe Place should be a great listen. Warin's story of going astray and coming back is a prevailing one worthy of your time. - Review date: 6/5/20, Michael Weaver of Jesusfreakhideout.com

Record Label: None

Album length: 3 tracks: 12 minutes, 26 seconds

Street Date: March 30, 2020

Get It: iTunes

Gone Astray (3:14)
Safe Place (4:24)
Waves of Your Beauty (4:48)
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Jesus freak Hideout (John Underdown): What's your background in music? How long have you been writing/singing?

Christina Warin: I grew up in a musical family and had piano lessons when I was a child. I have always loved singing and I started writing my own songs from 2007 onwards, just as a personal private hobby, I used it in a way to process my life/God experiences. I was a part of the church band at times on and off as a late teen/young adult....

JFH (John): I perked up when I saw that New Zealand and Tasmania are the places you've called home. How has living in those cultures influenced your style?

Christina:These two countries are great!! However, my style has not been affected by these different cultures. Writing my songs have come out of my own personal God journey. My songs have helped me personally, so I decided to have my songs recorded so they could have a chance of helping others.

JFH (John): How did the Safe Place EP come about? What drew you into the recording studio?

Christina: My Safe Place EP.... well I have always wanted to record my music, but never felt ready until end of last year when an opportunity arose and I thought why not and things flowed so smoothly!! I thought maybe my songs can help others who are trying to find their way, who are struggling and going through hard things to bring some hope and comfort. To show Jesus really is with us during the mess, sorting and processing.. He is not afraid of the mess. The recording aspect was so fun, so easy!!

JFH (John): There seems to be a progression in these tunes, starting with a return to faith and a gradual growth of comfort in who God is. Was it written with that intention or did that come about when picking/arranging the set?

Christina: My songs are simply written from my personal raw journey/experience of last year. I thought the songs chosen for the EP would be good to start off with... to give a glimpse into my story, my reality. When writing my songs I don't sit down and think "I will write a song about a topic" no it's either I start singing to God pouring out my heart and then think ahhh I need to write this down or they come as a download... with the tune and words together.... parts to my Safe Place song came through sections of last year through experiences, where as my Gone Astray song I wrote within 10 minutes from a straight download after a beautiful personal God encounter.

JFH (John): On one hand it goes without saying that God is our "Safe Place", but I like the angle that He's our safe place for dealing with past baggage. It feels like a counseling approach. What drew you to developing that idea?

Christina: My idea that God is a Safe Place... well until last year I never knew him as my Safe Place... He had to show me and it has been something I have experienced... It was a huge revelation for me. The Safe Place song is simply my raw heart on paper the first verse I got at the start of last year and it was the only thing I could sing to Him... by May I had a huge revelation that I am Safe.... then end of last year, I learnt no matter what I go through, no matter how vulnerable I feel as I process... He covers me and as long as I stay with Him... I am Safe. He truly revived my heart and gave me hope!

JFH (John): This EP definitely leaves the listener feeling encouraged and wanting to trust God. What specific message or feeling were you wanting a listener to walk away with?

Christina: That is great to hear! Yes, I want the listener to know He is safe, trustworthy, unconditional, patient, kind and gentle through the process. That Jesus can handle the brokenness, pain, baggage, mess and the real deep stuff....He wants to love on us and heal us to our core.... He's not afraid of us... we don't have to try keep it together, try be perfect.. He is after our hearts.... our real hearts... He wants to hold our hearts and lead us into who he truly is, not into an empty religion...

JFH (John): What's next for you? Is this EP a prelude to a full album?

Christina: I am currently in the process of completing another EP of 5 songs which will hopefully be completed by August this year (depending on the lockdown situation as I record back in NZ)... I have quite a few songs that I have written over the past few years, so gradually getting them recorded.

JFH (John): How would you like new fans to interact with/support you?

Christina: Currently I just use a Facebook account where people are welcome to follow what I'm up to if they are interested and can interact with me. Perhaps later on I will create a website and do some blogging along the way. Will see how things go.

JFH (John): Finally, a silly question: Would you rather have breakfast with a hobbit or go to dinner with a Tasmanian devil?