PLATINUM-SELLING DUO LOVE AND THEFT MEMBER STEPHEN BARKER LILES RELEASES SOLO CHRISTIAN SINGLE "ALWAYS BEEN," TODAY, FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 26, 2025, AMID TOUR WITH RHETT WALKER
NEWS SOURCE: Lone Star PR September 29, 2025
Nashville, Tenn.-- CMA, ACM and CMT Award-nominated duo Love and Theft superstar, Stephen Barker Liles, releases the first of his new solo Christian project with inspirational new single, "Always Been,”, Friday, September 26, 2025, amid the start of his tour with Rhett Walker this fall.
Rooted in vulnerability and lifted by faith, Stephen Barker Liles’ new single is a stirring testament to grace that meets us in every season. The project carries deeper meaning after the passing of his mother to ALS, a loss that inspired Liles, the son of a preacher and a former praise and worship leader, to step back into his roots of Christian music with renewed purpose.
"I've always known I was called to ministry and I minstered to people every day through Love and Theft, but I started writing one Christian song and God just kept giving me more songs and opening doors that only He could open, so I felt God was saying this is your calling and everything just started falling into place," said Liles.
Mixed and mastered by his Love and Theft partner Eric Gunderson, the track blends confession with celebration, turning honest struggles into an anthem of enduring hope. Liles also enlisted the help of his 11-year-old son, Jett Barker Liles, who created the lyric video below.
"Always Been" is now available on all platforms HERE.
The release of "Always Been" comes in the midst of the start of his fall tour with Grammy and GMC Dove Award-nominated Contemporary Christian artist Rhett Walker.
About Stephen Barker Liles:
After 67 Grand Ole Opry performances, more than 235 million streams, and over half a million followers as one half of the chart-topping country duo Love and Theft, Stephen Barker Liles now embarks on a soul-stirring journey in Christian music with his new solo project. A preacher’s kid and Florida native, Liles is known for his captivating vocals, heartfelt songwriting, and ability to connect faith and storytelling in ways that resonate deeply with audiences.
As a seasoned musician with more than twenty years on stage and in the studio, Liles has shared the spotlight and stage with some of country music’s biggest names, including Taylor Swift, Tim McGraw, Jason Aldean, Florida Georgia Line, Chris Stapleton, and Charlie Daniels, along with Christian music mainstays Steven Curtis Chapman and Zach Williams. His authenticity and passion continue to shine, whether performing new Christian material or creating timeless harmonies with Love and Theft partner Eric Gunderson.
While his solo project is leading him down his divinely appointed path, Liles remains an integral half of Love and Theft as the duo continues to grow their fanbase through touring and creating new music. Together, he and Gunderson also co-host In the Blind, a podcast that dives deep into the wild and inspiring world of artists, entertainers, and athletes, offering an unfiltered look at life, music, and everything in between.
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