Student pop artists spreads gospel through music

With his breakout single, “my friend’s toyota,” reaching nine million listeners, up-and-coming artist, asiris, just wants to be known as Luke Simpson, business and marketing student. 

Born and raised in Texas, the singer-songwriter started composing music at thirteen after his friend stole production software from an Apple store for his birthday.

“I didn’t know (why) I couldn’t update it for the longest time … eventually I saved up in high school and bought software for myself,” Simpson said.

Simpson said he tried to write and watch YouTube tutorials on production every day. After improving over time, he was able to write and release “my friend’s toyota,” which led to his first EP “really after everything.”

“I was posting content three times a day,” Simpson said. “We did it for about three months straight, and there was never really anything happening. … I was just praying that if this was what the Lord wanted me to do then make that door clear.”

Then, Simpson said, God moved, and his single skyrocketed in listens. Now in 2024, Simpson has performed his songs at Liberty University and in Nashville with more opportunities coming daily. 

But with fame comes trials. While Simpson’s social numbers spiked, his academics were placed on the back burner. 

“It got to the point where I was travelling a lot and still in person,” Simpson said. “I ended up … having to switch (to) online. It was the only way to manage it, but (I) still wanted to finish school.”

As a senior this semester, Simpson works to maintain strong time management skills to ensure he can continue making music.

“I think the thing I’m most thankful about is that I do my production, so I made some of my favorite songs on my E-Storm, so I didn’t have to go to LA for a recording trip,” Simpson said. “That’s what I try to encourage people to do is to get into production and learn.”

The name, asiris, Simpson said, means to incorporate God in the music. Although Simpson does not classify his music as Christian, his faith influences how he writes as well as how he lives. 

“I don’t think I make ‘Christian’ music,” Simpson said. “I kind of talk about my experiences in life whether it’s relationships or with friends, but I also like to incorporate how God was present in that.”

Simpson said he believes Christians are meant to be set apart.  Even though he is in mainstream music, Simpson hopes to use his position in music as a means for sharing the gospel with more people.

“It’s not an aggressive kind of like pushing the gospel at them,” Simpson said. “It’s like, ‘Oh that’s cool that this person was able to get through this because God was present in his life.’”

After opening for Forrest Frank, Simpson plans to perform in other college shows and open for more popular artists this year. Simpson said students can look forward to two major projects coming out soon and a new album releasing in the future.

Merritt is the arts and culture editor for the Liberty Champion.