Fresh off his chart-topping hit, "Starry Night," Contemporary Christian music artist Chris August has premiered a new video on Christian video-sharing site Godtube.com for his follow-up single, "7x70," taken from the Texas native's stellar debut CD, "Not Far Away," an emotionally resonant collection of soulful pop-rock sing-alongs, touching balladry, and heart-on-sleeve lyricism that is proving to be one of the best-selling New Artist releases in the Christian genre.August has been through his share of pain and disappointment in this life. "7x70," is one song in particular on his album, was written on the basis of August's heart of forgiveness. "After I had written all the songs and was getting ready to record the album, my producer, Ed Cash said, 'I still feel like you need a personal song, something that really tells your story. Go home tonight and write about what hurt you when you were a kid,'" August says. "He had no idea about my family history. So I went home and wrote the first verse of '7x70' and played it for him the next day. He looked over at me and had tears in his eyes. He said, 'This song has to be on your record.' I thought he was crazy, but I'm so glad it is because writing it has helped me realize that only forgiveness could heal those relationships."
The vulnerable ballad is a deeply personal recounting of the family dynamic under which the latter grew up. Being the product of a broken home, August prayed deeply for "7x70," asking the Holy Spirit to be with him as he worked on what he admits is the most personal song he ever wrote. He says working on "7x70", which grew to become a powerful moving song about forgiveness, brought up many memories with which he had to deal. In the end, "7x70" is a song that will undoubtedly help many, many people across the world come to terms with the bitterness in their hearts, and help them on the road to forgiveness. August writes, "My story is not unique. Everywhere I have been I run into people with similar heartache, struggle, and a deep need for forgiveness in their life. As I am still learning, forgiveness is not a one and done type of mindset, but rather a daily, sometimes hourly effort not up to seven times, but seventy times seven."
The strong message of forgiveness and healing is what makes it truly encouraging for everyone. In this inspiring Evan Kaufmann-Directed video, August attempts to heal his wounds of sin and also gain forgiveness from those in his life who he has sinned against. The chorus is very beautiful and encouraging and it describes how August will do whatever it takes to forgive and forget. He has once again crafted a masterful piece of Christian songwriting. "7x70" deserves to reach a wide audience; its message of redemption, forgiveness, and healing, stands to bless and benefit countless people who are growing up or have grown up in a similar environment. A well-versed, self-taught pianist, guitarist and producer, August sets powerful lyrics about faith, relationships, and heartache to melodies that will get stuck in your head!
