On May 1, 2026, Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas released a two-song collaboration that’s turning heads in the world of contemporary Christian music. The tracks, titled “The Author” and a remix of “Hope,” showcase a blend of polished pop sensibility and powerful inspirational vocals. This partnership marks a significant moment for both artists, especially as they navigate their faith journeys through music.
Brandon Lake, who has become a sought-after name in Christian music, has been selling out arena shows and gracing large secular festivals. His previous release, “The Jesus I Know Now,” featuring Lainey Wilson, dropped just weeks before this collaboration—demonstrating his prolific songwriting ability. But the story behind these new tracks is even more compelling.
“The Author” was crafted during a songwriting camp hosted by Lake in late 2025. It reflects on personal shortcomings and the complexities of faith. As Lake puts it, “So who am I? Who am I? Am I just a poor preacher’s prodigal son? Troubled child, running wild, Chasing the glory instead of the One.” His lyrics resonate deeply, capturing the struggles many face on their spiritual paths.
Nick Jonas brings his own unique background to this collaboration. Growing up as a pastor’s kid until his father resigned after the Jonas Brothers signed with Columbia Records in 2005, he has always had a complex relationship with faith. He shares his journey through music too—”Like every good story, you learn from the loss and I lost the plot every time I played God.” His experiences add depth to the collaboration, making it relatable to listeners from various backgrounds.
The song “Hope,” originally featured on Jonas’ album “Sunday Best,” takes on new life through this remix. Both artists have expressed excitement about how their styles complement one another. Observers note that this partnership could pave the way for more mainstream acceptance of Christian Contemporary Music (CCM) within broader pop culture.
Key quotes from Brandon Lake and Nick Jonas:
Brandon Lake: “I see trauma, I see worthless. You see something You can work with.” and Nick Jonas: “I’m ink in the pen in the hands of The Author.”.
The collaboration has generated buzz among fans and industry insiders alike. As they look forward to what this means for both artists—and CCM as a whole—many are hopeful for more collaborations like this one that bridge genres while staying true to their roots.