This week on The Upload, Brooke Taylor sits down with rising country trio DEK of Hearts—Dylan John, Emily Clapp, and Colin Bailey—for a conversation about faith, friendship, music, and following God's calling even when it doesn't fit neatly into the box others expect.

The three met while studying music at Trevecca Nazarene University, where their individual backgrounds in worship, country, pop, and bluegrass eventually came together. What started with singing on worship teams and grinding through shows in Nashville bars has quickly turned into a whirlwind journey that includes a four-chair turn on The Voice, touring with Carly Pearce, and stepping into the Grand Ole Opry circle for the first time. Through it all, they say they've seen God entrust them with “a little bit, and then a little bit more”—teaching them to be faithful with every season along the way.

DEK of Hearts also opens up about an early industry meeting where they were told they didn't quite fit the mold and were encouraged to consider becoming a Christian or worship group. But the trio felt strongly that wasn't where God was calling them. Instead, they believe their ministry is happening right where they are—in country music, bars, festivals, and rooms filled with people who may never walk through the doors of a church. As Emily puts it, sometimes people encounter the Holy Spirit through a song that doesn't even mention Jesus' name.

The trio also gets vulnerable about the stories behind their music. Colin shares how his mother's struggle with alcoholism inspired their song “Dear Old Whiskey”—written not to condemn the person battling addiction, but from the perspective of a little boy wishing he could speak directly to the substance hurting his family. It's an example of the difficult, honest stories they hope to tell through their music, from addiction and divorce to grief and loss.

And while their career is moving quickly, DEK of Hearts is intentional about keeping each other grounded. They share why they went to counseling together before The Voice, how they call each other out when pride creeps in, and why being a trio has become less like simply being bandmates and more like doing life together. For them, the relationships—and the spiritual growth that comes from knowing each other's flaws and choosing to walk alongside one another anyway—have become an even greater blessing than the music itself.

From playing for quesadillas and traveling in a disastrous RV to standing on the Opry stage, this conversation is a reminder not to become so focused on the destination that you miss what God is doing along the way. DEK of Hearts may have big dreams for what's next, but their goal is simple: steward what's in front of them, stay faithful to their calling, and let Jesus shine through wherever the music takes them.

🎧 If you've ever felt like your calling didn't fit the expected mold, this episode is an encouragement to trust where God has placed you—and remember that ministry can happen anywhere.

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