Madison, WI – September 10, 2026 – Christian singer-songwriter Howard Gripp will release his new single, “I’m Not My Yesterday,” on September 11 through NRT Music. The laid-back, Americana-influenced track delivers a message of redemption, transformation, and the freedom that comes from refusing to be defined by the past.
Written by Gripp alongside acclaimed producer and songwriter Billy Smiley, “I’m Not My Yesterday” centers on a simple declaration: “I’m not my yesterday, grace has washed my past away.” The song speaks directly to listeners carrying the weight of regret, failure, and shame, pointing instead toward the new identity and hope found in Christ.
“I wanted to express the idea of redemption and transformation in a fresh way that people could connect with,” Gripp shares. “I wrote the song to encourage anyone who feels trapped by their past, reminding them that change is possible and that no matter where they are in life, their story is not finished.”
The message is deeply connected to Gripp’s own journey. After years of performing in bands and pursuing music, life took him through marriage, fatherhood, a career in IT, divorce, depression, and eventually a suicide attempt. At 46, Gripp found himself sitting in the parking lot of a small church, a moment that became a turning point in his life and faith.
That personal experience gives added weight to the song’s declaration that the past does not get the final word. “I’m Not My Yesterday” captures the perspective of someone who has lived through broken seasons and discovered that grace can still rewrite the story.
Produced by Smiley, the single continues to introduce the sound and message behind Gripp’s forthcoming album, Welcome To Your Life, expected in Spring 2027. Recorded in Franklin, Tennessee, at Castle Recording Studios and Peter Frampton’s Studio Phenix, the album blends acoustic and heartland rock with Gripp’s honest approach to faith and storytelling. The project was mixed by Billy Whittington, whose credits include Vince Gill, Michael W. Smith, and Amy Grant.
“I’m Not My Yesterday” will be available on digital streaming platforms September 11 through NRT Music.
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About Howard Gripp:
Howard Gripp is a Christian singer-songwriter whose music blends acoustic rock, heartland rock & roll, and honest storytelling shaped by a lifetime of perseverance, struggle, and faith. Raised in a small Midwestern town, Howard began his musical journey behind the drums before spending years performing with bands and honing his craft. After stepping away from music to raise a family and build a career, a difficult season of divorce, depression, and a suicide attempt became a turning point that ultimately renewed his faith and sense of purpose.
Today, Howard writes openly about pain, failure, redemption, perseverance, and hope, reminding listeners that it is never too late to start again. His upcoming album, Welcome To Your Life, was recorded in Franklin, Tennessee, at Castle Recording Studios and Peter Frampton’s Studio Phenix, produced by Billy Smiley and mixed by Billy Whittington. Howard continues to perform at festivals, theaters, churches, community events, and listening rooms throughout the United States and Canada, sharing songs rooted in a life he has lived and a story still being written.
About NRT Music:
NRT Music exists to share and grow the art, Gospel messages, and ministries of a diverse group of Christian artists with a growing spirit of excellence. More information can be found at www.NRTMusic.com and a list of upcoming releases is available at https://nrt.cc/NRTMusicReleaseSchedule.
Follow Howard Gripp:
https://HowardGrippMusic.com
https://linktr.ee/howardgrippmusic
https://www.instagram.com/howardgrippmusic
https://www.tiktok.com/@howardgrippmusic
https://www.youtube.com/@HowardGrippMusic
For more information, promo requests, or to arrange an interview, please contact: Howard Gripp at HowardGrippMusic@Yahoo.com or at https://HowardGrippMusic.com.
