The McClures

The McClures are an American contemporary worship music duo composed of husband and wife Paul and Hannah McClure.Recognized for their organic, Americana-infused sound, they are long-time worship leaders and songwriters associated with the California-based collective Bethel Music.Bringing their North Carolina roots into modern Christian music, they have carved out a unique space in the worship genre by blending folk, country, and indie elements into their songwriting.

The couple is best known for their 2019 debut album “The Way Home,” which featured popular singles like “Now I See,” “Only Have One,” and “Reign Above It All”.Before branching out as a standalone duo, they spent nearly a decade serving behind the scenes, penning songs and leading worship for Bethel Church. Today, they continue to influence the contemporary Christian music scene both locally and globally.

Early Life and Background

Paul and Hannah McClure both grew up with a deep passion for music and faith. Hannah was born and raised in Alabama, where her interest in music and ministry began at a young age.The couple eventually connected in High Point, North Carolina, where their musical foundation in Americana and Southern worship was heavily influenced by their environment.They started leading worship together as teenagers in their hometown, developing a natural vocal blend and a shared vision for ministry.

How Their Music Career Started

In 2011, Paul and Hannah relocated from North Carolina to Redding, California, to join Bethel Church and become part of the Bethel Music community. During their early years on the West Coast, they focused on serving as worship leaders and contributing writers rather than pursuing a career as a standalone act. They quickly made their mark as songwriters, with Paul and Hannah co-authoring “God of the Redeemed” alongside Jeremy Riddle for the 2010 Bethel Music live album “Be Lifted High”.

Career and Breakthrough

After years of appearing as featured vocalists on various Bethel Music compilations, the couple officially launched their career as a duo under the name The McClures. Their breakthrough as independent artists was announced during Bethel Music’s annual WorshipU conference.Stepping fully into the spotlight, they embarked on a nearly four-year songwriting process to craft their first standalone project. This dedicated period allowed them to hone a distinct sound that separated them from traditional corporate worship music.

Musical Style and Influences

The McClures stand out in the contemporary Christian music scene due to their unique sonic palette. Paul has described their musical style as a blend of worship, country, indie, Americana, and folk music, intentionally reflecting their Carolinian roots. Instead of heavy synthesizers or traditional pop-worship production, their songs often feature acoustic instrumentation, intimate lyrical storytelling, and harmonious vocal blends. Reviewers have noted that their music feels highly personal and reflective, offering an organic atmosphere that is firmly grounded in Southern musical traditions.

Notable Songs and Albums

On August 30, 2019, Bethel Music released The McClures’ debut studio album, “The Way Home”.The project was produced by David Leonard and recorded at the historic Layman Drug Company in Nashville, Tennessee.The album was a commercial success, debuting at number 36 on the Billboard Top Christian Albums chart and reaching number 11 on the Heatseekers Albums chart.It produced the hit singles “Now I See,” “Only Have One,” and the powerful anthem “Reign Above It All”. Following their debut, the duo released a holiday project titled “Christmas Morning (Live)” in 2020.

Personal Life

Paul and Hannah McClure reside in Redding, California, where they continue to be highly active members of their local community.They are married and have three children named Ezra, Mae, and Teddy. The couple often shares how their focus on family and community heavily inspires the themes of returning home, finding belonging, and experiencing joy, which are present throughout their music.

Current Career and Recent Activities

The McClures remain integral members of the Bethel Music roster. In February 2021, they officially released “Reign Above It All” as the third single from their debut album, which continued to resonate with audiences across Christian radio.They balance their roles as recording artists and local church leaders, consistently leading worship at Bethel Church and participating in global tours, conferences, and collaborative live albums with the Bethel Music collective.