Benjamin William Hastings

Benjamin William Hastings is a Northern Irish Christian singer, songwriter, worship leader and record producer known for his work with Hillsong UNITED and Hillsong Worship, as well as his successful solo career. Born in Belfast, Northern Ireland, Hastings became one of the prominent songwriting voices in contemporary Christian music through songs that combine personal storytelling, biblical themes and modern worship.

He is particularly known for co-writing and singing on “So Will I (100 Billion X)” with Hillsong UNITED, a song that became one of the most recognized worship songs of the late 2010s. He has also written or co-written songs recorded by artists including Cory Asbury, Brandon Lake and Hillsong Worship. His songwriting credits include “The Father’s House,” “Gratitude,” “O Praise The Name (Anástasis)” and “Seasons.”

In his solo work, Hastings has developed a more personal and conversational approach to Christian music. His songs frequently explore faith, doubt, family, gratitude, identity and the everyday experience of following Jesus, giving his music a distinctive balance of worship and personal reflection.

Quick Facts

Early Life and Background

Benjamin William Hastings was born and raised in Belfast, Northern Ireland. He later spent much of his twenties in Australia, where his life and musical career took a significant turn. His connection to the Australian Christian music scene eventually brought him into the wider Hillsong community and introduced him to musicians who would become important collaborators in his career.

Hastings is married to Jessa Hastings, a writer and author. The couple have built their family life alongside their individual creative careers. Their move between Australia and the United States has also been part of Hastings’ broader development as a musician and songwriter.

Connection with Hillsong UNITED

Hastings became closely associated with Hillsong UNITED through his songwriting, vocals and participation in the group’s music. His involvement grew through collaborations and recordings before he became one of the recognizable voices within the collective.

One of his most important contributions came with “So Will I (100 Billion X),” which he co-wrote and performed with Hillsong UNITED. Released in 2017, the song became a major contemporary worship recording and was later certified Platinum by the RIAA. Its expansive lyrics about creation, God’s character and humanity’s response to God helped establish Hastings as a significant songwriter in modern worship music.

He also contributed to other Hillsong projects, including Wonder, The Peace Project, Let There Be Light and These Same Skies. His work with the group involved songwriting, vocals and various instrumental contributions.

Songwriting Career and Major Collaborations

Beyond Hillsong, Hastings has built an extensive songwriting catalogue. He co-wrote Cory Asbury’s “The Father’s House,” which became a major Christian radio success, and contributed to Brandon Lake’s “Gratitude,” another widely recognized worship song.

His songwriting credits also include “O Praise The Name (Anástasis),” “Seasons,” “That’s the Power,” “Homeward,” “Know You Will” and “The Jesus I Know.” He has worked with artists and worship movements including Cody Carnes, Kari Jobe, Rend Collective, Passion and Hillsong Young & Free.

This songwriting work has become one of the defining aspects of Hastings’ career. Rather than being known only as a performing artist, he has established himself as a prolific writer whose songs have been recorded and performed by artists and churches around the world.

Solo Career and Musical Style

Hastings began releasing music as a solo artist with songs such as “Homeward,” “From Seed to Sequoia,” “Know You Will,” “The Jesus I Know” and “Anyway.” His solo material allowed him to explore subjects that were more personal and autobiographical than some of his congregational worship work.

His self-titled debut album, Benjamin William Hastings, was released in November 2022 through Capitol CMG. The ambitious 25-track project introduced listeners to the breadth of his songwriting and dealt with themes including faith, family, love, personal struggles and the complexities of everyday life. A larger Songwriters Edition followed in 2023, offering expanded versions and commentary around the songs.

His music often moves between intimate acoustic songwriting, contemporary Christian pop and large-scale worship. He is also known for using conversational lyrics and extended song structures, allowing his recordings to feel more like personal reflections than conventional worship formulas.

Albums and Notable Songs

Hastings’ debut album was followed by Benjamin William Hastings (And Then Some) in 2023, an expanded release containing additional material. His 2024 album Sold Out, Sincerely continued his exploration of faith, identity and personal experience.

Among his notable solo recordings are “That’s the Thing About Praise,” featuring Blessing Offor, “Homeward,” “The Jesus I Know,” “Anyway,” “Abandoned,” “A Father’s Blessing” and “So Help Me God.” His catalogue also includes songs written specifically for worship settings as well as recordings that focus more directly on his personal story.

In 2026, Hastings released Happy To Be Here, adding another chapter to his solo catalogue. The project includes songs such as “Yahweh,” “Guiding Light,” “God Thing,” “Never,” “Convinced,” “Holy Jesus” and “Wondrous Cross (When I Survey).” He has also continued releasing live recordings and other collaborative projects.

Current Career and Influence

Benjamin William Hastings continues to work as a recording artist, songwriter and worship leader. His current work reflects both sides of his career: the large-scale worship tradition that shaped him through Hillsong and the more personal songwriting approach that has become central to his solo music.

His influence extends beyond his own recordings because of the number of well-known contemporary Christian songs he has helped write. Through “So Will I (100 Billion X),” “The Father’s House,” “Gratitude,” “Seasons” and other compositions, Hastings has contributed to the modern worship repertoire used by churches and Christian audiences internationally.

As a solo artist, he has continued to develop a sound that is distinctly his own, combining thoughtful songwriting with contemporary worship and honest reflections on Christian faith. His career has established him as both a respected worship musician and one of the notable songwriters of his generation.