Benny DiChiara and Empowered Ignite a Movement of Faith and Healing With New EP "SALT"

Singer/songwriter Benny DiChiara and his indie Christian rock band Empowered have released their new EP SALT via Slingshot Records. Following their 2023 project Yahweh Nissi, the band collaborated again with Dove Award-nominated producer Mikey Howard of 7eventh Time Down to create the five-track EP-"Go Forth," "1995 (Reprise)," "The One," "Throat Punch the Devil," and "People of God."

Inspired by Matthew 5:13, the project reflects the band's mission to engage others with hope, faith, and God's love, a vision sparked during a prayer by Pastor Travis Spann in Kentucky. Known for their crunchy guitars, driving percussion, and DiChiara's compelling vocals, Empowered continues their streak of chart-topping indie Christian hits while ministering through music. 

Q: What inspired the theme of SALT, and how does Matthew 5:13 shape the message behind this EP?  

I think that Matthew 5:13-20 is one of THE most important sections of Scripture for us as believers. It's like an open book test of what our mission is here on earth--what we were designed for. We ARE to share the Gospel not only to those who know it, but to those who do not. Show them the love of Jesus having died for us. Show the world that His sacrifice was for each and every one of us. We just need to let them know and shout it out!

Q: Can you share how Pastor Travis Spann's prayer during your ministry in Kentucky influenced the naming and vision of this project?

Last Fall, while we (the band) were ministering in Kentucky in the aftermath of Hurricane Helene, SALT was brought into fruition via a prayer over the band by Pastor Travis Spann of Wilmore Christian Church. His prayer over the band went from provision to prophesy right in the middle of it, where he described God seeing us as SALT. He then took the word SALT and broke it down as to what it meant right there in the middle of the prayer. After the service, I thanked him for the vision to name our next project SALT. Not one song on this record is named "Salt," but every offering of a song is in fact that--SALT."

Q: Your music combines gritty rock sounds with a strong ministry focus. How do you balance delivering a powerful message while keeping the music engaging and dynamic?

God has been speaking to me loudly about that, especially a relationship with Jesus. For those who are seeking an answer, Jesus IS The Way. So, we have to engage others to point them to Him.  Lyrically alongside musically. It's about faith. It's not about letting our music talk (that's simply a vehicle), but to let His Word speak in our lyrics. We're simply pointing people to Jesus while engaging them to participate through the music. It's not about us, it's about Him! 

Q: How has your personal journey of healing from a catastrophic brain injury influenced the songwriting and overall mission of Empowered?

Speaking of faith, I'd say it's THAT. It's simply amazing to me that He loves me that much, that I would be healed enough (still don't have taste or smell) to do what I do for Him. That He would raise me back up from a traumatic injury like that to be able to perform on stages or sidewalks or meeting rooms for Him. I mean, we just finished our third record since my brain injury. Who can do that except with God? Success in the world is fleeting. I'm putting all of my stock in eternal life with Him. To me, that's success. So, when I write, I find that it's stronger--a lot more direct. Lyrically, if your song doesn't speak to someone who has been through something, I think you take more time to craft a message that speaks loudly. For me, it's best when I turn that over to Jesus.  

Q: The word "ENGAGE" seems central to this album's message. What does engaging with others look like for you as artists and believers in today's world?

It's what came out of the Sermon on the Mount from the lips of Jesus. He's telling us that to get the Gospel message out there, you must ENGAGE. That means talking to people. In 2025, we live in a digital age, and everything is at our fingertips. Except maybe a relationship with Jesus. And for those who are seeking an answer, He IS The Way. So, we have to engage others to point them to Him. It's really not rocket science when you think about it.  It's faith.

Q: What do you hope listeners will take away from SALT, especially during these turbulent times, and what's next for Empowered?

It's all combined, actually. Three Days, Yahweh-Nissi, and SALT have all come after my brain injury. Glory to God in the highest!  Empowered's name is from this simple fact: we are empowered by Him with the gift of music so that we can empower others with His message, then THEY can go and empower others with that message as well. It's the Great Commission in name. Our colors are black, red, and white. The black represents the lashes Jesus took for us, the red in our name represents the blood that He shed for us, and the white represents the new and cleansed "us." We are scheduled to play at the Ichthus Festival in Wilmore, Kentucky, September 13, then onto a festival in DeRidder, Louisiana on October 11, then onto Shreveport, Louisiana for the Louisiana Legends Festival (in Homer) on October 18. We also have a benefit concert in Vian, OK at the Vian Assembly of God church on November 15. Then whatever doors God continues to open...we'll run through them! 

For more information on Benny DiChiara and Empowered, visit Rockin4Jesus.com or follow on Facebook (facebook.com/empoweredrocks). 

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