Mike Donehey and Tenth Avenue North Return after Five Years with Message of Trusting God
Mike Donehey, the lead singer of the Christian band Tenth Avenue North, spoke on the band's return despite initially attempting to disband after 20 years with a farewell tour in 2020, but it was cut short by the COVID-19 pandemic. Donehey, who formed the band in 2000 with longtime drummer Jason Jamison, recalled that time as a "wilderness moment" as he attempted to figure out his direction in Christian music moving forward.
"Surrender, surrender, surrender. Trust, trust, trust," he told The Christian Post. "If you ever want to know what I'm struggling with or what I'm learning, just look at the songs that I release, and that will give you a good indication of what's going on in my brain."
During the band's hiatus, Doheney released two EP solo records, launched a podcast, wrote and published a book, toured as a solo artist, and reformed the band with new backing musicians in 2024.
"Every guy in my (current) band is a producer in their own right," shares Donehey about his new bandmates Thomas Ewing (guitar), Monty Rivera (keyboard, bass), and Payden Hillard (drums). "Every guy has toured with mega, huge artists. Every guy is so talented. I'm in no way discrediting the band we were, but I've never played with musicians this good."
In May of this year, Tenth Avenue North released their ninth album, titled Learning to Trust, their first album since their return from hiatus.
"Learning to trust HIM is constant…" the band wrote in an Instagram post last week.
"We believe that we haven't fully learned to trust God but rather we're continually learning to trust Him. That's what faith is all about. We still face new trials and suffering every day, but choosing to surrender and learning to trust him is all a part of our walk with our savior."
The band's post also included a clip from the single "Running With You In The Dark."
"But I′m Learning to trust, learning to trust You
Learning to trust, learning to trust You
Learning to trust, learning to trust Your heart," Doheney sings.
"While I′m running with You in the dark
Learning to trust, learning to trust You
Learning to trust, learning to trust You
Learning to trust, learning to trust Your heart
While I'm running with You in the dark, oh"
Photo Credit: ©Reunion Records
Originally published July 21, 2025.
