In a world that often sees faith and creativity as separate, David and Emma Kruse prove that the two can beautifully intertwine.
Their story of love, music, and a shared dedication to the Catholic faith, is a testament to the power of faith. From managing a Catholic leatherwork business to running a record label that supports
Catholic musicians, the Kruses are on a mission to use their talents for God’s greater glory.
A unique beginning: Love through music
David and Emma Kruse’s journey together began in an unlikely yet providential way.
Emma recalls, “David and I met through a mutual friend while I was recording a song called ‘Invisible Ink’ in 2020. I needed someone to record a cello part, and she recommended David. When we spoke on the phone, David wanted to hear my thoughts on starting a Catholic record label. That call lasted two hours—five minutes of that was about the label, and the rest was us falling in love.”
Their love story was no ordinary one. The onset of COVID-19 kept them apart for 13 months, forcing them to navigate a long-distance relationship. “It was incredibly difficult, but also incredibly beautiful,” Emma reflects. “When we finally met in person, it felt like a blessing.”
Music and faith: A shared mission
Music has played a central role in both David and Emma’s lives, not just as a form of artistic expression but also as a vital part of their faith journey.
“Music and faith are two big things that brought us together,” Emma says. “Our faith 100 per cent influences how we treat each other, how we see marriage, and how we see the family. Sharing music together has been a real joy—it’s a big part of our vocation.”
Their shared love of music led them to create Enemy Love Records, a Catholic record label with a unique vision.
“When people think of Catholic music, they often think of traditional hymns or contemporary worship songs that sound similar to what you’d hear in a Protestant church,” Emma explains.
“But we’re interested in finding Catholic artists who write unique music. It doesn’t necessarily have to mention God explicitly. We’re looking for music that is authentic, good quality, and wholesome, in whichever genre the artist gravitates towards.”
Enemy Love Records: A mission to support Catholic musicians
Enemy Love Records isn’t just a business—it’s a ministry. The label’s mission is to support Catholic musicians, helping them find their voice in an industry that can often be challenging for those with strong faith values. “The music industry is a pretty evil place,” Emma acknowledges.
“Catholic musicians need support. The Church hasn’t written a lot about how Catholics should consume and create art, so these are questions we’re interested in exploring with our artists.”
David shares the same passion for fostering a deeper connection between faith and art.
“We want to challenge our artists to think about the lyrics they write and what they want to be singing about. It’s important to promote content that aligns with our values. We also encourage our artists to have an active prayer life. You can’t lead someone where you haven’t been, and you can’t give what you don’t have. Musicians involved in ministry need to spend time with God regularly if they want to lead others there.”
Facing challenges in the music industry
Navigating the modern music industry is no easy task, especially for those with a Catholic perspective. One significant challenge David and Emma have faced is the dominance of streaming services, which can often undervalue the work of artists. David believes the solution lies in fostering more intentional engagement with music.
“The most effective way to work around streaming services is to encourage live events and trends that promote deeper engagement with music, like the current resurgence in vinyl records. People are drawn to records because they represent a time when good music and quality sound weren’t taken for granted.”
David emphasises the need for individuals to make intentional choices about how they consume music and other art forms.
“We’re bombarded with millions of songs marketed to us day and night. Moving away from streaming services is like moving away from social media—it requires prioritising depth over breadth. It’s about choosing to engage with things that help us contemplate and experience true beauty, rather than those that make us numb to life’s miracles.”
The inspiration behind Enemy Love Records
The name Enemy Love Records carries deep theological significance. “For a long time, we struggled to find the right name for the label,” Emma recalls.
“Then one day, during a Mass, Archbishop Mark Coleridge (Archdiocese of Brisbane) said the phrase ‘enemy love’ in his homily. I leaned over to David and whispered, ‘Enemy Love Records,’ and we both loved it.”
David elaborates on the name’s meaning: “The title doesn’t have much to do with music, but it has everything to do with our call as Catholics to love our enemies, to have ‘enemy love’ in our hearts. It’s a powerful and unique love—a love that’s hard to cultivate, but essential for living out our faith.”
Advice for young Catholic musicians
For young Catholic musicians trying to balance their artistic ambitions with their faith, Emma offers this advice: “The arts industry is not always friendly to Catholics, so don’t fool yourself. It’s important to have a good community that will keep you accountable. Be aware of the temptation to compromise your art for the sake of relating to your audience—it’s crucial to uphold your faith. That doesn’t mean you should avoid the secular industry altogether, but you need to have support.”
Though they have no immediate plans to visit Western Australia, the Kruses remain open to the possibility.
“We’d love to come back and work with Catholic artists or run a retreat for parish musicians looking to deepen their faith,” Emma says.
David and Emma Kruse are an inspiring example of what it means to live out one’s faith through creativity. Their dedication to supporting Catholic musicians, coupled with their strong foundation in the Church, promises to leave a lasting impact on the world of Catholic music.
Through Enemy Love Records, they’re not just making music—they’re building a community that celebrates beauty, faith, and the transformative power of love.