HYMNS BY THE SEA

Saltwater Gospel and River Folk Hymns.

Two needles in a haystack—Dutch hand-poked tattoo and visual artist, musician, and songwriter Rhea Pots, and American singer-songwriter, DeBlois Milledge—met through the local body surfing club in Nosara, Costa Rica. Friends kept saying they had to meet. Turns out, they were right.

The first time DeBlois heard Rhea sing her original hymns “Lay Me Down” and “This Morning,” she was moved to the core. The songs felt familiar, like she had known them in her heart long before hearing them. It wasn’t long before the two were singing together, lifting harmonies in the glory of God.

Picture Rhea: riding her Honda knockoff motorcycle, helmet and pads strapped on, fins swinging from the handlebars, ukulele poking out of her backpack—a rolling, singing ray of sunshine.

When Rhea showed up to one of DeBlois’ gigs, she was spontaneously invited on stage. Predictably, she rocked. The next day, DeBlois attended the jam session Rhea hosts at Olo Alaia Surf & Brew. Later that week, they ran into each other at the local cantina with an hour to spare. Over gin and tonics, they talked death—because a beloved fellow musician, Tom, had passed away. They talked God—because death brings us close to the mystery. And they talked music—because music is how they give back, and a is a mutually favorite way to praise the Maker!

Rhea was struck by DeBlois’ presence: grounded, joyful. Their friendship quickly became an artistic and spiritual bond. DeBlois, with her deep-rooted faith and fearless approach to writing and performing, found in Rhea a perfect counterpart—equally bold, deeply curious, and joyfully alive.

Despite coming from different cultural and theological backgrounds, their conversations—whether theological or musical—are marked by mutual respect, laughter, and a sense of divine timing. It’s that rare moment: when the student is ready, the teacher appears—but also, when equals recognize each other on the path.

Hymns By The Sea Volume 1 was recorded at the Harmony Studio in Nosara Costa Rica. tracking mixing and master by Al Souter. @eqtv