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Third Day Interviews Jars of Clay
November, 2003


Nov, 2003 -- It is time to take a step back in time to when a couple of young bands would form long-term respect and admiration for each other's ministry and music as they ventured out to make a difference. Third Day and Jars of Clay get caught up when the guys interview the band about their newest release.

Jars of Clay's latest studio release, Who We Are Instead, tackles the issue of who we are truly called to be as Christians in a world that is not our home. Primarily self-produced in Jars of Clay’s own Sputnik Studios, the project also includes the talents of Ron Aniello (Lifehouse, Guster, Barenaked Ladies) as well as friends Ashley Cleveland, Ken Coomer (Wilco) and Ben Mize (Counting Crows).

Did you know that Jars of Clay has…

- 3 Grammy Awards
- 6 Dove Awards and 22 career Dove Award nominations
- 15 #1 radio singles
- Have appeared on The Late Show with David Letterman, Late Night with Conan O’Brien, CNN, CBS This Morning, Entertainment Tonight and much more

TD: The first time we did a show together was in Rome, Georgia. You guys showed up in a mini van pulling gear in a trailer, and I think we all drove separate cars because we weren't bright enough to all ride together to save the gas money. So much has changed for both of us in the last few years. Is there anything you miss from those early days?

JOC: I think one of the things that has changed quite a bit from the early days is our close involvement with our fans. There used to be a LOT of free time while we were out touring. As we've started families and involved ourselves in Blood:Water Mission those opportunities have narrowed a bit. One cool thing that's changed from our early days that has helped make it easier, is the use of the internet and our website to keep fans, friends, and family really well connected to what we're up to, with tour journals, mp3's, and pictures. -Stephen Mason

TD: Your new record seems to have a real core "organic" Jars of Clay sound. Was it a difficult record to make? Do you have any great studio moments to share?

JOC: -After putting out "Furthermore" last year, and recording the acoustic disc, we realized that our band's strengths lie in our acoustic roots and harmonies. So we knew we wanted to make a rootsy/soulful record- less production, less modern rock. It was quite natural for us, almost "easy." We had been listening to Johnny Cash, Solomon Burke, Daniel Lanois. The organic musical beds encouraged an intimate lyrical approach.

Studio hightlights/memories: Working with our guest musicians was fun- especially listening to Ashley Cleveland tear into a couple songs. We just giggled because it was such a perfect fit. Working on bgv's for "Trouble Is" with Kenny Meeks was a treat, as well. -Charlie Lowell

TD: Dan, did your experiences in Africa earlier this year influence your songwriting?

JOC: The relationships that we have built over the last two years in Africa have had a profound impact on the song writing of this band. Mostly because we have seen more and more how the Gospel reaches into hopeless situations, and brings life. We have seen suffering and sorrow and have more understood how important these characters are in the Gospel story. So as we approach these kinds of topics in our writing, we do it with more confidence in redemption than ever before. - Dan Haseltine

TD: We have worked on some various artist projects together. Now that we’re heading into the Christmas season, the City on a Hill Christmas project will be getting a lot of spin-time in our homes. On that project, you guys recorded the song “Bethlehem Town.” What’s the significance of that song to Jars of Clay?

JOC: That song was a pretty significant creative experiment that helped us formulate the direction of our latest studio project. We were very interested in blending organic sounds and textures with very soulful and r&b influenced melodies and harmonies. This was one of our first experiments in this new direction, and the fun that we had working on this led very naturally into inspiring the approach we took on "Who we are instead." -Matt Odmark

TD: So, what are you and the Jars families doing during the holidays?

JOC: Mostly just hanging out with family. Most of us have kids now, so it's nice to be at home for Christmas and start to develop our own traditions. Fortunately, we don't have many shows in December, so it should be very restful. A couple of us are leaving town to go see parents and relatives. -Charlie Lowell

As mentioned above, Jars of Clay appears with us on the City on a Hill Christmas project. We recorded Manger Throne, and Mark Lee co-wrote “Child of Love” with Sara Groves. We love this record and think it would make a great stocking stuffer for the holidays!


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