From The Media Collective: (Nashville, Tenn) June 16, 2011–Sparrow Records’ critically acclaimed artist Josh Wilson has a history of penning riveting songs that tug at the heartstrings of listeners. As with his captivating chart topper “Before the Morning” (Life is Not a Snapshot, 2009) and now his latest single “Fall Apart” (See You, 2011) testimonials from fans are pouring in explaining how the song has touched their lives and how God has pulled them through when they too had “fallen apart.”
Due to the influx of responses, Wilson has launched www.whenifallapart.com, where listeners can watch a touching video from Wilson and hear personal accounts of how their faith pulled them through tough times. Wilson’s hope is that the website can serve as an outlet and resource for those who want to share their story or be encouraged.
Wilson was moved to write “Fall Apart” after he witnessed a friend endure a difficult divorce.
“Right in the middle of it, we had this really amazing conversation, and he said that even though everything was falling apart, he felt God’s presence more than he ever had,” says Wilson. “He saw how much he needed God. Hard times are a magnifying glass on how much we need him. That’s when we feel God’s presence the most.”
This fall, Wilson will continue to perform the single in addition to other songs from See You, as he shares the stage with GRAMMY ® award winning artist Steven Curtis Chapman and Andrew Peterson. For a full list of tour dates please visit www.joshwilsonmusic.com.
Matt “the Electrician” Sever is perhaps one of the most interesting singer/songwriters I’ve had yet to encounter. Hailing from the bustling metropolis of Austin, TX, Matt began work as a “journeyman electrician” during the day and while playing shows at night until eventually pursuing music full-time. However, the name “Matt the Electrician” stuck. (To fully appreciate the story, read it yourself on the “Story” page of Matt’s website.) Apparently the full-time musician thing worked for Matt because he has just released his seventh studio album, Accidental Thief, which is a fantastic blend of sounds, instruments, and lyrical prowess. I’ve been enjoying Matt’s fine melodies day in and day out since receiving his album, and I love it! So, naturally, I was excited when Matt took time out of his day to Take 5 with Backseat Writer answering his question IN ALL CAPS. I think it adds a certain effect to this interview.
Accidental Thief is your seventh studio album. How has your music changed since that debut album?
I THINK THE BIGGEST CHANGE OVER THE YEARS HAS HAD TO DO WITH MY ABILITY TO EXPRESS MYSELF IN WORDS THE WAY THAT I WANT TO. I’M CONSTANTLY BEING INSPIRED BY THE WRITERS AND MUSICIANS AROUND ME, AND THAT GROUP OF PEOPLE HAS EXPANDED MORE AND MORE OVER THE YEARS, AND I THINK THE BENEFIT OF THAT IS ABSOLUTELY PRICELESS.
My absolute favorite song on your album is “I Will Do The Breathing.” The whole concept of the song, the lyrics, the melody—it’s remarkable. What inspired you to write this song?
MY WIFE’S FATHER PASSED AWAY A COUPLE OF YEARS AGO, AFTER BEING SICK FOR ALMOST 30 YEARS, AND IT WAS REALLY HARD ON HER AND HER FAMILY, AND A VERY COMPLICATED SITUATION ON TOP OF THAT. MY WIFE IS A VISUAL ARTIST, AND SHE BEGAN CREATING A SERIES OF DRAWINGS AND PAINTINGS THAT WERE BASED AROUND IMAGES OF A DEEP SEA DIVER MASK AND FEATHERS, AMONG OTHER THINGS. THROUGHOUT THAT PROCESS, AND IT’S STILL FAIRLY FRESH EVEN NOW, I’VE JUST BEEN TRYING TO BE THERE FOR HER, IN WHATEVER WAY I CAN.
THE VERSES ARE ABOUT WATCHING HER DEAL WITH ALL OF THIS, AND IN THE CHORUS, I BORROWED SOME OF THE IMAGERY FROM HER ARTWORK, TO LET HER KNOW THAT I WAS THERE. BUT WHEN I FINISHED THE CHORUS, I FELT THAT IT SOUNDED A LITTLE ARROGANT, LIKE I COULD SOMEHOW SAVE HER, AND MAKE EVERYTHING ALL RIGHT. AND THE MORE I THOUGHT ABOUT THAT, THE MORE I REALIZED THAT IT WASN’T JUST ME, BUT A WHOLE COMMUNITY OF FRIENDS AND FAMILY THAT WERE THERE FOR HER. AND EVEN WITHIN ME, IT’S REALLY ONLY BECAUSE I HAVE SUCH A GREAT SUPPORT GROUP AND NETWORK OF FRIENDS THAT I’M ABLE TO BE STEADY FOR HER. SO I HAD AS MANY OF MY FRIENDS COME AND SING ON THE LAST CHORUS. IT WAS MY WAY OF SAYING THAT IT’S NOT JUST ME, IT’S ALL OF HER FRIENDS AND FAMILY, BUT ALSO, ALL OF MY FRIENDS AND FAMILY.
“All I Know” is the first music video from Accidental Thief. Isn’t it great?
Another one of my faves on Accidental Thief is the title track. Tell me about it.
I CO-WROTE THAT SONG WITH JOHN ELLIOTT, A FANTASTIC SONGWRITER FROM LOS ANGELES. IT STARTED MORE LITERALLY. JOHN HAD ACTUALLY, ACCIDENTALLY STOLEN SOME SUNGLASSES–PICKED THEM UP IN A STORE, SHOPPED AROUND, AND THEN WALKED OUT WITHOUT THINKING. HE SAID HE HAD WANTED TO WRITE A SONG ABOUT AN ACCIDENTAL THIEF. ONCE WE STARTED WRITING, IT QUICKLY TURNED MORE METAPHORICAL, AND BECAME MORE ABOUT A GUY (SOMEONE WHO JOHN AND I MAY OR MAY NOT HAVE BEEN IN OUR YOUNGER YEARS)…AND THIS GUY, WELL, HE’S KIND OF A JERK. BUT HE DOESN’T MEAN TO BE. AND HE SEEMS TO BE PRETTY SELF-CENTERED. BUT HE’S NOT SORRY. BUT I DON’T THINK HE HONESTLY KNOWS, IN THE MOMENT, WHAT KIND OF DAMAGE HE’S DOING. I THINK WE JUST WANTED THERE TO BE SOME SORT OF EMPATHY FOR HIM, ALTHOUGH MAYBE HE DOESN’T DESERVE IT. BUT AT THE END OF THE DAY, OR A RELATIONSHIP, IT IS WHAT IT IS. IS THAT VAGUE ENOUGH?
You personally play a lot of instruments on this album, including banjo, trumpet, alto horn, banjo, Wurlitzer (fun to say), air organ, guitars, piano, toy piano (what?!), and glockenspiel (also fun to say.) While this makes for an assortment of fun musical sounds, what was it like learning all these instruments? (And how long have you been playing the glockenspiel?)
SADLY, I HAVE NOT “LEARNED” ALMOST ANY OF THEM, BUT I CERTAINLY HAVE FUN EXPERIMENTING IN THE STUDIO. I DO PLAY SEVERAL BRASS INSTRUMENTS, AND HAVE BEEN PLAYING THE TRUMPET SINCE I WAS 5 YEARS OLD, SO I WILL TAKE CREDIT FOR KNOWING WHAT I’M DOING IN THOSE PARTS. HOWEVER, I’M A HORRIBLE PIANO PLAYER. AS A MUSIC MAJOR IN COLLEGE, I FAILED MY PIANO COMPETENCY TEST 6 SEMESTERS IN A ROW.
Now, onto our final question…what’s the last thing that made you laugh out loud?
{With thanks to Matt Sever and Tim Broun at The Musebox for my review copy of Accidental Thief and making this Take 5 possible!}
Readers, what do you think of Matt the Electrician? Do you love his as much as me? What did you think of the “All I Know” video? Guys, are you going to grow a beard like Matt’s? Can you play the glockenspiel? Chime in, folks, that’s what the comments section is for!
When I first heard Jenny & Tyler, I was feeling overwhelmed by the bland music surrounding me. Jenny & Tyler’s smooth vocals, fresh lyrics, and folk/pop style instantly excited me. There was an unexplainable synergy between the duo and I picked up on that immediately. Jenny (of Jenny & Tyler) shares about the duo’s latest album,Faint Not, in this Take 5. (Learn about how to download the single “Faint Not” for free at the end of the interview.)
You two have such great synergy as a musical duo (and I would imagine as a married couple.) I could really see it in the music videos for “Faint Not” and “This is Just So Beautiful.” How does your relationship add to the dynamic of your music/songwriting?
I think part of what’s fun about writing and making music together is that we’re comfortable being completely honest with each other. We also know each other really well and sometimes that helps when one of us is having difficulty communicating a specific emotion or feeling. When one of us is stumped lyrically or musically the other can usually pick up and finish the song.
When we perform together (or shoot videos together!) it’s easy to just completely be ourselves. The audience or the listener picks up on that. When you’re being genuine, people can tell. And when you’re not, they can tell too.
My favorite song on Faint Not is (all of them) “Carry Me” (And who’s the guy singing in the background? Is he supposed to signify the voice of God?)
I’m so glad you like “Carry Me”. It was written from a desperate place. One morning I was feeling really overwhelmed by my sin. In that same moment I was reminded of how big God’s grace is. The best part is that the Lord doesn’t grow weary in forgiving us. The “voice of God” is Mac Powell from Third Day. We had the opportunity to open for him a few years back and when we were writing the bridge Tyler said, “You know who would be perfect for this part?” and we just knew he should sing it. His voice is so strong and really powerful. I think it worked out pretty well.
Another incredibly powerful song is “Song For You.” (Seriously, wow!) What prompted you to write this song?
“Song for You” is about the stubborn love of God and how it pursues us before we know Him or before we want it too. We actually wrote five choruses to the song before we settled on the current one. Honestly, the song wasn’t inspired about a specific moment; we just wanted to communicate how amazing the love of God is, both in how he feels and his actions. He’s done everything he has to do to bring us to Him, namely in Jesus. The ball is in our court so to speak.
What has been the best part of your musical journey? The worst part?
The best part is doing this together. Neither of us would want to tour the country and make music alone. When one of us is feeling weak or discouraged the other is able to pick up the slack.
The worst part of our musical journey is being on the road and missing our community. We love meeting new people and traveling, but we do miss our Nashville family when we’re away.
And now onto a lighter question, what was the last book you read? (And did you like it?)
Tyler read and thoroughly enjoyed Desiring God by John Piper. I read Little Bee by Chris Cleave. To be honest, it was a bit disappointing.
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Because Jenny & Tyler and Mixtus Media are awesome, they are offering a FREE SONG DOWNLOAD from Faint Not for Backseat Writer’s readers (that’s you!) To download the album’s title track, “Faint Not,” click the “Faint Not” logo below. You will be taken to another site for download. No worries. It is not run by James or his associates.
Undoubtedly, after hearing this fantastic track, you’re going to want to buy the whole album, which you can do at their website, JennyandTylerMusic.com. Additionally, if you are so enamored with Jenny & Tyler, that you want to become a J&T super fan, then follow them on Twitter and friend them on Facebook.
When I first interviewed Josh Wilson several years ago about his debut album, Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup (2008), we formed a special bond between writer and musician, which continues today. I have made no secret about my appreciation for Josh, as a musician, friend, and fellow human being. Naturally, that brings a whole new element to an interview, like talking to an old friend about an exciting project. Essentially that’s what it was like to interview Josh about his latest album, See You.
Available February 8, See You (Sparrow) is an amazing project, in which Josh has poured himself heart and soul (read album review). Working with my one of my favorite producers, Matt Bronleewe, Josh shows maturation in his craft as a singer/songwriter. But his sincerity and witty personality remain intact. In fact, at the end of the interview I told Josh that his self-titled album (a mash-up of his two previous albums) is available as a $5 download on Amazon.com. In true Josh Wilson fashion, he quipped, “Five dollars? I better go buy that!”
It is these qualities that make Josh Wilson one of my favorite musicians in the music business. And just one of my favorite people in general. After that glorious introduction, I now present our interview.
You have a new album coming out Feb. 8 called See You…
I’m incredibly excited for people to hear these songs. I recorded them last August, so I’ve been sitting on them like a Christmas present that I’ve been waiting to give away. I’m excited to give it away.
Let’s talk about the title track for a minute. “See You”—that’s a pretty deep song. I thought it was going to be a nice, little happy song. It’s a hard song to listen to.
I struggled when I wrote it to figure out how to resolve the song because it deals with wanting to see God in the hard times, but not being able to. The first verse talks about a sick child—a reference to my friends who have a son with a heart condition. The second verse talks about a divorce. I had a good buddy go through a divorce this year. I think those are two kinds of situations when people ask, “Where is God? If God is really there and He loves us, then why is this happening?” I have certainly experienced things in life where I can’t see God. The song says that in the middle of all this, I don’t see You.
I didn’t know how to resolve the song because I didn’t what to leave it there. The song is followed by an instrumental version of “It Is Well (With My Soul),” which is a response to that song. But I didn’t want someone to listen to the album and hear the song, but not hear the resolution—the hope that we do have in Christ. “See You” doesn’t end with a big bowtie around it but it certainly points to the fact that although we don’t see Christ in those moments, we are going to one day.
I sort of like the unresolved tension.
Yeah, as an artist, as a creative element, I do, too. I like to watch movies with unresolved endings and I like music that sits in the moment.
You know, I was thinking about this album as I was writing the review (which everyone should read), and I’ve been listening to this album from start to finish, from start to finish over and over again. And you start with “Sing It” and end the album with the “Sing It” reprise. This album really should be listened to as a whole project. It’s not a bunch of songs with a few that sound good on radio. The whole project sort of fits together and the songs flow together. Was that intentional?
Not when I was writing the songs. When I picked the songs to go on the album, I did try to find a common thread. “Sing It” talks about not having enough words, melodies, and chords to capture God, our Creator. I wanted to put this group of songs in with that song because that sums me up as an artist.
I wrote “3 Minute Song.” It was kind of the same thing. The more I write, the more I’m realizing that I’ll never be able to write enough. I don’t think that’s necessarily the theme that runs through the album, that’s why I chose to call it See You and that’s why “See You” falls dead center in the track listing.
This is the first album that I’m really proud of the order of songs and the flow of music. Every song is not the same. It doesn’t all talk about seeing God. But I think that theme comes in and out.
How much did your producer, Matt Bronleewe, contribute to that?
A great deal. This is the first time I have recorded a single album with a single producer. I feel like this album was very cohesive because it was just Matt and me from the very beginning. Because of that, he was able to help me string things together. It makes the album a complete thought.
The other thing I love about your music is that you’re really involved with all aspects of creation, like you played 18 different instruments on this album.
Yeah, that was something Matt challenged me to do and it’s something that I’ve done on previous albums. Besides bass and drums, there’s everything from autoharp to ukulele to accordion, and a hammered dulcimer.
Haha, yes, a glockenspiel because it’s fun to say! I was excited to go into the studio and say, “Could you turn up the glockenspiel?”
That’s hilarious! I get this idea that when you go into the studio or write a song, you’re like this creation genius, like you have all these instruments around you and you start pumping out songs like Bob Dylan.
Well, I wish it was as easy as walking into a place and it all just sort of happens around you. But the writing process is a slow one for me. It takes a while. When we get into the studio, there is a bit of a mad scientist element. Matt has all these instruments in there and we’d listen to a track, and I’d say, “Let me try this!” There’s a good element of spontaneity in the recording process. That’s not to say that every idea is a good one, so Matt helped a lot in that process.
I think you had said at some point there’s more of you in this album.
Hmm…I feel as a writer I’m growing and hopefully each song I write is a little more honest. That’s why I feel like I can write a song like “See You” that deals with doubt because that’s something I struggle with. Any Christian who’s honest struggles with the same thing. Each song is about something I’ve been through or a close friend has been through. I try to stay close to real life stories and build songs from that.
I noticed in the song, “They Just Believe,” which you wrote about your 2009 trip to India, you say, “I believe, help my unbelief.” This is a direct quote from the Gospels. What does this mean to you?
You know, the funny thing about doubt is that statement. I do believe, but at the same time I struggle with unbelief. At the same time, I have to fall back on the promise that Jesus made that He’s with us, that He’s never going to leave us or forsake us. In the moments that I don’t see God or don’t feel like I can, I have to remember what He’s brought me through. When you put it all together, it makes the most sense to say, “I believe; help my unbelief.”
That’s my prayer a lot of times.
Absolutely. Sometimes it’s the most appropriate thing to pray.
As we wrap up, is there anything about this album you think the folks need to know?
I really am proud of this album. I’m really excited for people to hear it. I hope they hear honesty and I hope I haven’t skirted any hard issues in these songs. Scripture doesn’t do that; Jesus doesn’t do that; and life certainly doesn’t do that. We can’t pretend that everything’s always smiley. While I do deal with a lot of hard things, what I want people to take away is hope. As Christians, we are equipped to deal with the most difficult things in life because Jesus went through them. I hope people will take away hope in the middle of pain.
For more Josh Wilson goodness, head over to his website at JoshWilsonMusic.com and hook up with Josh on all your favorite social networks, including Twitter (@joshwilson) and Facebook (facebook.com/joshwilson). Also, you can see Josh live on the summer festival circuit and this fall he’s touring with music veterans Steven Curtis Chapman and Andrew Peterson.
JJ Heller’s album, When I’m With You, is one of my absolute favorite albums of 2010…and I didn’t write about it, until now! Honestly, JJ has knock-out vocals, a clean sound, and an upbeat melodies. I can’t get enough of her album. So I was thrilled beyond all reason when JJ decided to UnWrap Christmas with Backseat Writer. Oh, and go buy her album. I mean it.
Did you score any good deals on Black Friday? Is it a day of great deals or terrifying chaos?
I consider myself a bargain shopper, but it’s a little too intense for me. I mean… they call it Black Friday for a reason.
Where are you spending Christmas this year…and what are you looking most forward to?
I’m spending Christmas day at home in AZ with my husband and daughter. We’ve been traveling so much this year that spending any time at home sounds special to me. There’s always a Christmas puzzle with the family that I’m sure I’ll help with.
What was the best Christmas gift you ever received? (Don’t say “Jesus” because that’s a given!)
My daughter, Lucy, was born on December 6th, 2008. Although it wasn’t Christmas day, I think it’s close enough.
Describe one of the most hilarious Christmases.
The first year that I tried to join in the Heller family’s annual Christmas soccer game in Phoenix. I know how to shoot baskets, and hit softballs, but my soccer skills plateaued when I was 5 years old on a co-ed team.
*What’s your fave Christmas song/Christmas movie or cartoon/Christmas cookie?
Song: O Holy Night
Movie: White Christmas
Cartoon: Rudolf the Red-nosed Reindeer
Cookie: A little piece of each one
New Year’s resolution—yes or no? If yes, what is your resolution?
I’m resolving to be more present every day. I’m realizing more and more that it’s important to live in the moment rather than comparing it to what else I could be doing.
Counting the Stars, Andrew Peterson’s latest album, is a work of beauty. Despite being a vastly popular album, Peterson makes the listener feel as if he or she is sitting in a quiet little coffeehouse enjoying the music of a guy who is too good to be playing the venue. A quality singer/songwriter who has been just under the limelight for the past 10 years, Peterson’s Counting the Stars is his best album yet…or so I hear since I’ve only been recently introduced to Peterson’s work. Andrew Peterson was kind enough to Take 5 with Backseat Writer.
When listening to Counting the Stars, I can’t help but feeling like I’m sitting with an old friend as he plays his folksy guitar (especially with the song “Many Roads”). I love that you have the connection with your audience—how is this an important element of your music?
My favorite part about music is not the music but the connection it creates. As much as I love a pretty guitar part or a good lyric, the real excitement for me happens when I get to share it with someone. Walt Wangerin said that art isn’t art until it’s shared. There has to be an exchange. That’s where the rubber meets the road.
Counting the Stars is hands-down one of my favorite album titles ever. And my favorite song on your new album is, uh, I can’t pick on. What should my favorite song be?
Oh, I don’t know. I like all of them or they wouldn’t be on the record. I’m just glad you’re listening. Depending on the day, I like “The Reckoning” best.
(Amy’s note: Since asking the question, I have decided that “The Reckoning is also my favorite song!)
“Dancing in the Minefields” is such a sweet and romantic song. How did your marriage inspire this song?
It was inspired by an argument I got in with my wife right after our 15th wedding anniversary. It was my way of making up. It’s a reminder to me and to Jamie that we made a promise and we’re in this for the long haul. I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Counting the Stars is my first Andrew Peterson album. Now that I’m a mega-fan, what other albums do I need to own and why?
Aw, shucks. Thanks! I think the right way to do it if you’re just discovering an artist is to buy albums in reverse order. It’s fun to see their progression, not just in the way they sound, but in the things they’re singing about. That means your next record is Resurrection Letters, Vol. II, followed by The Far Country. Oh, and you should probably buy eighty-seven copies of each.
When was the last time you laughed so hard you cried? And what was so dang funny?
Ooh, that’s an easy one. Just last night after the show, “The Captains Courageous” (Ben Shive and Andy Gullahorn) and I watched one of Brian Regan’s comedy shows on Netflix and laughed till it hurt. The dude is funny.
For more information on Andrew Peterson, visit him online at Andrew-Peterson.com, and also check out his grassroots literary and music community, The Rabbit Room.
By Melissa Riddle-Chalos When you spend your formative years, moving every couple of years to a new place, a new church, watching your Baptist preacher-father burning out of the ministry, seeds are planted in a boy’s heart.
For Chris McClarney those seeds—full of the potential for disillusionment and doubt—grew a garden of gracious gifts: the desire to serve others; eyes to see the deeper lessons in our hard-knock lives; a fundamental belief in the goodness and faithfulness of God; and the words to bring those realities together in song.
Now, with the August 10th release of Defender, Chris McClarney delivers one of the most soulful modern worship collections in recent years—a triumphant proclamation that God’s got his sleeves rolled up and he’s working it all out for our good…even if we can’t see it.
“That whole Job story is often misunderstood,” Chris says, just a few short days after flood waters ravaged thousands of homes in Nashville. “God didn’t do bad things to Job. All the horrible things: floods, Katrina, earthquakes, economic fallout, tough times… God has not forgotten us. He’s not mad at us. He’s got great plans for us. His love and grace are endless.” And who could possibly deliver such a truth as convincingly as one ordinary guy who has experienced it.
Picture Chris, a young husband and father of two little girls, tucked away in a tiny church office, preparing for worship at a small, but growing congregation. He’s wandering through the book of Romans, concerned about a friend who is going through a rough time. By Wednesday night, while leading worship, he finds himself singing Romans 8:28: ‘All things work together for my good / You make all things new…’
“I sang it for a really long time,” Chris says of the song that would eventually become “Your Love Never Fails.” “Something was right about it; it felt like everybody there needed to sing it, to feel it… so it stuck.” Months went by and Chris wrote a few verses, rehearsed it with his church band.
Like many songwriters, Chris felt that God wanted him to record some of his songs. “I thought maybe that was just my own voice in my head,” he said, “So I told God, ‘If this is from you, you’ll provide the money… I’m not going into debt…’ A couple of days later, a guy emails me, saying ‘I’m supposed to give you money. What do you need it for?’”
Within a few days, a very large check arrived. In the meantime, the church sound guy had ‘bootlegged’ the rehearsal recording of “Your Love Never Fails,” which wound up on MySpace and BOOM! Jesus Culture records it and takes it around the world.
Within a matter of months, “Your Love Never Fails” lands in the Top 100 on iTunes’ Christian chart, the top 10 iTunes CD Introducing Chris McClarney heads into production, the phone starts ringing and McClarney signs with iconic UK worship label, Kingsway Music. And just like that, the impossible becomes reality.
And so, with 15 years of worship leading under his belt, 30-year old Chris McClarney’s insightful way with words and his authentic, bluesy voice began achieving a certain recognition. Not that recognition was ever the point. “God’s either in it or not, and there’s nothing you can do about it… I can’t help but think of the story of David,” Chris says. “God anoints him to be King, but he doesn’t do king things or go to king school, David goes back to doing what he’s always done. Tending sheep….”
Recently named a “Top 10 Artist to Watch in 2010” by GospelMusicChannel.com, McClarney’s first full-length CD, Defender, is packed with songs inspired by real life among the sheep, the lessons learned and the truth of Scripture.
“Your Love Never Fails”—a ‘simple song of gratitude’ released as the first single in May 2010—continues to impact people worldwide with its powerful message of God’s unwavering faithfulness. “Many of us are currently facing an immediate, dire need for God to come through in a big way,” Chris says. “The truth: God has not forgotten you, He is closer than you could ever imagine, He is still the same today as yesterday, and His ultimate goal is ‘that you might have life, and life abundantly.’”
“Defender” the title track, was inspired by a difficult ‘he-said-she-said’ situation that sent Chris back to the Bible, looking for answers. He landed in the story of Jehosophat. “He’s surrounded in battle,” Chris says, “and he puts the singers at the front of the army, the marching band—of all people!—which would’ve been completely ridiculous in real life, but God wanted it that way. And God fought that battle for them. He was their Defender, just as He is ours.”
“The song says, ‘We don’t know what to do, but our eyes are fixed on You.’ There’s just something about saying ‘God is our defense.’ When we say, ‘The name of the Lord is a strong tower; the righteous run into it and are saved,’ it takes a lot of pressure off. We need to say it, to proclaim the truth of who God is, not just because we need to hear it, but because times are tough and because God’s promises are real.”
As he’s watched God do impossible things in his own life, Chris McClarney has learned to stay on his knees, relying on the promises of God and focused on what matters most.
“Sure, there this part of me that wants to be a rock star,” Chris says. “I would never do anything to push that. I’ve been real hands off, surrounded myself with people who remind me that I’m a regular guy. There’s nothing special about me… It is what it is. There’s nothing more important to me than following God and being a husband and a dad. If anything ever interfered with that, I’d lay it down. What’s gonna matter is that my two little girls know they’re loved.
“When it’s all said and done, I hope I’m like Mary Magdalene who ‘wastes it all,’ who gives every precious gift over to God.”
Josh Wilson isn’t just one of the nicest guys in Nashville; he’s also one of the most talented. And that’s saying a lot in a city chock full of musical geniuses. This humble singer/songwriter would not count himself among the elite, but his latest self-titled release proves that Josh Wilson will soon be a household name. That is, if he’s not already.
A mash-up of his first two Sparrow Records releases—Trying to Fit the Ocean in a Cup (2008) and Life Is Not a Snapshot (2009)—the self-titled compilation includes my favorite Wilson song, “Savior, Please” and his first #1 hit, “Before the Morning.” The album also contains fan favorites like Wilson’s incredible instrumental version of “Amazing Grace” (Note: Even more incredible performed at a live show), “3 Minute Song” and “Sing.” Of course, it’s hard to pick out a favorite on an album full of all my favorite Josh Wilson songs.
Let’s me level with you—Josh is the real deal in an airbrushed, over-edited world. Not only is his music extraordinary, his love for God and people shines through his persona and radiates in his craft. I cannot more highly recommend Josh Wilsonfor people of all ages.
Singer/songwriter Justin McRoberts has long been a favorite artist of mine, so I was extremely interested in hearing his latest album, Through Songs I Was First Undone. The recent release contains some of McRoberts favorite songs from artists such as Aimee Mann, Nine Inch Nails, George Michael, and Tom Petty. Interestingly enough, McRobert’s spin on the songs is a surprisingly spiritual experience. While waiting for the imminent birth of his second child, Justin still graciously participated in a “Take 5” with Backseat Writer. Congrats to the McRoberts family on the addition of their newest family member, Asa Jonathan McRoberts born on June 5 (click for baby pic).
Some people might be surprised by some of the song choices on Through Songs I Was First Undone. Why did you choose such a wide variety of songs?
This process was actually rather stressful. I started with a much longer list than 10 [songs] and could have gone a few different directions with song choices but eventually stuck with the 10 I thought I could perform most honorably.
The thing that ties each of the songs together is “Story”. Not that every song is written in story form, but that every song is reflective of a story; whether it be the artist’s story, as in the case with Tom Waits’ “Georgia Lee” or the culture’s story as in the case of NIN’s “Head Like A Hole.” If I had an agenda going into this project, it was to make reveal the common nature of the human story as it is communicated in and through art. So, whether it’s a pop song or a folk ballad or an industrial track, the same basic themes show up.
One of my favorite covers on the album is “No One is to Blame.” Every though I’ve sung along to this song on the radio my whole life, I still have no idea what it’s about (except that no one is to blame). What is the song about and what did you choose it?
It’s hard to say for sure what the song is about, since Howard Jones never said much about its specifics. Some believe the line “you want her and she wants you” hints at some kind of extra-relational affair. I’m not so convinced. It seems far more general than that. The following line “we want everyone” seems to imply this to me; that it’s not so much about a particular desire for a particular person but the constant dissatisfaction we find in the pursuit of pleasure.
Until your album, I never heard the song “Georgia Lee.” It’s such a sad and beautiful song, and it asks so many of the questions that we as Christians ask ourselves all the time. How has this song impacted you personally?
The question of God’s goodness is central to the human story. It is, in many ways, the ultimate question. I touch on this only slightly in a blog post about the song (read post). Waits’ song takes us to the most vulnerable part of our collective self (our kids) and forces us to sincerely question if we can trust God. I don’t think the answer to this question is ever a one time “yes” or “no.” It is a constant question; a continual tension between our expectations and reality. I dealt with it most prominently in light of my father’s suicide and have since found great solace in songs or stories that touch on the unresolved nature of this tension.
What I love about your music, and even with your album of cover songs, is that you put so much thought into the songs you choose to release. You also explain your reasons behind your choices on your blog. How has blogging allowed you to connect with fans?
Well, after years of ‘knowing’ that storytelling was an integral element to my work as an artist, I finally made space for that activity outside of being physically present. Of course, the best case scenario for storytelling is physical presence but the blog has been a solid option. Also, the balance between “talk” and “rock” can be a bit testy; knowing that I can tell a whole story online keeps me from feeling like I have to wrap everything up during a 90 minute show.
It has also been a great discipline for me as a communicator. I really enjoy writing and would like to do more with it.
I remember the old days when you were on 5 Minute Walk with Five Iron Frenzy, The W’s, and the rest of the game. If you could go back and talk to that Justin McRoberts, what would you tell him? (And what do you miss most about Five Iron Frenzy? Reese paid me $10 to ask that question…not really.)
Oh, wow.. um.. I’d probably tell him to eat less white flour. That’s for starters.
More important than that, I’d tell him that he could be more confident about his convictions because he’d end up being right: Make friends instead of fans; Make partnerships instead of contacts; Continue to value “Home” as his anchor and be the same person in all situations. I’d tell him to go ahead and write the songs he wants to write because he’d end up being right about that, too; people really want to deal with aationalism, sexual identity, poverty, etc. That “sales” can never dictate his decision making.
What I miss about FIF is that they really “did business” they way I do: relationally. I loved that they intentionally blessed people and valued their friendships and partnerships above their profits.
Due to my full schedule, I have asked some of my favorite people to guest post here on Backseat Writer. Fascinated with the Villages Suite and the book singer/songwriter Josh Rosenthal is working on, I asked Josh if he would share a bit more about his project. In the following post, he takes readers into a journey into the deep recesses of the mind of an artist, which can be a tormenting place indeed. Thank you for this intuitive post, Josh!—Amy @ BSW
THE MIND OF AN ARTIST
By Josh Rosenthal, special to Backseat Writer I’ve struggled with giving myself a title as long as I’ve been in the music business. I even made business cards once, but I put only my name. No title. Yes, I write songs, but I struggle believing I’m a songwriter. Especially after writing with guys like Josh Wilson, Mitch Dane and Jeff Pardo. I perform on a stage for a living, but am I an entertainer? I’m no Dave Barnes, Michael Buble or Oprah.
I want to be somebody. Every artist desires to distinguish themselves from the masses. Sometimes, I feel like Antonio Salieri in Amadeus when he feels cursed to know music well enough to know that he’s not as good as Mozart. I like to think that I handle it differently that Salieri. I have no plans to kill anyone. But I’m certainly guilty of comparing myself to the point of stealing my own joy and devaluing the gifts I’ve been given. I have searched for my identity by measuring myself against others. All guilty of this have lived in Salieri-like, self-pitying moments of failing to meet irrational self-imposed standards.
But isn’t that the plague and blessing of every artist? We all want to be the better than Mozart. It is a plague in that we never rest fully because we can’t stop dreaming, yet a blessing because we believe our life and message matter enough to display for all to see (and hopefully purchase). We all want to reach Malcolm Gladwell’s tipping point or assemble Seth Godin’s tribe. And should we believe in the strength of our message in the hands of the masses, we are challenged to create more and better.
Every artist has a message, even if it is unspoken. I believe my message warrants representation in various medium. That’s why I’m writing a book now. I recently released four albums in four months– the Villages Suite. Each album explored, in various ways, our innate need for real, meaningful relationships. God did not create us to be alone, but in America we love the myth of the cowboy. He rides into the sunset alone and we idolize his disappearing silhouette wishing we were as strong and noble. But we don’t see that he goes to sleep alone at night and eventually dies alone. The images we envy are not conducive to a happy, sustainable life when played out in reality.
Through therapy and other cathartic means, I’ve searched for who I am. God willing, I have many years left in me; thousands of songs to write; a dozen more books; thousands of more people to influence positively. My business cards might forever be without a title, but I know my role as a creative-type: to affect positive change for God’s kingdom with the gifts God gave me until I stop breathing.
Josh Rosenthal is a singer/songwriter music lands somewhere in between John Mayer and Willie Nelson, creating a unique sound and honest tone. Originally from Texas, Josh and his wife reside in Salt Lake City. You can learn more about Josh Rosenthal at his website:JoshRosenthalOnline.com.
"Writing, to me, is simply thinking through my fingers." Isaac Asimov
Under the Hood
All About Amy
Amy Sondova is a writer specializing in media writing, including interviews and reviews, as well as blogging. Having interviewed over a gazillion of the top musicians, writers, and speakers in the Christian media, Amy has also written countless columns, reviews, and articles on various topics including mental illness, self-injury, working with teenagers, and Christianity. She is currently very involved with her church and her new passion, women's ministry. She lives with BFF Sarah and has a shih tzu named Maddy and a cockatiel named Kylie.
From The Media Collective: (Nashville, Tenn) June 16, 2011–Sparrow Records’ critically acclaimed artist Josh Wilson has a history of penning riveting songs that tug at the heartstrings of listeners. As with his captivating chart topper “Before the Morning” (Life is Not a Snapshot, 2009) and now his latest single “Fall Apart” (See You, 2011) testimonials from fans are pouring in explaining how the song has touched their lives and how God has pulled them through when they too had “fallen apart.”
By Josh Rosenthal, special to Backseat Writer I’ve struggled with giving myself a title as long as I’ve been in the music business. I even made business cards once, but I put only my name. No title. Yes, I write songs, but I struggle believing I’m a songwriter. Especially after writing with guys like 
Josh Rosenthal is a singer/songwriter music lands somewhere in between John Mayer and Willie Nelson, creating a unique sound and honest tone. Originally from Texas, Josh and his wife reside in Salt Lake City. You can learn more about Josh Rosenthal at his website:
HONK YER HORN