Though grounded in the church, Chasen Callahan (center) and his bandmates recognize a need to take their music and message into the world.

You guys started out doing worship music. At what point did Chasen decide to make the leap from being a worship band to fully embracing pop/rock?

Chasen Callahan: It was pretty much decided in August 2007. I was a worship pastor at my church and I decided to stop leading at church and get outside the four walls and tour, whether that meant churches, clubs, colleges or any other venue. I've always dreamt of doing that and now it's coming true.

So who is Shine Though the Stars intended for?

Callahan: I really just want to hit all ages—there's no specific demographic. I write about all of life's situations. I'm about to become a dad, so there's anticipation of having a son and the love I have for him. "Drown" is a song for anybody struggling with anything, from dealing with an addiction to anything holding you back from the presence of God. "Crazy Beautiful" is a song about someone struggling with self-image. It's a blend of songs that try to hit home in everyday life situations.

How did "Crazy Beautiful" become such a radio success before finishing your album?

Callahan: I'm a firm believer in faith and basically said, "God here's the deal. I'm your voice and my music is your words, so do with it whatever you want to do." We did have some big hitters as far as a radio promoter and PR guy, but I truly believe it was simply a matter of God wanting it to happen.

Did success on the charts fuel the idea for the full-length album or was it already in the works?

Callahan: It was already planned, but it's funny because we actually were first sponsored by the Coca Cola company. We had an acoustic EP that was in grocery stones, bundled with a six pack of Dasani [water] that came with a coupon for two bucks off the full-length album. We had intentions of doing the album shortly after, but it didn't fall into place. As an artist I thought "I want this record out there," but it just wasn't the right time. Today, OMG Records is capable of better distribution through EMI and now we're able to get the record out into stores across the world.

How was working with mainstream producer Noel Golden in the studio?

Callahan: He was really down to earth, but it was one of the coolest moments in my life—he's worked with Matchbox Twenty and engineered for Guns N' Roses. We're in contact all the time and talk about life in general. As a believer, he talked about faith with me a lot, even in the studio.

What's your favorite track on the project?

Callahan: I'm so close to "Doubts or Disbelief" because I was on tour in Belize and got to sing that song in two sold-out stadiums. It's an anthem that says "I'm free," and even though not everyone understood what the song meant, 12,000 people were shouting it by the end of the first chorus. And these were people who were dealing with poverty—for them to shout to Jesus and declare "I'm free" was such a huge moment in my life. I thanked God for that moment because it showed me what I have to give as far as servanthood.

Is it natural for you to play in any environment—be it stadium, church, or secular venues—or do you tailor your set more for each specific audience?

Callahan: No, it's not natural for me. I did an acoustic tour with Edwin McCain, who's a good buddy of mine and a very humble guy. I remember playing with him at a club, and for whatever reason, I felt I wasn't supposed to be there. It's just not what comes natural to me. I don't struggle with alcohol, but there was a lot in this place. At that point on the tour, my Sundays were covered up with shows, and even though I was doing daily devotions, it wasn't the same as attending a Sunday morning service where you get refueled to go back out into the world.

But then, I do know that people in the mission field don't always feel that it's natural either, yet they risk dying because of their faith. So in the same sense, these clubs and bars are my mission field. Jesus plainly stated we are the church—the body of Christ, not the structure—so we need to get out of the four walls and reach the unsaved. I don't always feel natural going into these places and seeing the things I see, but that's where I start praying that God will show me what he wants me to do.

Click here to read our review of Chasen's debut album, Shine Through the Stars. You can listen to song clips and buy the band's music at Christianbook.com

© Andy Argyrakis, subject to licensing agreement with Christianity Today International. All rights reserved. Click for reprint information.

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