Introducing ...Chasen
Singer/songwriter Chasen Callahan talks about scoring a radio hit with "Crazy Beautiful" before recording a debut album with his acoustic pop band.
by Andy Argyrakis | posted 7/07/2008
 1 of 2
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.
 |
|
 |
|
|
|
|
Try 3 Issues of Christianity Today Free!
|
 |
|
Subscribe to Christianity Today and get 3 free trial issues. No credit card required.
Please allow 4-6 weeks for delivery. Offer valid in U.S. only.
If you decide you want to keep Christianity Today coming, honor your invoice for just $19.95 and receive nine more issues, a full year in all. If not, simply write "cancel" across the invoice and return it. The three trial issues are yours to keep, regardless.
|
|
|
|
|
|
 |
|
 |
| 
