10 Questions with ... Caleb Rowden

NAME:Caleb Rowden TITLE:Musician LABEL:Slanted Records

Brief Career Synopsis:

Label: Slanted Records
Discography: Free From Ordinary (2006)

1) Can you offer a brief look at your musical journey?

I started in music very young, playing drums and singing in church when I was 3. Some still don't believe that, but it is really true. When we moved to Columbia, MO, where my wife and I live now, I got involved with my church and played drums, guitar and led worship occasionally. About six years ago, I started singing with a vocal trio called Wisdom's Cry, and about two years ago, I finished my first solo record. I signed with Slanted in November 2005 and released FREE FROM ORDINARY in July 2006.

2) How did you get connected to Slanted?

It was actually kind of a friend of a friend thing. The guy that produced the last record we made as a trio knew someone at Slanted (actually his wife worked there), and he knew we were shopping the demo around. So, he let them know about me and let them hear the recording, and I guess the rest is history!

3) What's the story behind your new single "Send Me"?

If you hear "Send Me," you know it is definitely a missions-minded song. The point of it is to remind us that even though we might not be a missionary to a foreign country, we are still called to be a light in the world we live in; and if we submit ourselves to God and his will, he can make a world of difference through us.

4) After singing in the trio, what do you like the most about being a solo artist? What do you like the least about being a solo artist?

I definitely like being a solo artist. You don't have to run every little decision past two other people. Although I do now travel with a consistent band, so we try to keep them in the loop with what is going on. They're pretty laid back. There are no huge downsides to it; none that I can think of anyway!

5) What's the most important message conveyed on FREE FROM ORDINARY?

I think the biggest theme throughout the whole thing is that no matter who we are or what we've come from, there is a God who is madly in love with us. I think just about every song comes back to that in some way. God's grace is amazing; that old song is so true. And we don't have to be perfect to be a recipient of his mercy. He wants us just the way we are!

6) What person has influenced your ministry/your music the most and how?

I think my dad has had the most influence on the ministry over the years. He has managed us for a long time and has been there every step of the way to do whatever needed to be done! He is a very important part of what we do.

7) Imagine life without music as your career; what might you like to do?

Well, when I am not on the road, I am the worship pastor at my home church; so I kind of have a road career and a home career already. If I wasn't in music at all, I would probably be a pastor somewhere. God called me into ministry; ultimately, I think I would be miserable doing anything else.

8) What compels you to write a song?

Absolutely anything! I think any songwriter would tell you that inspiration comes from weird things. Sure, your quiet time with God or reading Scripture can definitely spark an idea, but it can also come from something out of the ordinary like running over a deer or something (that might be bit of a stretch, but you get the point).

9) What's your favorite part about coming home, off the road?

It's definitely getting to spend quality time with my wife. We have been married for about a year and a half, and for the first year, I was gone way more than I was home. So, I like to just sit down with her and watch a movie or some "Seinfeld" or something. I also get to play a little more golf when I am home, which is always a good thing.

10) Have you ever been stranded in the desert?

So funny you should ask. We blew the motor in our travel vehicle in the middle of Utah. It wasn't exactly a desert, but it was close enough for us! Not exactly the greatest trip we have ever had.

1) Who would be a dream artist to record with?

I think everyone would say Bono. Maybe Chris Martin from Coldplay, also. Bono and I could probably work him in if he asked nicely!

2 ) What is your favorite city to visit?

My favorite part of the country has definitely been driving through Vermont. It was absolutely beautiful. I like big cities also, but I really like witnessing God's amazing creation!

3) What is your favorite road meal?

Grilled Chicken Caesar Salad from anywhere

4) Musical guilty pleasures

Anything that is straight pop: JoJo, Natasha Bedingfield. I am a sucker for pop!