10 Questions with ... Chasen

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

LINE-UP:

• Chasen Callahan
• Evan Silver
• Aaron Lord
• Jared Barber

LABEL:

• INO Records

DISCOGRAPHY:

• That Was Then, This Is Now (2010)

1) Briefly introduce the band members. Who does what?

Chasen Callahan is the leader and founder of the band and is the lead vocalist and plays guitar. Evan Silver is the lead guitarist and does BGVs. Aaron Lord is our drummer and Jared Barber is on bass and does BGVs.

2) How did you get connected with INO Records? What's your musical story?

Chasen: We started out leading worship at camps and churches seven years ago. I've been a worship pastor for 10 years doing camps here and there. It got to a point where the calls kept coming in and I felt the call to do music full time so I found guys that committed to make the band with me. We were signed to a small independent label in Greenville, SC with ties to Edwin McCain. After two years of trying to make it there we went our separate ways.

When that happened, I asked God if this was really where he wanted us. We still did shows and I continued to write while doing church work, just trying to make it. We met some friends at GMA Week one year and they introduced us to INO. We had a meeting and just really loved what they were about and how they treated their artists. So in February 2009 we signed a deal and have loved every minute! They have been awesome to work with and have made it possible to take our ministry to the next level.

3) Tell us real quick about the story behind the current single "On and On."

The meaning of "On and On" was inspired by the lack of hope in the media these days. I felt as though everything moral and right was crumbling in front of us and we as a nation just sat and watched. I was reminded of Hebrews 13:5 where God says, "I will never leave you nor will I forsake you." The only hope for our future is Jesus Christ. The media says there is no hope and there is only more destruction coming our way. As a believer I know we can rest easy at night no matter what comes our way with that promise in Hebrews. I wanted this song to be an anthem for believers to stand up and say no matter what's in the past, his love and mercy goes on and on.

4) What message do you hope to convey through the new album "That Was Then. This Is Now"?

Now is the time as believers to be proud and celebrate what God is doing and has done in our lives. We need to further the Kingdom of God week after week. I wanted to offer this record for a pep talk or a way for believers and non-believers to hear a positive message of hope and excitement that God is here and he is alive.

5) Where does the musical inspiration for Chasen come from?

Stories of friends, family and people or things that I come in contact with

6) Do you have a favorite song to perform live?

I go back and forth between the songs "One in a Million" and "On and On."

7) Any funny, inspiring or interesting stories that you can tell us from your visits to radio stations in past or present days?

During one radio station visit, Aaron our drummer started rapping the weather. Very funny! We have also heard stories of listeners calling in and telling how "On and On" has helped them in their walk with God.

8) What's ahead on the tour schedule?

We just got off tour with Jeremy Camp and we did a CD release tour up the East Coast. We have a 25-city tour opening for Kutless in April and May on the "It Is Well Tour."

9) Do you guys have time to listen to much music? What other artists are you listening to right now?

I try to listen to as much music as possible. It keeps me in touch with what others are listening to. But with a 2 year old, I also have times where all I listen to is Disney's "The Imagination Movers" CD.

10) If you could have any other job outside the music industry, what would you do?

I would like to go back to church work or help plant a church somewhere.