Interview: Chasen Callahan - Chasen
Chasen Callahan is the front man of four piece rock band Chasen. With their stunning new album 'That Was Then This Is Now' out this month, LTTM caught up with the lead singer to find out the full story behind this hugely talented band.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you give us the background story on how the band got formed?
We started out leading worship at camps and churches seven years ago. I have been a worship pastor for 10 years. When I started, I was doing camps here and there. It got to a point where the calls kept coming in and I found that I needed to pray about whether I needed to go full time with this. I began to felt the calling stronger so I started looking for guys that could commit with me to making the band. We were then signed to a small independent label out of Greenville, South Carolina, with ties to mainstream singer songwriter Edwin McCain. After 2 years of trying to make it with an independent label, we decided to go our separate ways. With this change, I had to ask God if this was really where he wanted us. We still did shows and I was continuing 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 Records. We had a meeting and just really loved what they were about and how they treated their artists. So in February of 2009 we signed a deal with INO records and have loved every minute since! They have been really awesome to work with and have made it possible to take our ministry to the next level.
Tell us a little bit about your new album 'That Was Then, This Is Now' and what the inspiration behind it was?
I wrote songs for this record for a little over a year and had both great and rough experiences. With both came the realization of how much we needed God in our lives and how He was always there no matter how far we fell. I also found as I wrote, that 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 this record to be almost 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 in our lives.
Which is your favorite track off your new album and why?
I go back and forth between the songs "One In A Million" and "On and On".
"One In A Million" is so energetic and I feel once we hit that song in the set, everyone feels the same way and they can't help but sing LOUD!!!
"On and On" has the same anthem affect no matter where we are or how many people are in attendance. I love to see God change lives right in front of my eyes.
What's your song writing process?
I like to come up with an idea or topic first, then have the music fill in. Sometimes it comes to me in reverse order. There are also times, like I had with our song "On and On," where both the music and lyrics all come at the same time and you have a rough draft done in 2 hours, I love those.
If you could work with any song writer, who would it be and why?
I have many who I would love to write with, but only 3 stick out in my head: Switchfoot's front man Jon Foreman, mainstream act OneRepulic's front man Ryan Tedder and mainstream act Goo Goo Dolls' front man Johnny Resnick. They all have had big songs that have made a huge impression on my life. Additionally, Jon Foreman's leadership for his band has inspired me in so many ways. I think after spending time with Jon, there would be a great song shortly following.
Which do you prefer, playing live or recording albums?
I love both, but right now I spend a lot of time in the studio so I think that's why I love a live show. There's nothing like feeling the bass in your chest the echo of many voices. The opportunity to further the Kingdom of God that very moment is like a sigh of relief.
What advice would you give to any aspiring bands out there, looking at starting a music career?
I think we as musicians try our best to grow too fast. Seek spiritual and mental counsel before signing the dotted line. Talk to someone who has been in the music industry before. I would also say be content where you are. Go where God's calling. I believe there are two types of artists, ones He has chosen to further His Kingdom and ones He allows. If you are called, God will make it evident that you are supposed to be where you are in your music career. He will also close the door, most of us hard headed musician like to continue to kick open doors. Be sensitive to the Gods direction with contentment.
How would you define success in your career as a band?
There is a lot of ways to define success. But I like to focus more on the emails and testimonies of how God has radically changed their lives through our music. That's much more rewarding than any No. 1 or any award. However, don't get me wrong I do love those, ha!
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
Wow, that's tough. I just picked up my iPhone, went to the iPod, then went to the "most recently played" playlist and the song was "Hello Hurricane" by Switchfoot.
What does the next year hold for Chasen?
Who knows, I hope more great songs and awards to come. But most of all, I hope to see and experience moments where I am left speechless because the presence of God has spoken. Where He has entered into peoples lives and places leaving me in awe. I am longing for a generation that is about furthering the Kingdom of God one person at a time. Showing them love, compassion, hope, restoration, and excitement in the name of Jesus Christ. That's what I want for this year, for us as a ministry first as well as a band.
