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Intriguing band The Ember Days talk to LTTM about why their recent EP 'Finger Painting' is mostly instrumental, how they write songs, and what success really means to them.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Well... The Ember Days is a bit of a weird mix. We have half New Zealanders and Half Americans in the Band... So its a multicultural sandwich of musicians from opposite ends of the world. We are a worship band at our core, but as far as how...
Read More Intriguing band The Ember Days talk to LTTM about why their recent EP 'Finger Painting' is mostly instrumental, how they write songs, and what success really means to them.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
Well... The Ember Days is a bit of a weird mix. We have half New Zealanders and Half Americans in the Band... So its a multicultural sandwich of musicians from opposite ends of the world. We are a worship band at our core, but as far as how we sound... its maybe not what you might consider as typical as far worship music tends to sound. We all have been playing music since we were really young. Jord has been playing drums for 12 years and hes 22 years old now. Janell has been play piano for years and writing songs since she was 15. Jed grew up playing violin (he is killer at violin) and keys but plays bass with us nowdays. Its funny he started playing bass when he joined our band.... He is really good now. Logan has been playing guitar since he was 9 and hes 19 and he is killer at guitar. I played classical piano and clarinet since I was 5 and then gave up music, at 15. Then I started teaching my self guitar and because I didn't know any songs or chords, I would just sit down at the piano and figure out chords on the guitar from the piano. Then I started making up my own songs to practice guitar...which kinda made me realize that it is possible for me to write music.... So I started.
How did you come up with the name of the band, and what's the meaning behind it?
The name of the band was decided buy rock paper scissors. Our first guitarist Elliot came up with two names. The first was Amandine i think its greek for grace or something like that... and the second was The Ember Days. So at our first show we did rock paper scissors and The Ember Days won. So here we are The Ember Days. As far as the meaning, The Ember Days are days set apart for prayer and fasting, uncle google has a more info on it if you want to ask him.
Tell us a little bit about your new EP 'Finger Painting' and what the inspiration behind it was?
The Finger Painting EP was a lot different for us as a band. We wanted to release something that was not to demanding of attention. It is mostly instrumental so that when you are just wanting to pray or drive or think you can with out to much distraction. We had some really special moments in the studio recording that. The main purpose for the record was for people to experience the presence of God. Which is really cool, that is mainly what we hear as far as feed back. People have put the CD and just had amazing times in the presence of God. Also the song It is well has really helped a lot of people through hard times.
Which is your favourite track on the EP and why?
Probably finger painting, mainly because it was never 'written' . It was a song that just happened in a moment, where we just wanted to play the most beautiful sounds we could for Jesus as kind of an offering of our gifts. And 11 minutes later that is what happened.
We got to the end of the song and just looked at each other like 'what just happened' and did it over again. So we ended up playing it through about 5 times, and it was really a moving time for us. It was I believe a divine moment in the life of our band.
What's your song writing process?
It kinda varies depending on who is the writer. Janell will basically have a song and bring it to the band and we will mold it into something. I sometimes just have a chord progression, or sometimes a whole song figured out. Logan will have some sweet chord progressions... its kinda different with each song. But the common theme with each song is that we get together and start playing ideas and often we get nowhere but sometimes we get so excited because of the sounds that are coming out. Its a fun and frustrating process.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
I would describe our style of music as Post Rock/Worship/Ambient/Rock/Indie ... Our next record is definitely less instrumentally based and more just solid songs. But as far as our influences... Sigur Ros, Jonsi, Thrice, Foo Fighters, Jimmy Eat World, Coldplay, Etta James, Frank Sinatra, Kings of Leon, Hammock, Explosions in the Sky, This will destroy you, Ascend the hill, The glorious Unseen, Jakob, Underoath, Copeland, Mutemath, Advent, Sleeping Giant, Temper Trap, U2, Paper Route, Barcelona, Imogen Heap. And much more....
How would you define success in your career as a band?
Good question! I think I would define it as being faithful in what we are called to do, which is to bring people into the presence of God, and to encourage unity in the church. So if we are doing that, I think we are being successful.
What advice would you give to any aspiring bands out there?
Ask the question? "Am I really called to do this?" if the answer is not sure... you either need to plan on doing what God has given you to do weather that is painting houses, or being an accountant. This is a massive and costly way to live as a musicianary, money is hard to come buy, if you a married it will put strain on your marriage, and if you do not have the grace ( the God given ability to carry out what you have been called to do and be) for it you will be absolutely miserable. On the other hand, if you know that this is what God has made you for, I encourage you to be patient. Waiting for things produces patience and that is a virtue that is rare. I hate waiting, but its a way that God teaches us and grows us. So if you are expecting to just have a band and it be amazing from the get go.... you may be let down. The Ember Days, took 5 years to come together, and now it has been going for almost 5... so we are just beginning as far as I see it, so as far as 5 years of waiting goes, hopefully you won't have to wait so long... but God does teach you a lot in that time.
Get good at your instrument and get singing lessons, My voice is super weak and I wish I had got singing lessons before I was in the band... seriously.
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?
Man, so tough... Maybe in that circumstance I would listen to "Exile" from Thrice. Quite an appropriate song i think.
What does the next year hold for The Ember Days?
More touring, more writing, a new Full Length on May 24th. More free downloads to give away at www.comeandlive.com. More time worshiping Jesus, and More time making new friends.
News
The Ember Days will release a five-track EP titled 'The Ember Days Live' on 29th April 2014. The EP was recorded at Bethel School of Supernatural Ministry in Redding, California, and showcases the band's melodic sound while…
Reviews
More Than You Think is the third full-length album from The Ember Days.
At LTTM we've been firm fans of the band since we heard their 'Finger Painting EP'.
The band are made up of Jason (vocals/guitar), Janell…