33Miles

From 33Miles myspace (http://www.myspace.com/33miles)webpage:
In most cases, if something is good, you leave it alone and don’t mess with it. However, there are rare moments in which you can’t help but combine good things to make them great. Such is the case with Jason, Chris and Collin. Separately they are talented musicians and vocalists, but together they form a unique blend that stands heads and shoulders above the crowd. Together they form 33Miles. The trio boasts a fresh new sound that combines their varied influences into an intriguing musical blend that shouts their destiny, “…to love on God’s people.”

Each member is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, and musician in his own right, but together there’s an electricity and passion that comes from a shared sense of purpose. “We know why God brought us together,” says Chris. “We really believe that God has called us to the church. We feel like we’ve been called to remind the church and ourselves of who we are in Christ and whom we serve. As Christians, we have grace, mercy and power beyond comprehension and understanding. We just want to encourage the church to look to Jesus. Don’t forget who you are in Christ.”

“We want to just love on God’s people,” Jason says of the group’s mission to encourage the church. “Just because you are a Christian, doesn’t mean you live a perfect life. There are plenty of hurts. If we can come into a church and encourage them, build them up, edify them, and get them to a place where they are excited about what God’s going to do in their life, then we feel like we’ve accomplished our purpose.”

This purpose is reflected in their name, which is a simple metaphor for the 33 years that Christ spent on Earth, and how He lived them. “He was a friend to the friendless, He loved the unlovable, and He gave of Himself selflessly by dying on the cross in our place so that we could live forever,” Jason explains. “We want to follow Christ. We want our ‘Miles’ to have purpose and meaning and to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. We aren't promised a certain number of miles, so what are we going to do with the "Miles" that we are given?”

Unlike most groups which have only vocal talents to provide, 33Miles is made up of three extremely talented musicians who have all had prior experience as singers and musicians.

Jason Barton (lead vocal) knew his calling from an early age. Singing was his passion and he began performing at school and area churches in grade school. He furthered his musical endeavors with a degree in Music from Louisiana Tech University. After college, Jason followed his calling to Nashville where he signed his first recording contract in 2000. In the course of his career in the Christian music industry, Jason has become an accomplished studio singer as he has performed and toured all over the US and Europe, and was nominated for a Grammy in 2003. Jason, however, would be quick to tell you that his greatest achievement is his family. He is married to Jennifer and they have two boys, Jake and Jonah.

Chris Lockwood (guitar/vocal) is a Mobile, AL native who majored in Music at the University of Mobile. He spent some time touring and became an in-demand session player. From there, he became the Worship Associate at First Baptist North Mobile where he enjoyed working with the band, orchestra and worship team. Later his prowess on guitar earned him acceptance to the prestigious Berklee School of Music. Today, he resides in Mobile with his wife Joy.

Collin Stoddard (piano/vocal), the group’s youngest member, grew up in Colorado Springs, CO. Upon graduating from high school, Collin decided to pursue a Commercial Music major with an emphasis on Piano Performance at Belmont University. “I knew I wanted to do worship music and God really just clearly directed my steps at Belmont. I felt like it was the place I needed to be,” says Collin. When he met Jason, he saw God providing an opportunity for a new season. “He said, ‘Here’s a door, open it and step through.’ It’s been really fun for me to look back and see those dots that got connected.”

Good news travels fast in Nashville’s music community and as word spread that Jason, Chris, and Collin had formed a new group, the doors began opening. The trio signed with INO Records, home to other artists such as MercyMe, Sara Groves, Derek Webb, and more. As they began working in the studio with acclaimed producer Nathan Nockels (Phillip, Craig & Dean, Watermark, Passion) and hot newcomer Sam Mizell (Jessie Daniels, RJ Helton, & Matthew West) the group’s singular sound emerged. The album is a simple message that conveys the heart of 33Miles.

The debut disc from 33 Miles includes songs destined to become part of the fabric of the church. “There is A God” is a poignant ballad that declares the majesty of our heavenly father. “What Could Be Better (The Days Ahead)” is a high-spirited anthem co-written by Jason that is getting great reaction from all who hear it. “This is Now” is a song that reminds the listener no matter how badly they’ve been broken, God is ready to put the pieces back together again. “Even though we wouldn't place ourselves in the worship category, we certainly had worshippers in mind while recording our record,” says Jason.

INO’s A&R Director, James Rueger, comments, “In this project, you will hear commercial music at it’s very best. 33 Miles brings a very well balanced mix of powerful ballads with a touch of country infused pop songs. With our hope being to connect with those who are fans of artists like Rascal Flatts, Casting Crowns, Keith Urban, and MercyMe, there is a great collection of songs here that listeners will enjoy from start to finish."

“On our album, listeners will feel a rock moment and hear a country moment and a pop moment,” says Jason. “I feel that what is going to make our sound a little bit different musically is that it integrates various musical styles. The listeners will get a taste of each and every one of the influences in our lives and when you fuse all those together, it becomes a unique project. We are forging new territory, not only musically, but also in our own hearts, becoming what we want to be. Everyday it’s an adventure.”

While combining pop, rock, country and worship moments, 33Miles attracts a diverse group of fans encompassing a wide range of ages. “I think a lot of it is because we do take all our influences and put them together,” says Jason. “I think harmonies are something that people love, but you don’t see a lot of it in pop music, you see a lot of it in country and gospel, but when you put three-part harmony into pop music, fused with everything else, it creates a sound that’s more universal than anything. That’s what makes us a little different from everyone.”

Musically diverse and innovative, 33 Miles has a sound that immediately engages the listener with great vocals and memorable melodies, but the essence of what drives these three young men is the heart of the music and the message of God’s love and mercy.