Christian music news: Third Day performs songs about life

Latest christian music: Tai Anderson, who is bassist for the Christian rock band Third Day, remembers the canceled Salt Lake performance last March.
"We were in Las Vegas," Anderson said by phone from Nashville, "and we just finished a show. We were watching the weather channel and saw one big color on the screen. We realized that that was our road to Salt Lake City. There were heavy snow advisories and the announcement went out that vehicles traveling needed to have chains. It was mandatory.
"It was a hard decision for us because Salt Lake had sold out, and so had Denver. We thought we could make it, but then we got back to reality and thought of our crew and the equipment."
Anderson said the band then discussed flying into Salt Lake City, since the weather here was OK. "So we started making plans to get tickets and rent equipment when we got to the venue, but then we stepped back from that plan. It didn't feel right. We all agreed that when we play Salt Lake we were going to give them a good show, not one that was thrown together.
"So, now we're coming back. We're going to hit Denver for two shows, then go to Colorado Springs, and by then we'll be all warmed up for Salt Lake City."
Anderson, guitarist/ Brad Avery, vocalist Mac Powell, guitarist Mark Lee and drummer David Carr formed Third Day in Atlanta, Ga., where they all still live.
"When I was a kid, I wanted to play music," said Anderson. "I tried out different instruments but liked the bass because it was the medium between guitar and drums. And there was the added bonus that no one wanted to play bass. They all want to play guitar, sing or play drums. So there was more opportunity for me to play in bands."
Anderson played in cover bands throughout his youth. But he also played with his church's youth group. "We had a pastor who encouraged us to play, and one day the other guys of Third Day were attending our youth group and we decided to put a band together. It was a natural thing. We didn't really think about becoming a Christian band. But we all were so passionate about our faith that it felt right."
For 15 years, Third Day has been on its musical ministry. And Anderson said he's seen some changes in the music business regarding Christian and inspirational bands. "There is more of a respect going on. I remember when we were awarded our Dove Awards (a sort of Christian Grammy). We all huddled backstage and said to each other, 'Now when people make fun of Christian bands, we're going to be included.'
"So we made the decision to embrace who we were. There are other bands who would have tried to distance themselves from the genre, but we wanted to be true to ourselves. And now, it seems our genre of music is much in demand."
As examples, Anderson cited Switchfoot and P.O.D. as bands that have found a following with the hard-rock crowd, and Jars of Clay, which found a college audience. "Even U2 and Bruce Springsteen's recent albums have had a spiritual revival feel. There was a point in time when music delved on the dark and scary places of life. And I think there have been people who wanted to claw their way out of the pits. And they look to bands like us to help them out.
"We write and perform songs about life. But we try to find ways to uplift people who are having problems. We don't try to dwell on the problems."

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