Today I have the honor of interviewing Jon Egan from the Desperation Band.
On April 10, they are releasing their brand new album “Center Of It All” to the world. I have always liked the music these guys write and produce, but this album has to be my favorite.
Their partners, Kingsway Music, have agreed to give away 4 copies to my readers. You can find out how to win after the interview.
David: Have you always been a songwriter? How did you get your start?
Jon: I didn’t start writing till I got to New Life 10 years ago. I had just started leading worship at the time and that seemed like a high enough mountain to climb! Writing songs seemed impossible! But hey, God is in the ‘crazy’ right? I gave it a shot.
The first song I ever wrote was called “Anything.” I’ll never forget introducing it at our youth service for the first time. I was so nervous. When I saw people connecting to God through the song, it was over. I haven’t turned back since.
There’s nothing quite like writing a song to glorify to God and help others glorify Him. It’s a deep thrill! Although I still get nervous to introduce a new song! 🙂
David: The sound on this new album is really refreshing – more atmospheric and laid back. What are your influences?
Jon: Thank you for saying so. We worked really hard to create a project that not only served and equipped the church, but that also ministered to the listener. I love spending TIME with God. I believe it is crucial to us knowing Him. Worship music can provide us with a soundtrack to that time.
As always, our first goal was to serve the church… Let’s write and release songs that give the church a chance to grow closer to the Lord. But we are very proud to have accomplished the goal of creating beautiful sounds as well. Our producer Paul Mabury is to be given the highest credit for this. He owned the album till the end. His talent has no bounds, it seems!
David: I notice the majority of these songs were co-writes. What has your experience been with co-writing? Why do you like it?
Jon: The most powerful part of this experience has been the community that gathered around the project. Heroes of ours owned this with us. It would not be what it is if not for them.
As a writer, I was feeling the need to grow. I sensed that God was wanting me to stretch in new ways. He was certainly leading me to get beyond myself, my vocabulary, my music bents, and colloborate with others.
I made many trips to Nashville where a writing community has taken shape. Mia Fieldes and I have been writing together for a few years and she is a phenomenal lyricst and song “finisher.” Paul Mabury is also a great writer. He took songs that I thought were complete and pulled them back. Then we finished them in much stronger ways.
Through Paul, I met Jason Ingram and spent 4 full days with him. This was a surprise relationship. Not only did we write half the songs on the record together, but I made a great friend in the process. Jason came alongside all the songs and helped us make decisions on lyrics, melodies, and the little things that make a song, a song.
Through this process I learned that God is up to something with worship songwriters. I’m sure he’s always wanted this, but it looks like we’re all getting on board with it. God honors unity. In the Psalms, “unity” is the place of commanded blessing. I truly sensed the blessing of God has we worked on songs together.
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David: Why does the Desperation Band exist? Why do you guys do what you do?
Jon: We are God’s workmanship on the earth. We exist to collaborate with Him to accomplish His desires. Specifically, we believe we have the direct calling to proclaim freedom. There is an anointing in the music to wake people up. God’s answer to our cry for revival has been for us to BE revival.
We are freedom and justice for others. We have focused on ourselves first when we need to focus on others first. Our freedom is found when we give freedom! Worship provides us with that corrective and we will run after it with passion. We exist to call life out of death and light out of darkness so we can be the body of Christ, reaching out and influencing others.
David: What song on the new album means the most to you guys as a band?
Jon: I think the stand-out for us is “Take Me To The River.” For me, it’s the song I’ve been wanting to write for 10 years. I love the passage in Ezekiel 47 about the river. I’m deeply touched by the idea that until we are swept away and no longer in “control,” we will not be brought to life. The river brings life wherever it goes. It’s a picture of what is to come and also a call for us to tap into now.
The song is very hymnish, which gives is a timeless feel. We LOVE playing it!
David: If you could distill your best songwriting advice into one or two sentences, what would you say?
Jon: Believe in yourself. More songs would be written if we stopped hesitating out of fear.
Winners
1. David Rosenblum
2. Wayne Wrzesinski
3. Fritz Robinson
4. Sue Soullier
If you didn’t win a copy, I suggest you buy the album when it’s released this Tuesday. You won’t regret it!
Question: What stood out to you from the interview? You can leave a comment by clicking here.
Desperation Band,is radical and cool. I love their music and you will too. They are inspirational and inviting and the can rock out a tune. A band with passion and heart too. I love their music and would love this CD Too. That is why I am here to say, I would love to win their New CD today.
David, you are a modern day Zeus
can I have a CD please?
🙂
p.s. so much good truth in the answer to the “why the band exists” question…
Awesome! I have not really listened to the desperation band before… I have heard a few songs but that is about it. After hearing a few things through the Internet, these guys have a great sound and a heart for God!
I really like what he said about song writing. I am currently working on a song that is almost finished, but I’m just too scared introduce it at this moment . This post might just have given me the courage to try it!
Why? Because at the center of it all I am lost in desperation to hear this album.
Great interview, good to read.
I’ve also just recently discovered the Desperation Band, and so winning a CD would be awesome, but if I don’t I’ll be sure to pick up a copy.
Desperation Band has been used in my life by the Holy Spirit in some dark times, times of desperation, times when there seemed to be no light. Through this band, God has met me in my brokenness, took me from desperation to deperately relying on Him and Him alone. The point is God, not the band… and they model that.
I’ve spent a long time leading worship, but have only recently started taking the leap into songwriting. It’s encouraging to read Jon’s story, especially how he still gets nervous introducing new songs. We’re incomplete people trying to express our hearts in a way that glorifies our complete God – but He still calls us to go for it and be creative for Him.
Thanks for the post.
Yo listen up here’s a story
About a little guy that lives in a blue world
And all day and all night and everything he sees
Is just blue like him inside and outside
Blue is his house with a blue little window
And a blue corvette
And everything is blue for him and hisself
And everybody around
Cos he ain’t got nobody to listen to
So this new Desperation Band album would be great!!!!
Great interview Dave
Good luck, we’re all counting on you
Desperation Band has been at the forefront of a revival that has been going on in our generation. God is raising up new songs and new anthems. I appreciate so much the heart of Jon and this team.
I’ll never forget the song “Overcome” and the powerful anthem that it was. God bless you guys.
Matt
l would like a copy of the new album because I am a huge fan of the band and I have done many of their songs in chuch. Plus, my son plays lead guitar in the band! (OK….OK…I am a very proud Dad!)
The music has always touched the heart of God and they are committed to seeing God’s Kingdom expand on the earth!
I love the way this band make God’s praises GLORIOUS! like King David, alot like you do brother Dave, Grace to you and Peace always.
UNITY
You and I together
Why?
He IS the Center of It All.
The Lord continues to bless me through various worship CDs, which help me to know more about Who He IS. Listening to what you shared, I believe that the time I spend listening to this specific CD would help my heart through His revelation that He IS the Center of It All. I am excited for His best that is coming as the result of you and others united effort.
4 copies available and I’m the 14th comment… decent odds.
Now to turn on the wittiness and cleverousity to come up with the best comment possible….
….nothing, sorry.
Great interview David. I appreciate you commitment to daily blogging and sharing from your life as well as the fact that you feature guest posts from other worship leaders. Keep up the good work man.
And it would be sweet to win the new Desperation Band CD, just sayin’.
I love the DBand. We do their music at our church. I’ve met the guys and they are fantastic. Plus, being a small church pastor with 3 kids, buying a CD can be tight sometimes.
Awesome interview!
I haven’t heard any of this album’s songs yet, but I know each song will be amazing. They had many co-writers on this one, and I’m loving the unity!
Desperation Band had really encouraged me when it comes to worship. Their songs have helped me become a better worship leader and musician. Jon Egan has really shown me that it’s not all about being a fantastic musician when your leading worship. It’s about your heart and keeping God first. This interview was fantastic, and really gave me an inside look at how Jon looks at songwriting and music. It really inspires me to become better at what I do.
Great interview guys!
I cannot come up with somenthing creative, so Ill just be honest Id love to have the album, plus when things are free there’s somenthing about it that makes it so special and you appreciate it even more and you use it and its cool to say I got it for free man and its awesome!!!
And since you said that you write songs that give the church a chance to grow I would love to grow closer to the Lord and indeed one way I have grown is by listening to songs and singing along and thinking of the words. So help me grow 🙂
Gracias! Chao! 🙂
I saw desperation band for the first time just last year at a concert with Kari Jobe. I went to see Kari jobe but ended up becoming a huge fan of theirs. They are such annointed worshippers. I actually saw them twice yesterday. Once at ORU and once at Rhema. I can’t wait to hear their new CD !!!
I am desperately desperate for the new Desperation Band CD!
I listen to your music faithfully, it gives me courage, strength and hope to deal with everything going on in my life right now. A disabled son that I cam taking care of 24/7. working outside the home, a daughter who is graduating from high school in may, who helps me tons and is going away to school in the fall. Family and friends who love me dearly, and in all of this I trust God that he will get me through. Your music and faith help keep me believing.
Thank you for your messages in your music.
Sue
Great article while I’m sitting in 19th Century Music History class at Arizona State… Something to keep me from sleeping! Haha.
It’s amazing to see how DBand is able to articulate such powerful words of Worship and translate them so well for us to take part in. I usually listen to DBand nonstop. Can’t wait for this album!
The work that Jon and the rest of the guys from D band have changed the lives of people everywhere. They take time that the ycould be spending with their family and friends to record music that is crating a positive influence and the forwarding of the kingdom of God. These guys go where God needs them, to feed the hungry and to be a light in the darkness. the Desperation Band worrys not of fame and fortune through music, but bringing glory to God in any way that it presented to them. Thank you for changing my life.
Family finances are tight…been helping my oldest son while he’s been unemployed and we did get our own copy but would like to get him one for his car. He is just beginning to get back to church and said the other day, he needs new music. He has two little boys and you know how they are like little sponges so I think some dband music would be great for them as well. Not very creative but definitely real life. Thanks….
I am a worship leader in training at a college in GA, and I my heart is to get to the place where I can lead others and myself to the throne room of God. This CD encompasses a lot of techniques, passion, and talent that I am striving to accomplish. Plus, it is just great worship music!!
The q & a spoke volumes to my heart. When I was first asked to help with our children’s ministry@ church, I was scared. What was I supposed to do?!? It was temp but frightened me. After reassurance from our children’s pastor, I finally said yes. That’s all God needed. He took over from there, blessing me with ideas and courage. BTW, that temp assignment (6-8 weeks) hasn’t ended…….and that was 12 years ago. I now co-teach a special needs Jr/Sr High & Young Adult class of Differently Abled people. God’s not done with me yet. This music reminds me of that.
I would like a copy of Center Of it All because the first time I heared of the Desperation Band was when I went to the 2009 Desperation Youth Conference. Since then the youth group I was going to (the one I went to the conference with) sorta disappeared because we lost our youth pastor and most of the youth graduated. So it was down to 3 people and no leader so it just kind of stopped. Anyways I would love a copy if their new cd because I have been trying to get my Fellowship of Christian Athletes group to go to the conference. Plus I just really enjoy the Desperation Band’s music, it’s so positive and uplifting. 🙂
I would love a copy of Center Of It All because I am really inspired and encouraged as a worship directory by the songs of Desperation Band. I hit a dry spot not too long ago where I felt like I had played through so many of the commonly known songs out there with regards to worship. I was looking for something fresh and new that was written in a different way and from a different perspective. That is when I discovered Desperation Band and I found their stuff to be so well written and sometimes a bit deeper than songs I had been leading in the past. I began to try them out with the congregation and worship at my church began to go deeper with people meditating on the words and often times asking what that song was. So in short I would love to win a free copy but if I don’t I will be the first to buy it.
Omg I would love a copy!!! Everyday on my way to work the first song to play is “I will go ” there hasn’t been a morning I don’t step into my office without listening.g to your songs. I would love to see you guys here in NYC. Plenty of fans here. Trust me. Please don’t forget my copy. 😀
Thank you so much and God continues filling you of blessings!!!
I saw desperation live and honestly I know that’s what heaven will be like.
As a worship leader I have tried to get my hands on the music of any artist/group that takes what they do seriously. I’ve bought music, went to conferences, read artists books and I have yet to find someone that is so genuine as Jon Egan. These guys have consistently put out songs that are personal and so easy to use to come to a conversation or place of intimacy with God. The songs are great for personal reflection AND easy to use in a congregational setting, which is sometimes (not always) hard to find with one band. I made it to New Life for two of their worship conferences and was blown away with how much they put the church as the priority over the band. They aren’t a bunch of guys that wanted to make it big and when they couldn’t decided to “settle” for leading at church. They want to equip believers. If it’s really their best yet I can’t wait to get my hands on this one.
I would love a copy of desperation bands new cd because they are the best christian band out there besides hillsong and they sing about the love of jesus
I am a former “New Lifer” and I miss the church, the Band, the atmosphere of New Life Church SOOOOO much! The songs are REAL, the guys in the band are “real”. They are the most authentic group of peoples I ever met. So down to earth… Just having the cd would give me a small slice of REAL WORSHIP as God desired it!
The free album would match my D-Band promotional undies nicely.
But seriously, the new songs sound really good. I’ve been robbing your tone to use at church. Those big space-y, air-y sounds…awesome. Thanks for using the gifts God has given you all.
I forgot to mention this earlier. We took our youth group to Desperation Conference last year and it was huge for our students. They came home and built a youth worship band front the ground up. Since then, our group has exploded in spiritual growth, numbers, leadership… its been awesome to see what God has done through them.
I love it
love it all
but I would love to hear “anything”
I dont remember hearing it long long time ago
but I always thought Jon was a really really great song writer
he even better now
I remember when someone said U had to write a song
to get into the Desperation Band … N I was like bummer I really wanted to too but I cannot write O well Love You lots jon!!
I have never heard of Desperation Band until I one day after giving my life to God, walked into a Gospel Music Shop. I was searching for something to play in my room and in my car on my way to work, that will flow with me as I flow into prayer. Nothing caught my eye… after a while I thought I was desperate and your CD “DESPERATION BAND – Light up the World” just appeared infront of me. I did not even listen before I bought it. When I played it for the first time, I could not stop until i finished the CD. I also told everyone about this amazing CD i found and how it is life changeable! I just love your music – It screams the love of God to the world! Be blessed!
D – Devotion
E – Energiing
S – Spiritual
P – Positive
E – Enlightening
R – Righteous
A – Amazing
T – Testimonial
I – Inspirational
O – Outstanding Worship
N – Needed to keep the Faith
Sue
I first met Jon at The National Day of Prayer prayer summit at Focus on the Family in 2009. i had actually never heard of The Desperation band until then. It was there Jon invited me to new life church, where I attended for my two month visit to Colorado. n Since then God has walked me through a number of trials and I’ve learned that desperate times call for Desperate measures!