You're probably hearing the name Jared Miller for the first time in this article, but this worship artist out of Houston is anything but new to Christian music. Having sung and written songs from a young age, the worship leader has written and co-produced 9 records ranging from rock bands, solo and church worship projects.
With his most recent EP, Chasing Me Down, we get a unique mix of Miller's acoustic-led worship background, and his penchant for electronically flavored pop music. I threw some questions at Jared to learn just what he's all about.
Jared! Excited to learn more about you! First of all, tell us a little bit about yourself. Family? Pets? Your secret identity (full-time gig)? Special hobbies?
Thanks, Marcus, First off, I am married to the most incredible wife, Courtney Miller. God choose the best for me for sure. We have two boys--Grayson and Owen--who keep us on our toes all the time and constantly remind us of God's love. We are a dog family but have no dogs; figure that out! I have been singing/playing music for as long as I can remember. I am the Worship/Associate Pastor at New Covenant Church in Humble, Texas. I love sports (all kinds). I love food.
When did you start making music? How'd you get started? At what point did you realize this was a big part of you?
I've been exposed to and involved in music and ministry for as long as I can remember. Even as a young child I knew that I loved to sing and that I loved the Lord. I started playing trumpet in church at age 12, then bass and acoustic at 15 in our youth group (because we had no one else, ha!). That passion has grown more and more throughout my life to where I am today.
You've released your EP, Chasing Me Down. Is this your first recorded project? If so, what brought it about? If not, how is it different than other musical projects you've released?
I released many projects, however, Chasing Me Down is the first solo project I have released in over 12 years. I'd say that this project is different simply in the fact that I have grown spiritually and musically. Having Mark Townsend produce this record had a huge influence in expanding my thinking stylistically as well as lyrically. It has a fresh sound to it. We are excited to release it to the world.
Stylistically on this EP, you're mixing electronic dance vibes and acoustic worship together. It's a fun mix. Talk about your musical/arrangement choices, and how you arrived at them.
Yes, I've led worship with an acoustic for a while now so that acoustic worship feel is definitely a big part of me. Originally the whole record was intended to strictly be acoustic worship but as more songs came to me it was evident that the sound would have some diversity to it.
You're in the Houston area, home to a lot of Christian artists. Have you been able to tap into that community? What's the spiritual-musical climate like there?
You are so right. Houston is full of anointed, talented artists. I definitely have been able to connect and work with many of them. I believe that the city is hungry for revival and even an awakening. I see so much collaboration happening for the betterment of the Kingdom.
Were you directly impacted by Hurricane Harvey?
Harvey was such a huge impact on our city in so many ways. We know that God never causes harm to His people, but rather allowed the flood to take place for reasons only He knows. With that said, my family did not directly experience any damage whatsoever. We were extremely fortunate. Our church (New Covenant Church) was set up as a shelter to take care of the many people without food, water and housing. With all of the chaos that the media portrays in the world, it was so refreshing to see all of Houston come together despite race, age, religion, etc. and love and help each other in the time of need. The people of God stepped up big time. It was an opportunity for the world to experience the love of God.
Talk about the songs you chose for this EP. What inspired them, and what are you trying to say with them?
I think as you listen to the songs on this record, our prayer is that you hear the Gospel. Take "Loved By You" and "Chasing Me Down" for example. Both songs tell the listener about how God is chasing us down and that we are loved by Him. In other words, the whole record talks about what God has done and what God is doing for us, not what we are doing for him. So the emphasis and focus are solely on the greatness of God.
Get Jared Miller's Chasing Me Down EP on iTunes or listen on Spotify.
Marcus Hathcock is the Executive Editor of NewReleaseToday.com, a husband to Savannah, father of three and a worship leader living in Boise. He has released an EP, Songs For Tomorrow, and occasionally blogs at mheternal.com.
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