Powerful instrumentals, haunting vocals and an incredibly evident passion are all pieces of the intricate, yet simple
Powerful instrumentals, haunting vocals and an incredibly evident passion are all pieces of the intricate, yet simple, makeup of The Ember Days.
In 2006, Jason and Janell Belcher began the band with a desire to create epic and accessible worship music. “We had this vision for this band and we started asking around if people wanted to be involved,” says Jason.
After a few member changes, the current lineup was solidified: Jason (vocals/guitar), Janell (vocals/keys), Jordan MacKenzie (drums), Logan MacKenzie (guitar) and Jedediah Lachman (bass). To date, the band has put out one full length and one EP. Your Eyes Light Up released in 2007 and The Ember Days EP came out in 2008 - both earning them New Zealand Music Award nominations for Best Christian Album. They’ve toured extensively with fellow New Zealanders’ Mumsdollar, Arms Reach and All Left Out. In addition, they’ve toured the U.S. with Showbread and The Glorious Unseen. Their travels have taken them to play at various festivals including Parachute, Soulfest, Revelation Generation, Cornerstone Festival, Sonshine Festival and Spirit West Coast.
But at the heart of The Ember Days is a zeal for communion – a zeal for communion between the created and its Creator. “We want to just write sincere and honest worship,” Jason says. “We strive to write music that is inspiring. And not just for the church, but music that even someone who isn’t a Christian can listen to, find beauty in, and enjoy,” he continues. “We desire to see unity in the body of Christ, and we see worship as a great tool for unity. Churches of all denominations seem to agree that God deserves glory, and that is a great thing!”
The next step in The Ember Days’ journey is in the form of – of course – some new music. With a scheduled release date of August 31st, 2010, the Finger Painting EP brings more of Janell’s beautiful vocals and a whole lot more of the band’s captivating and pulsating instrumentals. “These new songs are a great representation of who we are,” Jason shares. “This EP captures how we play live. There’s a lot of instrumental parts. It’s great music to just sit down with and open your Bible.”