33 Miles Autographed CD Giveaway

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Oct52010

This giveaway is really special to me because Jason Barton, one of the members of the band 33 Miles, is a very special family friend. It has been so much fun to watch his dream of performing and doing it for the Lord become a reality. The new 33 Miles album, Today, is being released today and I’m giving away two autographed copies from Jason Barton and Chris Lockwood. A lot of you may have already heard “Where I Wanna Go” on Christian radio!

It also includes a bonus Christmas Album! And, believe me, these are the incredible voices you want to hear singing Christmas songs throughout your house this season.

To enter, just leave a comment on this post! I’ll announce the winners on Friday!


For those of you that aren’t familiar with 33 Miles, I’ve included a bio so you can catch up!

We were born as strangers in a strange land. Our lives are but a vapor in the grand scheme of millenniums. But there’s far more to life for us, as Christians. “We’re citizens of high heaven!” (Philippians 3:20, The Message).

The trouble is, we don’t often live like we know it!

For Chris Lockwood and Jason Barton of 33Miles, it’s that pursuit of a Christ-focused, heaven-minded life that fuels everything they do, especially their music. Intensifying the message of their previous release, One Life, 33Miles shifts musical gears with Today, amplifying the truth that to make every day count, we’ve got to live with eternity in mind.

“Nothing we can accomplish in business, no amount of education—nothing compares to Jesus,” says Chris, “But how our salvation translates to how we live today is the question. To wake up every day and make the choice to live with heaven in mind, to not let the circumstances of this day override that choice. It’s easier said than done, but getting up every day and trying makes it more and more possible.”

Produced by Ian Eskelin (Stellar Kart, Francesca Battistelli, Starfield) and Nathan Nockels (Passion, Point of Grace, Watermark), Today—releasing October 5 on INO Records—features 10 pop progressive, but church accessible songs to remind us that we are meant for more than life on autopilot.

“One Life was such a broad stroke, obviously one that touched people, but we wanted to narrow that down to our everyday reality,” Jason says. “So it came down to, ‘What are we doing to live for Christ today, to make a difference?’ A lot of people live for the future, and a lot of people live in the past, but very few people tend to look at their lives and think about what life can be like right now.”

That message had been immanent for the Dove-nominated group over the past few months, as one of their original members, keyboardist Collin Stoddard, followed God’s calling into worship ministry full time. “For five years, it’s just been the three of us,” says Chris. “But I think God had been preparing Collin’s heart, just as he’d been preparing us. As his heart was headed elsewhere, our sound began to change.”

If you listen closely, you’ll hear influences well beyond the Rascal Flatts stereotype applied to 33Miles in days past, a wall of sound reminiscent of artists like Coldplay, Train and One Republic. But that wall never overshadows the message.

“Musically, we may be pushing the envelope in terms of what might be expected,” Jason says, “I think there’s a good balance of what we know works. We didn’t reinvent the wheel here. The classic sounds are still there, the harmonies, and the lyrical content is still strong and clear. But it’s definitely a step forward.”

From the vibey fun opener “What Grace Looks Like,” to the soaring first single, “Where I Wanna Go,” an 11th hour selection that seemed to add the missing exclamation point to the entire CD, to the powerful benediction of “Worth the Wait,” Today features some of the group’s most personal songwriting to date.

For example, “Live,” a song Jason wrote for his sister, boldly declares: You’re worth enough that he died for you / His heart burns with love and desire for you / Don’t be afraid to receive / Don’t be afraid to believe that you can live… live!

“My sister is a school teacher,” he says. “She lives in our hometown, and is just one of the most beautiful people in the world, with such a big heart. But over the last five years, she’s started to lose her enthusiasm for life. She’s been in and out of bad relationships, and somehow she just got caught up in the lie that she’s alone in all this, she began to give up. I wrote this song for her to say, ‘This is not what you were created for! You were created to live!’ That is the message Jesus died to deliver: God wants us to live life to the fullest.”

“No Greater Love,” holds a special place in Chris’ heart, in part because it moved him more than any song in recent memory. “The cross is at the heart of Christianity, so it saddens me that there are so few songs about the cross. I didn’t really pursue this song; it pursued me. Every time I tried to put it aside, I couldn’t let it go. Just trying to picture myself there, watching the torture of our Lord, brought me to my knees to ask, Who am I that you would come and die / I don’t understand / Why the God of all the universe would become a man / to redeem the mess that I have made, take away the shame of what I’ve done / There is no greater love…

“Hold Me Up,” is a powerful reminder that Christians aren’t expected to have it all together. Our strength comes in learning to rest in God’s hands. “I don’t need to wait until I’m on the floor falling apart to let him have it,” Jason says of the message. “There will be times when circumstances beyond our control hit and knock us to the ground, but if we allow God to hold us up, we can get through.”

Perhaps as much as any song on Today, “Where I Wanna Go,” the first single released in August 2010 to a wide reception on Christian radio, carries the message of the entire collection, challenging believers ‘to live like the future resident of heaven you will become,’ as one of Jason’s friend’s recently posted on Twitter.

“We need to regroup and refocus, to unplug from all the distractions that keep us from living like we know who we are,” Chris explains. “Despite our circumstances, we are people of faith. And like all those listed in the ‘Faith Hall of Fame’ in Hebrews 11, we have to live today as citizens of heaven. They didn’t receive the fruition of all they believed in, all they’d struggled to accomplish. But they kept the faith because they knew they were meant for the world to come. That should be our goal: to live with eternity in our hearts.”

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Comments

  4. says

    I’m excited to listen to a new Christian duo, my last Christian album purchased was Jars of Clay, a long, long time ago. The Christmas album would be wonderful to listen to with our brand new daughter on Christmas this year in a new city…

    Reply

  6. says

    How fun! I didn’t realize you knew him – I hear them on the radio all the time. I love Christmas albums; so glad another great band has released one! Guess it’s almost time to pull out the classic Amy Grant Christmas record, too!

    Reply

  9. Emily says

    I have definitely been looking for some great new music to listen to! I would love to hear this group! Great giveaway!

    Reply

  10. Maggie Miller says

    Would love this CD! Have been looking for a good CD to pop into the car when I’m on the road! Hope all is well! Maggie Miller

    Reply

  21. says

    I actually don’t own any Praise music, believe it or not! I’ve been looking into the best way to get started on a collection- would like to start surroundong ourselves by good, uplifting music in the house instead of playing the TV in the background for a little background noise. I’m also already ready to get the Christmas music going (something has to override the fact that it’s still in the 90’s here!) so it sounds like a double bonusHope I win, but either way I’ll check them out!
    xoxo,
    Lulu

    Reply

  27. Stephanie says

    I would absoluely LOVE to win this CD! I love 33Miles, I have their other two CD’s and would love to add this one to my collection…

    Reply

  32. says

    This would be great to have with a couple of little kids that isn’t children’s music! Definitely been looking for some contemporary christian (especially Christmas) music. Pick me!!

    Reply

  33. Beth R says

    What a small world — Jason’s brother (Brad) was one of my high school teachers — how do you know the Barton family??? How crazy!

    Anyway, I’d love to win the cd!! Love 33 Miles (and loved him in Go Fish, too!).

    Reply

  35. Marla says

    Have loved 33 Miles since my kids bought me their first CD right after my divorce as a special gift for Valentine’s Day. The song “Hold On” really spoke to my heart at that specific time in my life. My daughter and I loved them in concert last December too. I am excited they have a new album out and can’t wait to hear every song. I have all 3 albums so far and would love to win the new one!!

    Reply

  36. says

    What a great giveaway! I listen to Christian radio all the time (we have a new station here in STL) but I don’t recall this group…I’ll have to listen more closely! Praise music just keeps me so uplifted.
    Thanks again!

    Reply

  40. says

    Ooh ooh ooh…pick me pick me pick me! Decided about 3 months ago that WMHK is the only radio station we can listen to when the boys are in the car with me…and they love it! Would love to win this, especially for the Christmas album. And if I win, you save on postage! ;0)

    Reply

  42. Nicole R says

    I would love to win this CD, as 33 Miles’ version of “When I get where I’m going” was playing in the hospital room when my father in law went home to be with the Lord. This band holds a special place in the hearts of my family.

    Reply

  48. says

    I’d love to grow my collection of Christian music with this CD! Thanks for the opportunity – and for letting us know more about the group.

    Reply

  55. says

    I’d love to be added to the list of many hoping to win this CD. It’s so nice to see people express their love of Christ through music. I find it infinitely uplifting~no matter the time of year. Thanks for hosting another lovely giveaway. My best to your friends and their continued success spreading the Word.

    Warmly,

    Elizabeth

    Reply

  57. Melissa says

    Thank you so much for the opportunity to win this CD.

    I hope you are doing well and that Hudson is feeling better. 🙂

    xo,
    Melissa

    Reply

  61. Alison says

    Wow! i would love to win this CD (and I’ll have to buy it if I don’t : ) These guys really get it – how inspirational

    Reply

  63. Leah says

    My hubby and I once had an argument about whether or not there was really a band called 33 Mile. I – being the Christian music expert – was just sure he had the name wrong. We went around and around about it. Then of course the DJ confirmed that hubby had been right! We laugh about it every time we hear them on the radio. This would be a fun gift for him!

    Reply

  65. says

    I’d love to win this! I adore them and would love to hear their Christmas tracks plus their new cd!!!!! I’d like to share it with my women’s study. They’d enjoy it too

    Reply

  68. says

    I hadn’t heard of them, but listened to a couple tunes, good stuff! I’m going to have to add a couple songs to the ipod. Thanks for doing a giveaway!

    Reply

  78. Debra Disney-Dior says

    This CD sounds inspirationally amazing. Something I NEED to hear “right now.” I enjoyed reading the bio and the words of one title, What Grace Looks Like, spoke to my heart and I NEEDED to find out more. It just so happened this song was being made available as a FREE download. How GREAT is God? Heaven sent! I got to listen to a beyong amazing sound while eating an Austrailian navel orange. Life doesn’t get better than this! My birthday is THIS Saturday and I can’t THINK of a better gift than 33 Miles. I would WALK 33 Miles to purchase this. This is bliss — Heavenly bliss! Seek and find what Grace looks like. Awwww, I adore the words…the band… tho opportunity to win this. 33 Miles HAVE won my heart! Bravo!

    Reply

  79. Brittany says

    I hope I win! 🙂 Would loooove it! Hope you and the fam are doing well…and because i always feel like i can’t say it enough…love your blog!

    Reply

  80. Tara says

    Yay for Christian music. I like that I can listen to the positive, encouraging songs with my young daughters and not have to worry about explaining any weird lyrics. The message of Contemporary Christian music is great. I am hearing more and more people talk about the likes of Jeremy Camp, Casting Crowns, and Third Day. It’s great! I would love to add this disc to my collection. I don’t have any adult singer Christmas cd’s. All of mine are children singing…for my girls. 🙂 Thanks for introducing me to a new duo.

    Reply

  81. Susan Raines says

    What an awesome giveaway! I would love to win their cd! I heard them on the radio the other day and LOVED them! And, I love your blog!

    Thanks so much!
    Susan

    Reply

  82. Alisha Hunt says

    i love these guys. they don’t have a certain genre describe who they are and their music is for god, and you can feel it. but they also add other sounds to where they bring all music together to glorify him. Just different ways to love God !!!! 🙂

    Reply

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