Jared Anderson, one-third of the Desperation Band, the modern worship band from Colorado’s New Life Church in Colorado Springs, makes his solo artist debut with the Integrity release Where to Begin on October 3rd.

“While many who know Desperation Band already know and love Jared, I think he’s going to be a real discovery as they hear him paint a new picture of himself as a solo artist. His music is so accessible and his talent so large, that he is sure to capture the hearts of many new fans,” said Don Moen, president of Integrity Music Label Group.

Anderson, who studied music composition in college before joining Desperation has never pursued an artist record deal, but responded to an opportunity presented to him by Integrity Music. “I am an artist and songwriter with a lot of conviction but not so much intention,” said Anderson. “I didn’t set out to become an artist, but when that opportunity was presented to me; I wanted to totally submit to the process and to make a record that shares my passion for worshipping God and living a Christian life.”

Where to Begin showcases Anderson’s rich vocals and intense lyrics with platinum-selling producer Pete Kipley (MercyMe, The Afters) bringing a seamless blend of rock edge and pop sensibility to the record. Where to Begin features 10-songs all written or co-written entirely by Anderson, including decidedly different interpretations of Desperation Band worship hits Rescue, Amazed and Revolve, revealing Anderson’s personal style which is a little more rootsy and jazzy and reminiscent of Rufus Wainwright and Ben Folds.

The album’s first song, Running Away, will also be the first radio single serviced to CHR and AC formats. It was also the first song that Anderson wrote for the project and perfectly captures the paradox of the joy and fear of submitting to God. “As I was writing this song, I was acknowledging that I was not sure about joining this new ‘club’ – the Christian artist club. Worship leaders aren’t supposed to want to be artists, but I decided that if God was presenting this to me, I needed to run with Him in opening these new doors.”

Hear Us from Heaven is the CD’s first Inspirational radio single, and is Anderson’s plea for taking on God’s heart. Anderson lives in an older, urban area of Colorado Springs in a 1920s-built house. One day while walking around his neighborhood and looking at the houses of those that lived there, he was struck by how far away the sprawling and new suburban campus of his New Life Church seemed. Anderson prayed, and then penned this song, for a way to have these two very different worlds find each other.

Running Away and Hear Us from Heaven tell different stories as do the other eight songs on Where to Begin, and while it was not what Anderson intended, they are all clear expressions of his convictions and what he hopes will happen as a result of this solo record. Says Anderson, “As an artist and songwriter, I hope I can help to strengthen people in faith, to bring clarity to life around us and to give people words and prayers so that they may personally respond to God.”

Where to Begin releases on October 3rd to Christian retailers across Canada. Audio samples from the album can be found at Anderson’s YMZ artist page.

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