Interviews
JAMIE MACDONALD
Four months since the release of her hit song “Desperate” Capitol Christian Music Group (CCMG) artist Jamie MacDonald is realizing the fruits of all her hard work with writers Jonahan Gamble and Jordan Sapp. Her song “Desperate” reached the #1 position on Billboard Christian AC and Mediabase Christan AC. “Desperate” is also the fastest song to #1 at Mediabase AC in 2025!
BehindTheMusician’s (BTM) Scott Snavely recently had the opportunity to speak with Jamie regarding her path towards a record contract, in November 2024, and a #1 song. Jamie tells a very inspiring story of courage, overcoming challenges, keeping her faith, and persevering.
EARLY BEGINNINGS FOR JAMIE MACDONAND
BTM: Jamie, can you give BTM readers some background, early on, into what would eventually culminate in the writing of the song Desperate?
JAMIE (JM): I grew up in a family with a boxer dad who fought for world titles unsuccessfully three times (including a bout with Leon Spinks). It was really a tough time for our family as he was gone quite a bit, training, and we were traveling a lot. It was just really unstable to be raising kids, especially, when my mom was left on her own to do a lot of that. Before the age of 19 she had already had three kids, and I just remember our childhood was pretty chaotic. I never felt I had a connection with either of my parents and I think a lot of that just had to do with stress and instability of our life at the time. It was mostly survival mode. It ended up leading to a divorce for my parents. From there my mom raised us working as a waitress, on her own, which were some pretty tough years. I don’t have a lot of memories of my childhood, but the ones I have are a little bit more on the sad side, keeping my needs to myself and not having any emotional needs which played a big part of my story. You know, taking a long time to heal and grow and be ready for a music career.
I AM THEY
From starting as a worship team based out of a community of various churches almost a decade ago, Christian music artists, I AM THEY, have come a long way. Fresh off their tour with Citizen Way and a European Tour (which included EO Youth Day 2019 in Rotterdam Ahoy, the Netherlands in front of over 15,000 attendees) stops also included Switzerland and the United Kingdom. It was in the UK where band mates attended the wedding of keyboardist Justin Shinn. Additionally, I AM THEY will continue their extensive touring of the U.S. along with such acts as Amy Grant, for King and Country, Matthew West and Plumb among others in support of their sophomore album “Trial and Triumph” and their #7 Billboard hit “Scars”, which previously peaked at #5 and was nominated for a K-LOVE Fan Award for “Breakthrough Single of The Year”.
Trial and Triumph, originally released in March 2018, has taken I AM THEY to a new level in Christian Artistry, introspective looking in the writing of their music, and the addition of Jon McConnell who signs lead vocals on several songs from their latest release.
Scott Snavely of Behind the Musician recently sat down with founding band member Matt Hein to discuss I AM THEY’s roots and the events that led the band to where they are today including the process behind the making of “Trials and Triumphs” and its success.
Ben Calhoun Lead Singer of Citizen Way
Coming off the successful release of their second album 2.0 and their chart-topping hit Bullet Proof, Citizen Way Lead Singer Ben Calhoun took time to discuss music, Christianity, and life with Behind the Musician CEO Scott Snavely.
Influenced early in life growing up listening to Christian Music Artists such as Stephen Curtis Chapman, Newsboys, DC Talk, and Audio Adrenaline, Ben reflected on how this has helped mold his music writing and the sound that would become Citizen Way. Ben added, “A lot of those artists are good friends of mine now. It’s really come full circle in some ways to serve with them.” Adding, “They were my heroes and I’ve built on the foundation they have helped lay for me.” “I still listen to some Opera, Jazz and Country since you have to have a lot of input to be a songwriter. Christian music is my foundation and that’s why I’m here,” Ben said.
Jon Steingard (Lead singer of Hawk Nelson)
Behind the Musician is asking for prayers for Jon and his family. He has announced that he no longer believes in God. See his announcement HERE.
We considered removing this interview, but decided to keep it up as we know he is not lost, God is still with him, and trust that God is continuing to work in Jon and those around him. Let us keep him uplifted in prayer as he has stated that his heart is open to change. We love you, Jon, and thank you for the ministry you have had, knowing you have had a profound impact on many lives.
While driving yesterday, Hawk Nelson’s very popular single off their Diamonds album, “Drops In The Ocean”, came on the radio. It reminded me how fortunate I was to have met and have a great conversation with their lead singer, Jon Steingard, last Saturday while on tour with Tenth Avenue North. The song goes into a deep perspective from Gods point of view on how He is for us and not against us. And how we can freely walk in His love.
During the interview Jon was asked what had the most profound effect on him and his Christianity when growing up. Jon replied, “I am the son of a preacher. There was a period in my youth that I focused on other things outside of God and found those things didn’t bring me happiness or satisfaction. “Quoting Galatians 2:20, which says: “I have been crucified with Christ, and I no longer live, but Christ lives in me. The life I now live in the body, I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself for me,” Jon explained he realized that, “It isn’t about me, but about being like Christ.”
Growing up in a Christian home, the music that influenced him the most was naturally Christian music. He states, “I grew up listening to Christian music. Delirious, Audio Adrenaline, and the old Newsboys were my favorites.”
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Dan Bremnes
Coming off the release of his latest album on the Sony/CMG label, “Where The Light Is”, Behind the Musician (BTM) caught up with Dan Bremnes while he was out on tour in Canada.
When asked what his initial reaction to winning a Juno Award for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year was, he replied, “It was unbelievable! Something you dream about happening but I never really expected it.”
Not only does Bremnes thank God above for the award, but he also states “There have been so many who have helped me along the way. Many from the record label, but also a youth pastor when I was young was very influential,” he added.