Want To Talk to Third Day?
OK. Here is the deal.
Third Day is releasing their new album today. And I must say. It is marvelous.
If Bigger could be used, I would describe it as such.
You can actually watch them live tonight on LENO!!!
So here goes.
Mark and I are going to pick 5 questions from this comment section and have him answer them.
Anything Third Day related.
The winners get a signed copy of the CD and a t-shirt.
I’ll sign the t-shirt. 
Ask away.
Los
And no, I’m not seeing a dime from this. I just love their heart and Marks riffs
RAIN IT DOWN
If you were a hotdog and you were starving, would you eat yourself?
What’s the most amazing thing God has taught you that turned into a song?
What was your inspiration behind this new album?
As a lead-worshipper, what is the most important piece of advice you could give to others who are aiming to lead their congregations into the presence of the God?
What were the circumstances going on in your life as you wrote the songs for “Revelation”
How do you overcome a block in your creativity when you are writing a new song?
How have you guys adapted to being a four piece since Brad quit the band?
Going off the OnePrayer.com movement…
What would be your one prayer for The Church at large? Why?
I have owned and thoroughly enjoyed every Third Day album ever released.
My question is: As a band you have a sound, a quality and an appearance (at least on the outside) of a high caliber well put together group. Personally, I would suffice to say you’re like the U2 of the modern Christian Rock (or whatever you call your music) scene. Yet, to my knowledge, you have never crossed-over into mainstream music. Why? Do you not think that you could make an incredible impact on folks outside of the realm of followers?
What song has had the biggest influence on your personal lives and why?
how has God developed your hearts over the past several years since you guys have been writing songs and how has the transfered over into the song writing process?
You all have obviously hit it big with The Tonight Show, Billboard magazine, major tour sponsorships and just general success. How have you all stayed so tight as a group and maintained such a high level of apparent integrity and honesty in an industry that steals that from so many other individuals?
November 10, 1999 you played in Savannah, GA. I was on the front row and Mac sang “happy birthday” to me. Any chance you remember that?
Also, Mac use to babysit my wife. I wonder if he remembers.
I always credit Third Day, an atheist, and a Pearl Jam message board for my spiritual ‘awakening’.
Your Offerings albums were hugely successful and could easily have been a formula for easy financial windfalls in later albums. How hard was it to move past that and do music you felt you were led to do vs. what the masses were wanting/expecting in the later albums?
After being together for so many years and achieving so many things already, how do you keep things fresh and how are your goals different today as a band as opposed to when you first started out?
When you are out on tour what is pre-concert choice of food? You boys gotta eat something before you go on stag, what is the band favorite?
Fight to the Finish {seesmic_video:{”url_thumbnail”:{”value”:”http://t.seesmic.com/thumbnail/caipZfe8LY_th1.jpg”}”title”:{”value”:”Fight to the Finish ”}”videoUri”:{”value”:”http://www.seesmic.com/video/vv5iJ6u9il”}}}
Personally I love the Offerings and Offerings II. What is the hardest part about the touring and constant playing in different Cities and how do you keep it fresh doing the same stuff over and over again?
Mike
Do you record to tape, why or why not? What, to you, is your most valuable piece of gear? Not in monetary value, but as in it’s critical to your sound. I know that’s 2 questions.
Having this much success (Billboard and TV), where to from here?
Oh and why is Mark the only one on Twitter?
At what point did you realize that playing in the band was your career instead of just a hobby?
How has the band effectively addressed the issue of time spent ministering to others VS. time spent ministering to your own (wives, kids, etc.)?
What do you guys think about the CCM scene crapping on musicians who expressed too freely their personal struggles, and how does that affect the band’s writing?
I think of one of my top 5 favorite bands, King’s X, and how Dug’s writing expressed his struggle with homosexuality. Once the CCM scene got wind of it they were dropped like a hot potato.
In the ‘Time’ CD – a picture of the band is displayed as if you’re rehearsing in a house somewhere with a fireplace, sofas, etc.(Looks sort of like it could be a log cabin) This looks just like the picture on Pearl Jam’s Vs. cd with the band rehearsing in a living room type place. They also recorded at Southern Tracks a few times. Is it the same place?
What is it about Mac that drives all the women so crazy???
Do you guys plan songs for the future or do you simply take it as it comes?
After writing hundreds of songs, and playing thousands of shows, and being away from family, do you ever find your passion for this beginning to fade?
What is your favorite thing to eat while you’re on the road?
If you were not making music, what would you be doing for a career?
My husband Jeff and I have one of the very first recordings of Third Day on cassette tape. Would you guys ever re-do/release the song Forever Friend? It’s a good one!!
What’s your favorite beer?
Do you remember taking part in this video:
http://www.rhettandlink.com/videos/#adv-grammys
I ordered the CD yesterday (although an autographed one would be excellent), but when are you guys gonna come do a show for the troops @ Ramstein AFB, Germany? The largest population of US citizens, outside of the US, are right here in the KMC (Kaiserslautern Military Community)
Ok I’ll be honest I am not really that much of a third day fan but I absolutely LOVED “Offerings”. I was wondering if they noticed the slight resemblance between their new ablum cover and Radiohead’s album “Hail to the thief” I thought that was kinda funny but yea I still think both bands rock!
What is your favorite part about being in third day?
To steal from flowerdust this week, if you have eat dinner with anyone this week (besides Jesus – that’s a given), who would it be and where would you go?
Does everyone in the band enjoy being on tour or do you have some that would rather be home more often? How do you deal with being homesick and away from your families or do they get to travel with you?
Thanks, Shannon Berg
Anyone in ministry faces spiritual warfare. I would imagine that a group in the public eye would experience that much more spiritual warfare – resulting in discouragement, possible depression, doubt, etc.
Is there anything that you do/say/read/pray (alone or as a group) to strengthen your relationship with God and others so that the enemy is not allowed a stronghold? For if you are doing something that would help, how many others could follow your example?
(Sub-question: do you have people praying for you regularly?)
When sorting through material for a new project… what are the key things that helps a song make the cut… right theme? Great hook? Dance-a-licious? Great message? All the above? What are you looking for?
I second the question regarding the similarities of “Revelations” cover art to that of Radiohead’s “Hail to the Thief”
Coincidence? or Inspiration?
If you had to choose one of these places NOT to do a show, which one would it be and why? The White House Lawn, Mexico City, Heaven, The Biggest Church in the world, the biggest bar in the world, an LA school district jr. high, Niagra Falls, Cork (Ireland), Yosemite National Park, Spirit West Coast (See you there btw), or San Francisco’s Castro District.
What’s been your most embarrassing tour/performance moment?
How do you maintain a good balance between being a part of Third Day (tours, studios, etc.) and being a husband and father?
Aside from Jesus and Los, who do you admire? What is your oddest hobby? What would people find most interesting about you?
What blog(s) are you completely obsessed with?
Do you ever get tired of listening to music?
How much time do you spend with young, up and coming worship leaders (worship bands) or individuals who will one day carry the leadership and influence torch that you carry now? And what does that look like in a normal week?
A couple years ago, my dad took me and a friend to see a concert that happened to feature you! we were pleasantly
surprised though, as we did not know that you guys were there. how do you guys feel that you are making an impact on the younger demographic?
If you and Jesus could go out for coffee, and He gave you the chance to ask him anything…what would you ask Him?
What impact do you hope your music will have not only on the Church, but the world at large?
Where do you feel most worshipful? is there a church community or a place outdoors or at the dinner table with your family where the knowledge of Christ in your life just like slaps you up side of your head ?(sorry – I don’t know where that came from – it has to be visiting ‘los blog making me write in an attempting to sound cool genre because all evidence points to Carlos being cool and little old ladies probably are not!)
When you get to a new place for a concert and you don’t have much time, how do you get in “worship mode” personally so you can lead?
What is the scariest moment you’ve ever experience while on a tour bus?
Mark — did you know that Carlos was playing bad renditions of Third Day tunes back in 1993 from a bootleg album? Oh … and he only weighed about 93 pounds back then. And one more thing … he played those songs while wearing a Mickey Mouse ear ring. No lie. I was there.
So does that get me the free album?
Mark, congratulations on the birth of your 2nd child. What an exciting time in your life.
To what do you credit your ability to balance your hectic Third Day schedule with your duties as a father and husband?
If you woke up tomorrow and your ability to write/play music were gone, what would you do?
So what are your best memories of touring and your worst memories of touring? Was there ever one concert or moment on stage that really stood out?
What is one of your favorite “band stories” to tell? Serious or funny…just one of those stories you always bring up.
Is there ever a time while touring when you disconnected from God? How do you keep connected through the chaos?? Journal? Pray? Visit random churches? ect.
-ash
If you could name a song that describes your heart for God, what song would it be?
Do you have any routines while out on tour that make traveling without family bearable?
Special items they send with you?
Video phone?
Also, what is your favorite road food?
I am a Third Day fan! My favorite album is your first one. The one with the bus and Georgia peach on it. Loved it! Still do…
my question is…I manage a blues band (riverside blues club) out here in Southern CA, when/if you guys are in the area, would you want to come and hang out and have a kick back jam session with us? Would be so cool, and we’d condsider it an honor!
Yes or no, I will still be a fan!!
God Bless!!
Third Day is huge outside US… from Brazil to Kenya, to Japan. Do you guys have plans for a world tour in the near future?
What are your favorite books of the Bible and why?
My question is…
You guys have been around the world and seen many different situations. So Where should the focus of the church be directed to make the most change in our world.
Did you ever experience the “urgency to go” in a concert, in the middle of a song? How did you manage the challenge?
Name the top 3 bands/artists which never leave your playlist (Third Day excluded :0)
What one advice you could give to an aspiring artist regarding balance between family and band responsibilities? Could you share a personal story about your victories in this area?
What are the purpose and goals of Third Day’s ministry, and have you achieved them? (ps, i’ve been a fan since wayback, and my favorite song still is Consuming Fire.)
Does it bother you that people over 50 tell you that they like your songs and that they have liked your songs for a long time?
Third Day has come through so much when I needed them. As I fell into the valley, they sang about the Mountain of God. As I questioned the validity of my faith, I hear Creed. When I wonder if I’m doing enough, they tell me it’s my Offering.
What is your inspiration for the wide-range of worship and personal experience music that you write? Have you been through the valley? Have you questioned the validity of your faith? Do you ever wonder if you’re doing enough? How is it that you are able to relate on so many levels?
Thank you,
Clay Harryman
Ya’ll have soo many great songs, how do you pick the songs to play each night?
What inspires you guys the most?
At the L.A. House of Blues a few months, I could swear Mac winked at my wife. Can one of you kick his butt for me please?
And, alternate…
When covering your songs in church, I find it difficult not to do a Mac Powell imitation, much like if I were performing a Creed song… well, I’d have no choice but to be Scott Stapp, Jr. Any suggestions?
How long have all of you known each other? And after all these years together as a band do you still like each other =)?
why the title “revelation”? is it about the book or a more personal revelation or something else altogether?
How do you balance family time with life on the road? What does that look like as your kids get older?
This question is coming to you from my 14 year son: Do you find that being on the road is hard on your family and your walk with the Lord?
What song by any other artist do you wish that you had wrote and what song of yours would you like to see covered and by whom?
how many of these long questions did you skip over?
In your opinion, is toothpaste a liquid or a solid?
Who is your favorite band to play with while on tour?
is mac powell his real name or his stage name (haha)? also, what’s your worst on the road story (almost killed by a gang in detroit, held up in a bank while depositing your merch. money, went on jay leno and called him conan, etc…)
If you could perform on stage with any other musician/band, Christian or secular, dead or alive, who would it/they be?
What book (or author) has made the biggest impact on your life and why?
I am a book nerd so this seemed like a good question
)
When are you going to write a song as in your face rock n’ roll as “You make me mad” again?
i know, i keep asking the same questions, but i’m a one song kinda gal.
so, if you lived in a foreign country and had no access to third day cds, itune wasn’t available in that country, and you don’t get to watch jay leno, how would you survive?
Why isn’t Geof Barclay an official member of the band?
My husband and some friends from the worship team at church are currently writing music and getting together to practice it with the intent of recording. Any advice?
How do you guys keep all that success from going to your heads? How do you stay humble?
When y’all are out on tour, who is the messy one and who is the neat freak?
What about the fourth day?
Do ya’ll get tired of traveling? Does your family go with you?
if you had to pick just one, what one person has impacted your lives the most for Christ?
At what moment did you realize, “She’s the one…”?
Any chance of the band shedding some light of the persistent urban legend that the song “Blackbird” was actually a song written to the band “The Black Crows”?
How do they cram all that graham into golden grahams?
if i play your CD backwards, what does it say?
Your older song “When the Rain Comes” really speaks to me when I am in despair. Is there a story behind you writing it? Thank you for your ministry.
As a group how have you come to know your strengths and weeknesses Spiritually and as a Band?
Is there any passage in the Bible that just makes you crack up and think, “Why did God put THAT in there?”
What is the BEST CITRUS ENERGY DRINK EVER?!!
Nothing deep…. Will you tell Mac’s Aunt Pat I said hello when you see her in Sacramento. I haven’t seen her since I moved (have emailed and sent her Third Day concert pics, though). I hope to see her this fall.
See you next month.. an artist friend (I’m also his photog) is playing first stage for you @ Verizon in Indy.
finally – they’re on!!!!
I was at the Tonight Show and you guys were great. Although it was tough for my wife and I to sit through the other two guests. Thanks for bringing the presence of the Almighty after that! After your performance you guys were high-fiving and hugging one another. It really looked like it was something very special for the band. What was so significant about this performance versus all the other shows that you do. How does this accomplishment stack up to some of your others?
Is is true that Mac first unsuccessfully tried rap music before going with the southern rock style? What was his group’s name? What is your favorite 3D song? Ok, it was three, but just pick one…Thanks!
If Third Day could collaborate, writing a song or having them guest sing at a concert, with any shaved-headed worship leader from … say the south? Who would it be?
This isn’t very spiritual, but how do you keep from getting on each other’s last nerve when you’re on the road?!
How long is it going to take to ready a couple hundred comments?
No, just kidding. Here’s my real question:
From an outsider’s (non-musician’s) perspective, it seams like musicians often struggle with this pattern where your life experiences add up to several great songs that express things you’ve learned or dealt with. So you record them and become somewhat successful, and then spend a couple of years trying to make it a career. And at some point, you have to write some more songs to make a new album, but now the place you’re writing from is completely different than the first time or two around.
Where maybe before you were neck-deep in a church community or a neighborhood or some kind of ministry, now your life is traveling and recording and traveling.
To the guys from Third Day: have you experienced this pattern, and how it has affected you as people, song writers, and worship leaders? Do you ever feel a need to get away from the musician lifestyle so you can get back to a place more relatable to most of your listeners, so that you can write songs to reach people in that place?
Do you ever miss the “good ole days”, like playing at The Strand in the square in Marietta?
Who is the first person (after Jesus) you want to meet in Heaven?
What I love about third day is that they are so focused on God. Other artists often stray away from that. How do you keep the focus God and praising him in every song on every album?
Which one of you would make the prettiest girl?
You’ve got 15 minutes to play on a stage in heaven. Which 3 songs do you play?
Do you have families and do they go on tour with you. If not how often do you see them?
Who’s your favorite artist?
I think I’ve read every article in the world asking you guys questions…so….
What is your ONE prized possession in the world (this is a material item…not your wife or children or pets)?
congrats on your successes and staying power!
what would you be doing if this weren’t your career gig?
This may be a repeat of others…
Do you ever wish for a 9-5 job?
For Third Day:
If tomorrow it all went away – the concerts, the music, the traveling, the song-writing, etc. All of it. And you were just a bunch of regular guys with regular lives, working regular 9-5 jobs and mowing the lawn on Saturdays and going to church on Sundays with a nap afterwards…
What is the one thing that you would miss the most?
What is your greatest challenge while touring?
Blessings
Sue
marklovessue@numail.org
If you could pick one hair do of any rocker (past or present), who would it be?
I was at the Jay Leno taping yesterday (july29) What were your thoughts on being on a show that happened to have some pretty “crass” conversations with the two guests? Continue to let your light shine in this dark world!!!
(I think you guys ROCKED the house, btw)
With the success you have and the adoration of many fans, how do you keep humble and keep the focus on God?
I would like to know how David Carr feels about the new cd and the changes that the group has made..we dont’ hear enough from David and he’s the man that keeps the band “steppin”!!
All of you now have kids and most of them are grown up enough to know their own interests.
Do any of the Third Day Children have a favourite Third Day song/s? If so, what?
I love Third Day. They/You have gotten me through some dark times. Thank you for that. My question is, “Who do you think should play the next Batman villian? Who should be Catwoman or Penguin?” I have my own picks, but I don’t want to taint your response.
Hi there I was wondering what you did in your free time for fun
And what kind of music do you listen too 
Coolest thing someone has done for you while on tour? And I mean someone that didn’t know who you were but was just being nice and it stuck with you.
The upcoming tour has a great lineup of bands. How did the whole tour thing come about and who asked who to join up etc. Who was the brains behind the idea and to work with Habitat for Humanity?
Burnt Orange Gomer
How did you get involved in the USO tour to Kuwait and Iraq? What did you take away from playing for an all Military audience in a war zone? You are the first exclusive Christian band to play a USO tour and definitely the first to play loud, Christ-centric, flat-out-boomin’ music in an Islamic culture. AWESOME!!
TOP3D Gomer
What are your wives’ favorite songs/memories of touring?
What do you do when someone offends you? do you say something at that time or wait until later depending where it happened?
If you could pick one of these two cover songs to play, would ya’ll play a re-worked (obviously) version of Steelheart’s “I’ll Never Let You Go” or Buck Owens “Act Naturally”?
There seems to be so much pressure and many pitfalls that come with success. How do you balance success with responsibility in using what God’s given you (an audience, material wealth, travel opportunity) to help His kingdom?
There are some great questions here; it’s hard to think of anything different to ask. I loved the video of the first ten years on Chronology II. Has it been difficult to make decisions for the benefit of the band at the price of personal relationships, friendships, etc.? You have to have prayed diligently for guidance. Any regrets?
Mac normally has most of the songwriting credits, but Mark and Tai each contributed to Revelation with “Take It All” and “Otherside”. How do you determine what songs make it on the CD and what is involved with putting together a song such as “Otherside” which is co-written?
Dude, I was so bothered by the other guests on Leno before Third Day getting their spot. Seth Rogan was so crass and offensive and I hated the justaposition of having him on the same show as Third Day. Then again, salt and light. Salt and light.
What is the coolest thing God has done with your music?
How do you stay authentic? We all get temptations to go places or say and do things that may not be right for us, but I’m sure it might be more so in your line of work. What keeps you grounded?
Have the answers to any of these questions been posted or am I missing something?
do the members of third day struggle with masturbation? i sure do!