Jason Ingram
As the first artist signed to Sonicflood's new Resonate Records, Jason Ingram is no stranger to Christian music audiences. Thousands of people have seen Jason opening on the most recent Sonicflood tour or have heard the smash hit from Sonicflood's new project that he co-wrote with Rick Heil, "Resonate." Others may even remember the Jason Ingram Band that released a CD on Audience Records and even scored a top three national CHR radio hit, "What's it Gonna Be Like."
With the release of his self-titled debut project, it is now Jason?s time to connect on a more personal level with audiences around the country. Going deeper into his desire for intimacy with God, Jason?s new project is a feast of God-centered pop tunes that have come out of the heart of a pastor, communicated in a way that will undoubtedly appeal to the masses.
Jason cites his father as his biggest influence, something you rarely hear from a pastor's kid. Their relationship was a huge reason behind Jason's feeling called to ministry since his youth. His dad, Chip Ingram, is a well-known nationally syndicated radio pastor, yet to Jason, "He's my Barnabas."
After Jason began serving as worship pastor at a local church in Santa Cruz, he formed a band to begin touring and leading worship around the country, even landing a slot on tour with ForeFront recording artist Eli, and Ardent Records' Satellite Soul. Jason also made several trip overseas to Hong Kong, doing concerts in the public schools during the day, and then inviting the students to evangelical concerts in the evening.
This road was never quite straight, nor without its challenges, as the band suffered a near-fatal van crash, destroying all their equipment and mounting up their debt. Soon after in 1999, Jason and his wife of now nearly five years, Culley, decided to leave the band behind, pack up and move to Nashville to continue on the path he believed God chose for him.
Each new experience would bring them nearly to the end of their resources, naturally causing Jason to question whether he was doing the right thing. Even still, he was praying all the time, even through all the waiting. "What kept me going was that God continued showing us fruit of our efforts, confirming the call on my life to do music. My relationship with God has grown over time, through circumstances constantly being orchestrated that reveal His provision and providence."
Then came the opportunity to sing back-up and sell merchandise for Sonicflood, the situation that would eventually lead to getting this new project recorded and distributed.
Bigger than just a series of notes and chords, Jason views his music as a tool. He doesn't ever want to just be considered entertainment. He knows this part of the journey God has him on is more about turning Jason into the person God wants him to be. His heart passion is to encourage people to seek after God and His wisdom, and not be distracted by a desire to be used by Him. "God is interested in growing me more than He's interested in using me."
If Jason Ingram were to have a major regret in his life, it would probably be the fact he didn't become a surfer. Sure, he could pass for one. He has the looks for it. He even tried it. He had to. He only grew up in one of the best surfing areas in the country, outside of Santa Cruz, California, where surfing is inborn almost as much as having a penchant for Starbucks. He had all the right gear: the surfer outfit, the board, the buddies... He paddled his way out past the breakers, and waited for "the big one." And waited. And waited. But it never happened. You know, the time when you get up on your board and become "one" with the wave and you ride it into shore, and you're met with incredible applause from the bystanders? Then you're hooked. Jason was never hooked. While his two brothers were out connecting with the surf, Jason found his connection with his guitar.
God is taking His time, and Jason is still waiting. But instead of waiting for the perfect wave, he is resting in the promises that God will continue to lead him to the next perfect place where he can know God more, and continue to be used to fulfill His desires. |
