Third Day Jesusfreakhideout.com Interview

At last. Since the release of Conspiracy No. 5 in 1997, we've been trying to score an interview with the cooled boys from Atlanta. But it wasn't until 2 years later that we got the chance to ask Third Day some questions about their amazing musical ministry. Bassist, Tai Anderson ever so kindly answered our call for a JfH exclusive.
This interview was completed on: 8/10/99.

Jesus freak Hideout: Understanding that it was inspired from scripture, what made you decide on the name, "Third Day?"

Tai Anderson: Third Day has been a very uncontrived band. We basically picked the name very quickly thinking that we'd change it to something better after we gave it some thought. However, the name stuck. The third day is the day of resurrection which is really the most incredible day in all of history. It's not a bad occassion to reference.

JFH: How did the band get started?

Tai: Mac and Mark went to high school together. David and I went to high school together. We hooked up at a show we were all playing at at Mark's church. Then, we added Brad about 2 years later. We are very proud of the fact that we've been the same band for 6+ years.

JFH: How would you describe your sound?

Tai: American Music.

JFH: What bands have influenced your sound?

Tai: Atlanta bands: the black crowes, REM, Drivin and Cryin'. Also U2, Tom Petty, the Prayer Chain and Rich Mullins.

JFH: Your new album, "Time," shows a distinct return to the southern rootsy sound of your self-titled debut with a matured, more confident sound. What inspired you guys to make the alteration?

Tai: We got to the place where we realized we really didn't have anything to prove. This is the kind of music that we really enjoy. So, we made the kind of music that we like to listen to.

JFH: I know this is a little off the subject, but for a mini Conspiracy No. 5 interlude, could you tell a little about the meaning of your hit song "You Make Me Mad," still a personal favorite of mine.

Tai: You Make me Mad discusses how music can have all kinds of affects on you. It is not a huge 'message' song except for the line that says, "I don't listen to the words, but I know them all by heart" We wanted to express that music really does affect us and as Christians it's a good idea to at least think about what we're listening to.

JFH: Back on the subject of your new album, Time... The opening song is "I've Always Loved You." It's unique in the sense that you guys decided to start off the album with a slower song as opposed to your 2 previous projects. What encouraged this change? Also, please feel free to tell a little about the story behind this really powerful song.

Tai: We've always come out of the gate just totally rocking and were starting to feel like we were possibly scaring away potential fans. We love doing the rock songs and feel like it is a real strength. However, some of our best songs have been more mellow: "Love Song", "Thief", "My Hope Is In You." "I've Always Loved You" has a great Tom Petty, Wildflowers feel.. We love the way that record starts, and somewhat tipped our hat to a real hero. The song has a very simple but powerful message that we always try to remind ourselves and our audience of. No matter what we've done, God loves us. That should never become trite to us.

JFH: What is the song "Don't Say Goodbye" about?

Tai: "Don't say Goodbye" is a song reaching out to a friend that has turned away from God. The key to the message of the song is the very last line of the counter melody of the song which states that 'Faith will bring you home again.' Don't say Goodbye.

JFH: What is your inspiration for penning the song "Never Bow Down"?

Tai: "Never bow Down" is inspired by the story of Shadrach, Meshach and Abbendago as well as the persecuted church throughout the world especially China and the Phillipines. Would we as Americans give all we have and our lives for the gospel if the time came? If we aren't living for Christ, we probably wouldn't die for Him.

JFH: What is favorite Third Day song?

Tai: "Consuming Fire" still stands as our favorite song, but I love a song on our bonus cd called "Long Time Comin'."

JFH: What is your favorite movie?

Tai: Waiting for Guffman

JFH: Do you prefer MounTain Dew or Pepsi?

Tai: We only drink Coca Cola products... We're from Atlanta remember.

JFH: What does the future hold in store for Third Day?

Tai: More touring and more cds. We hope to really challenge the body of Christ to unity and service. We have awesome jobs.

JFH: The Jesus freak Hideout site was started out of appreciation for good Christian music. We've set a goal to try to use the site to spread Christian music, as well as God's Word, & show others how great Christian music can be. Do you listen to Christian music? If so, what bands?

Tai: We're huge Christian music fans. We love the music of Rich Mullins, DC Talk, and Steven Curtis Chapman. Our favorite new band is Switchfoot who will be touring with us again soon.

JFH: I really appreciate you taking out the time in your busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Are there any last comments you'd like to make?