(Photo :Jeremiah Jonescolor)

Many of us has sung Laura Story's top 5 hit "What a Savior" in church.  But few of us know it is written by Jeremiah Jones.  Jones has recently released his debut album "Mighty River" (see BREATHEcast's review section) where he has cut his own version of "What a Savior" as well as many new songs.  We are grateful to sit down with Jeremiah Jones to talk to him about his new album, his gift of songwriting and many other issues.

BREATHEcast:  Jeremiah, congratulations on your new album "Mighty River," tell us a little about yourself and your style of music. 

Jeremiah: Thanks! I grew up on American singer/songwriters like James Taylor and Joni Mitchell and have always been inspired by that era of music. Having grown up in the church, I was also influenced early on by Keith Green and Charlie Peacock.  I wrote my first song at 15 (an intimate worship song) and from that moment on I knew I was supposed to make church music. So, "Mighty River" is a culmination of many years of putting my prayers to music and singing them in Church.  

BREATHEcast:  You are known for your songwriting and you did write Laura Story's smash hit "What a Savior," how did that song come about?  And how did you get Laura Story to cut it?

Jeremiah: I had been reading a book by Lester Summerall titled The Names of God.  This simple book inspired me to begin singing out the names attributed to Jesus found in scripture and in one setting I had written the verses and chorus. The next day, I came back to the song and knew I needed a bridge, my favorite moment in the song, and it just came together.  It's one of those songs that, I believe, God had a hand in writing.  I then recorded it on a worship album for my local church, Radius.  My pastor at the time said I should submit some of the songs from that album to the Catalyst Music Project, a partnership between the Catalyst Conferences and then INO Records, Laura's label.  Out of 700 songs submitted, they chose "What a Savior" to go on the 2010 compilation and asked Laura to sing it.  I had known Laura from the college years, having done some touring with her band. She agreed and the song went to radio in 2010.  Fast forward to 2012, Laura had recorded the song on her album "Blessings" and the label re-released it as the follow-up single to the 1# hit "Blessings". Laura won the Grammy for her song "Blessings", paving the way for the success of "What a Savior".  Basically, I wrote a song, sent it in via email, and the rest is history!

BREATHEcast:  As a song writer, what do you look for in a worship song?  What makes a good worship song? 

Jeremiah: A good worship song has to take timeless, scriptural truth and deliver that truth in a meaningful way. So many worship songs these days use a lot of stock phrasing so it's very important to me to sing songs that are both lyrically inspiring and musically singable.  I want to write songs that I know I'll be happy to sing for years to come and I strive for that in every song. Most importantly, I look for the anointed songs, songs that, without question, the Holy Spirit get's the full writing credit!  

BREATHEcast:  In leading worship, what do you think are the essential qualities of a worship leader?

Jeremiah: Worship leaders are servant leaders first. The leadership platform is one of sacrifice and integrity so it's important for any leader to work hard to serve the Church, and that often requires a death to self, style and preference.  Being musically proficient is important as well, but more importantly, worship leaders need to be well read in scripture and theology.  Also, learning to disappear is so vital to having Jesus be the focal point.  The worship leader platform isn't a glamorous show and rock stars need not apply.

BREATHEcast: Between songwriting, singing and leading worship, which do you enjoy most? 

Jeremiah: I enjoy them all equally, although songwriting takes a lot more time and energy.  For me the best moments I've had musically are when I step away from a mic and the people in the room are singing their guts out, so I'd say that  leading worship gives me the most joy! 

BREATHEcast:  Let's talk about your new record 'Mighty River," it is produced by Ed Cash (who has helmed albums by Chris Tomlin, Aaron Shust and Laura Story).  How did you get to work with Ed Cash?  What was it like working with him?

Jeremiah: I met Ed about 12 years ago. He sang at a mutual friend's wedding and I sang at the reception.  We connected and stayed in touch over the years as his career as a producer took off and I continued in church planting and worship leading.  In the fall of 2011, I decided it was time to take a big step and do an album that would reach more of a national audience and so I reached out to Ed. He agreed and gave my songs such great treatment.  He's a natural at finding the right voice for a song, putting gifted musicians in the room and seeing the magic happen. He's also a very gifted songsmith as well and understands the importance of crafting melodies that are singable and inspired.  His team at Anchor Productions, including his brother Scott who contributed a ton of time and creativity, are all so talented and it was truly an honor and blessing to partner with them in making these songs come to life.

BREATHEcast:  I really like "Mighty River," "Anchor," and "If You Love the Lord," if there is one song from your album you are most proud of which would it be?  And why? 

Jeremiah: Wow, tough question!  I love those songs too! For me, I'd say it would be the opening track, "In the Arms".  That was the first song I wrote for the album and it was such an emotional song for me as it was just an outpouring of my soul.  I was processing the journey God had taken me on to get to that point and it was an overwhelming realization that in every season I can find my total satisfaction in the arms of God.  Actually, when I sang it in the studio, it took me a long time to get through the chorus because I kept breaking down emotionally. Ed told me to go out in the woods and bawl my eyes out and come back to sing the song if I had too!  It was just that powerful, and to this day I still experience a lot of emotion when I sing it live.  

BREATHEcast:  Besides Laura Story, do you have other songs cut or/and being recorded by other artists? 

Jeremiah: Not presently, though I'd never be opposed to that! I do have a good many worship leaders leading many of my songs in their churches around the country, in Latin America and in India.  To me, that is very rewarding.

BREATHEcast:  What are plans now after "Mighty River"?  Do you have a new album in the works?  

Jeremiah: Well, I'm still touring on "Mighty River" and will be through the end of this year. I'm constantly writing songs and have more than enough for another album so I hope to being work on a new project later this year.

BREATHEcast:  How can our readers find out about your concert dates?  How can they purchase "Mighty River" and learn more about you?  

Jeremiah: Yes! I'm on the road throughout the country for most of 2013.  You can find out where I'll be and much more at www.jeremiahjonesmusic.com and you can listen to and purchase "Mighty River" at Cdbaby.com: http://www.cdbaby.com/cd/jeremiahjones1.  Or, you can order a physical copy directly from my site via paypal!