Getting to know 33 Miles

In most cases, if something is good, you leave it alone and don’t mess with it. However, there are rare moments in which you can’t help but combine good things to make them great. Such is the case with Jason, Chris and Collin. Separately they are talented musicians and vocalists, but together they form 33Miles.
Each member is an accomplished vocalist, songwriter, and musician in his own right, but together there’s an electricity and passion that comes from a shared sense of purpose. “We know why God brought us together,” says Chris. “We really believe that God has called us to the church. We feel like we’ve been called to remind the church and ourselves of who we are in Christ and whom we serve. As Christians, we have grace, mercy and power beyond comprehension and understanding. We just want to encourage the church to look to Jesus. Don’t forget who you are in Christ.”
This purpose is reflected in their name, which is a simple metaphor for the 33 years that Christ spent on Earth, and how He lived them. “He was a friend to the friendless, He loved the unlovable, and He gave of Himself selflessly by dying on the cross in our place so that we could live forever,” Jason explains. “We want to follow Christ. We want our ‘Miles’ to have purpose and meaning and to make a difference for the Kingdom of God. We aren't promised a certain number of miles, so what are we going to do with the "Miles" that we are given?”
Jason Barton (lead vocal) followed his calling to Nashville where he signed his first recording contract in 2000. In the course of his career in the Christian music industry, Jason has become an accomplished studio and was nominated for a Grammy in 2003. Jason, however, would be quick to tell you that his greatest achievement is his family. He is married to Jennifer and they have two boys, Jake and Jonah.
Chris Lockwood (guitar/vocal) is a Mobile, AL native who majored in Music at the University of Mobile. He spent some time touring and became an in-demand session player. Later his prowess on guitar earned him acceptance to the prestigious Berklee School of Music. Today, he resides in Mobile with his wife Joy.
Collin Stoddard (piano/vocal), the group’s youngest member, grew up in Colorado Springs, CO. He then pursued a Commercial Music major with an emphasis on Piano Performance at Belmont University. When he met Jason, he saw God providing an opportunity for a new season. “He said, ‘Here’s a door, open it and step through.’
The debut disc from 33 Miles includes songs destined to become part of the fabric of the church. “There is A God” is a poignant ballad that declares the majesty of our heavenly father. “What Could Be Better (The Days Ahead)” is a high-spirited anthem co-written by Jason that is getting great reaction from all who hear it.
“This is Now” is a song that reminds the listener no matter how badly they’ve been broken, God is ready to put the pieces back together again. “Even though we wouldn't place ourselves in the worship category, we certainly had worshippers in mind while recording our record,” says Jason.
“On our album, listeners will feel a rock moment and hear a country moment and a pop moment,” says Jason. “I feel that what is going to make our sound a little bit different musically is that it integrates various musical styles. We are forging new territory, not only musically, but also in our own hearts, becoming what we want to be.