Interview: The Neverclaim
US band The Neverclaim released their self-titled major label debut album last year. When LTTM spoke with lead singer Jeremiah Carlson we discovered there is more to this band than just their music - they also have a huge heart for prayer. Find out more about their passionate prayer campaign in this interview...
For those who haven't heard of The Neverclaim before, can you tell us a little bit about yourself and how you got involved in making music?
The Neverclaim started back in 2006. The Lord gave me a vision to have a ministry-focused band and so ministry saturates everything we do. I started looking for guys to play with and had a huge heart for ministry and the Lord brought some quality guys together. All of us have musical backgrounds some of us classically trained others of us have been playing at church and in touring bands for most our lives.
Music to us is just a simple tool to use for people to encounter God. Our name sums up our mission. To Neverclaim God’s glory for our own and to Neverclaim our lives as our own, but to give them away for the sake of others.
Tell us a little bit about the self-titled album you released last year, and what the inspiration behind it was?
Our first release on Essential Records was a crazy amazing process. We had released several independently produced records before but with this one, we got to work with Jason Ingram who’s produced Tomlin, Tenth Ave and many more as well as Paul Moak who has produced Third Day, Matt Maher, Reliant K and many others. We have always been a live band. Our live show has always been our strongest suit so the goal was to capture the bigness of our live sound and balance it with a studio record. The reason we self-titled it is because we wanted our debut major record to establish who we are and what we are about... Jesus, plain and simple. We are pretty straightforward about who Christ is and the real life that is only found in Him throughout this record.
One of the tracks on that album, Steal Their Hearts, has inspired you to launch a special campaign - what's the vision behind that?
How can other people get involved in the Prayer Campaign?
They can go to www.stealtheirhearts.com to join the movement. Share the music and devotional videos via social media and start praying like crazy for this next generation!
Why is it so important to you to reach out to parents in this way?
I’ve served in pastoral ministry for over 12 years now. I’ve put on the most compelling events that really had an impact on thousands of kids. Yet, the most powerful/effective ministry tool I’ve ever seen has been the power of a praying parent. Sometimes parents simply don’t know what or how to pray over their children. The prayer I have prayed has always been simple, just because I’m a simple guy. It’s easy to remember and can become a habit that is easier to keep because of it’s simplicity.
How would you define success in your career as a band?Success for us is what we call the “real paycheck”. Most people don’t know this, but it’s very hard to make decent money in music, let alone Christian music. None of us got into this business for the glitz and the glam but for the people. The real paycheck happens when you see lives changed. Anytime we get to pray for people and see them healed and hope delivered that’s the real joy of this all. Success is being faithful to God’s call in this area and striving to live and look more and more like Jesus.
In your opinion, what makes the perfect worship song?
The perfect worship song I believe doesn’t necessarily have a formula, but happens when whoever is writing it or singing it has the right heart posture. The lyrics may or may not be elaborate and the music may or may not be what’s “in” but when there is authentic desperation for Jesus, I believe true anointing comes.
What advice would you give to any aspiring bands out there?
1st - Love God and people. Too many bands love music and if God and people benefit from that then its extra. Music is not the end all be all. Let your music serve as a catalyst to the end all be all. Which is to bring glory to Christ and bless His people.
2nd - Work hard on your craft. Few will listen to what you have to sing or say if it’s done poorly
3rd - Be faithful with what’s in front of you now. Don’t chase what’s next year. By that I mean serve in your church, play local gigs, work hard and maybe God will see fit to begin to open bigger doors for you.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, and you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
Hmmmmmm. Man that’s a hard one. Ok, my answer would probably change next week but today I would listen to “Future Past” by John Mark McMillan. Such an amazing and authentic worship song right now.
What does the next year hold for The Neverclaim?
This next year we are going to continue playing a lot of shows and ministering to as many people possible. You can check out when and where at our facebook page
www.facebook.com/theneverclaim
