Suite: Jason, thanks for taking the time. The obvious first question is the classical influence on your sound, the orchestral arrangements. Did you study/play classical?
Jason: Well, I am a "self-taught musician", if there is such a thing. However, Andy Dollerson, who co-wrote most of the music, was classically trained in his homeland of England. He has a degree in composition. Dave, our bass player, has his undergrad degree in music from UT (University of Texas). Ali, my wife, has extensive vocal training, and Cory and Joe, on drums and bass, are just so gifted for being youngsters. Additionally, Ali and I are very influenced by score composers such as Thomas Newman and Hans Zimmer.
Our song-writing process generally goes something like this: basically I am just a songwriter with a decent voice. Ali and the other guys in the band are the real talent. The songwriting process is a synergistic one. I write the framework of a song - theme, lyrics, chord progressions, basic ideas. Ali will be the first filter, especially for the lyrics and vocal melody. She also co-writes the lyrics on some of the tunes. Then I will take the song to Andy, who usually changes some of the chord progressions, arrangement, and melodies (always for the better). After we've established a "final" song, we will take it to the guys, who always have great suggestions on how to make it better.
Suite: Your music communicates a view of God that is deeply worshipful, reverent, awe-filled. A nice change from some of our overly-familiar tones currently popular. How did you manage to avoid that popular trap?
Jason: Well, first of all, thank you. If we accomplish that view of God being expressed then the album will have succeeded. I would say that lyrically it was written out of some pretty intimate times between God and I. Most of them involved some tears on my part, and just a real sense of my desperate need of, and immense gratitude towards, our King. Also, musically we are influenced by bands whose music tends to introduce root notes and chords which, although in the same key, aren't expected by the listener, which creates a sense of mystery.
Suite: Does the grandeur of your sound ever limit your choices of venues? Or do you find that your music reaches past physical boundaries?
Jason: We typically play in churches and at conferences. Our previous band, Blythe, was more of a bar and club band where the lyrical content wasn't so overly Christ centered. But I think as much as we may dislike the pop Christian subculture, we missed singing songs directly to God. Our vision changed a bit. We just want to lead people into His presence.
Suite: I know these questions are a bit heavy, lol. Here’s a lob: what band would you love to be in for a day?
Jason: Tough question. Each member of the band would respond so differently. I think for me - Coldplay maybe, or U2. Ali's favorite band would be Coldplay or Sigur Ros, both bands whose sound influences Tremont, but my favorite band was always U2 growing up, so U2 would probably get the nod based on nostalgia.
Suite: What can’t you live without?
Jason: Assuming you mean outside of spiritual needs - my wife, laughter, friends who are close, music that stirs the soul, vision.
Click here to read Suite's review of Tremont's "Mystery and Beauty," an album of rich grandeur that you won't want to miss.
