By Elena B.

Currently on tour with Rebecca St. James and Barlow Girl, Jadon Lavik readies the March 7th release of his latest album, Life On The Inside. ccmBuzz recently spoke with Jadon regarding the new album, his favorite tracks, the most influential person in his life and yes - even the Seattle Mariners. Check out our exclusive interview below.

ccmBuzz: How would you describe your style of music?

Jadon: I would say my music is a mix of acoustic guitar pop combined with a sprinkle of rock and folky songwriting… oh, and under the umbrella of the contemporary Christian genre. (Laughter) Did you get all that? The new album Life On the Inside is a continuation of the first for the most part, but also explores some more adventurous chord progressions, my love for electric guitar as well as acoustic, and is fairly diverse from song to song.

ccmBuzz: Which song off the new album means the most to you lyrically and why?

Jadon: Now that’s a tough question, I would have to say it’s a tie between "On the Outside" and "Meant To Be."

"On the Outside" talks about feeling set apart from culture, feeling different, going against the flow, being heavenly minded but still relevant and the struggle that inevitably emerges from balancing our calling in life with our hope for the eternal. I think this is my favorite because this issue is a constant struggle in my own life and therefore very personal. Paul said we are to live as "strangers here in reverent fear" and that’s what I feel called to do… to set my eyes on the things above and yet live a purposeful existence and to point others to Christ. To the world, I’m supposed to look different.

"Meant To Be" talks about being exactly where God wants you to be in exactly His timing. So many times I find myself in a spot in life that makes no sense to me at all. I’m constantly asking God ", why in the world would you do this to me?" or "How does this fit into my plans?" Come to find out later that my plans often differ… but His plans are perfect. The fun part is often looking back on our lives and seeing how certain life experiences or trials bring you to a whole new place that was completely unforeseen and yet exactly where you were "Meant To Be." The challenge for me is learning to trust God during the in between times when the outcome, or the reasons why, seem hidden.

ccmBuzz: What does your album have to offer that others might not? What sets yours apart from other new releases coming out on March 7th?

Jadon: I hope that this album is an accurate reflection of me as a person. I try really hard not to write things that aren’t meaningful to me as a person… my work is very personal and that is probably why I prefer to write all the material by myself. My hope is that this album is different because it’s about me as a person and I am a unique person. I think that there are a number of things lyrically and musically about this record that are different from the first [album] that I’m personally excited about. Both in terms of my own growth and development as an individual, and what that has to offer the listener.

ccmBuzz: In your life, which single song has impacted you the most and why? Any song that seemed like it was written just for you?

Jadon: James Taylor’s song "Up On The Roof." I have loner tendencies. I identify with the guy who just wants to get away from the noise some times. I’m not sure what it is but my personality likes alone time, quietness, freedom, space to breathe, natural surroundings, etc.. Living in a fast-pace society, I find it very hard to find the balance between productivity and peacefulness. To me that song reminds me to slow down, and chill out.

ccmBuzz: Biggest influence in your life, spiritually? A role model?

Jadon: Definitely my father. Dr. Philip Lavik. He’s a role model for so many reasons, but most of all because I see Jesus in him. In a world full of broken promises and unmet expectations, my father has been the exception to the rule in my life. He practices what he preaches and I respect him more than any other man I’ve ever met in my life. As a pastor for 25 years or so, he’s always been the guy who never is in the position of "glory," nor sought to be. I think he’s the most over qualified associate pastor ever and yet he never complains, faithfully teaching Bible study after Bible study, mentoring men, talking with the "fringe" people that most people avoid… and most of all, I’ve always admired his humility. I usually take the opportunity to brag for him whenever I can cause he would never do it on his own.

ccmBuzz: I read that you had hoped to go into major league baseball after college. What’s the history of that? Were you injured? Do you still play and who is your favorite team/player?

Jadon: Well, I always had dreamed of becoming a professional baseball player. Many of my friends and teammates over the years made it. I came close as a standout college player, but never got drafted. My claim to fame was being named Honorable Mention All-American my junior year in college. But my senior year came and went without a call from the pros. That’s ok though, I’ve since recovered. (Laughter)

The irony is, I made myself feel better by saying, "You know, If I get drafted and play in the minor leagues, it would be hard… traveling all the time, staying in motels, eating fast-food all the time." And here I am today, doing that exact thing in Christian music! God has a good sense of humor!

I tried playing softball for my church team for a couple of seasons. I got bored. The game was too slow for me. Maybe in 20 more years I’ll pick it up… Lord willing! Favorite team, for sure the Seattle Mariners. Born and raised in Redmond, Washington, gotta support the local team… Go mariners!

ccmBuzz: What advice would you give to someone who might be struggling with finding his or her calling in life?  People that might be conflicted with trying to figure out what God has planned for them.

Jadon: I try to tell people what I’ve found to be true for myself, and that is; find out what you like to do and do everything you can in your power to become better at it.

For me it was by surrounding myself by people who were the best at what they do in music. I had the opportunity to be employed at Saddleback Church on the music staff for two years. I was a sponge soaking up everything I could learn about music. During the evenings I would audit local college music courses doing everything I could to become better at the craft. The mystery seems to be in choosing though. So many people get lost in the decision afraid of making the wrong one and remain stagnant. My advice is to make a decision even if it’s the wrong one and watch how God uses it to bring you to a whole new place in life that you never would have anticipated or foreseen. To me that’s the beauty in trusting God. Waiting to see what He’s going do, or how He’s going to use a particular circumstance or situation. Track nine on the new album talks about this.

ccmBuzz: Favorite pastime while on the road?

Jadon: Practicing guitar. I love to play. If I have downtime I’m usually messing around on my guitar. It never seems to get old.

ccmBuzz: Two things that you never go on tour without?

Jadon: Starbucks gift cards and my computer.

ccmBuzz: The most odd question that you’ve ever been asked in an interview?

Jadon: Ummm. One time I was asked who my favorite superhero was… I was stunned. I think I said something like, "Who cares?"

ccmBuzz: Thanks Jadon! Good luck with the remainder of the tour and the release of the new album. Thanks again for taking time out to chat with us!

For more information on Jadon and his music, check out his official website at JadonLavik.com