Ardent Records/SRE Recordings announced the sophomore release from alternative rock band Jonah33 titled The Strangest Day, which hits stores December 26. Jonah33 will give audiences an advance preview of music from the album on the The Strangest Day Tour, currently hitting markets across the country featuring Essential Records’ artist Olivia the Band, Apostrophe Records’ artist Grand Prize, BEC Records’ rapper Mannafest along with evangelical speaker K.P. Westmoreland. (Dates below).
The Strangest Day project showcases the band’s passion to deliver ministry-minded lyrics and an unrelenting hope that front-man Vince Lichlyter has experienced in his own life.
“Our mission is to challenge listeners to step outside of the box and understand why Jesus died,” Lichlyter speaks of the primary focus of the new project. “No matter what you’ve gone through, no matter how bad it’s been, or how little hope you think you have, we’re here to tell you there’s someone who can save you from that life. The theme of this record is about getting past the fear of leaving what you’ve always known and embracing wide open what Christianity’s supposed to be.”
The sophomore release from Jonah33 has already delivered a Top 15 hit on R&R Rock charts with “Tell Me,” which discusses the gap between believers and those who despise faith for no reason. The second radio single, “This Is It (You Instead of Me),” is a compelling anthem inspiring listeners to die to self and live for Christ. Other tracks that are bold in their message are “Desensitized,” addressing the sexual state of society and the need for purity, as well as “Father Song,” a personal expression from Lichlyter to his son about striving to be a role model.
Stemming from his own life experiences of extreme despair and addiction, Lichlyter has a story to tell, and he is using his platform to share his heart in a brutally honest manner. At the young age of 13, he ran away from home and began living a life on the streets in Seattle becoming heavily involved with drugs and residing with his crack dealer. Lichlyter soon found himself in a situation where his life was on the line hanging between committing suicide or seeking redemption from his parents.
“I actually called my parents, and I decided that if they would help me out, I’d go home,” he said. “If they didn’t, I’d pull the trigger, and kill myself.”
Two days later, he found himself traveling to his parents’ hometown in Arkansas where he was met with open arms and compassion. Through a series of many events that led him to Christ, Lichlyter discovered his passion and calling to use music to share his story.
“The more time I spend in the Bible, the more I learn that faith is more than air-conditioned churches, padded pews, youth groups and numbers,” Lichlyter states. “It’s about being so passionate and on fire that you can change your circumstances and those around you, just like the twelve disciples and those who were martyred for their faith.”
Jonah33 is composed of Lichlyter (vocals/guitar), Jason Rooney (lead guitar), Cory Riley (bass) and Joshua Dougan (drums). For more information visit http://www.jonah33.com
The Strangest Day Tour is promoted through Extreme Productions of Mesa, AZ and sponsored by World Vision. Tour Dates (subject to change):
10/20 Portland, OR
10/21 Lake Stevens, WA
10/22 Olympia, WA
10/23 Raymond, WA
10/24 Washington tba
10/25 Washington tba
10/26 Colville, WA
10/27 Spokane, WA tba
10/28 Missoula, MT
10/29 Billings, MT tba
10/30 tba
10/31 Boise, ID
