Dan:  We are friends. We have grown up together and experienced some of the biggest tragedies and greatest victories so far in life together. I think it feels comfortable—not always easy—but familiar to work the way we have. We still inspire each other and have been able to build something that feels a bit more like family than it feels like band mates.

CMCentral:  Each album you put out seems to showcase a different facet of Jars of Clay musically. How would you describe the music on The Long Fall Back to Earth? What side of Jars of Clay will fans get to see this time?

Dan:  The record definitely draws from our progressive rock and new wave influences. This was in part due to the fact that we knew the songs would be honest in a way that might make people uncomfortable. We thought it was a better [idea] if we juxtaposed the lyrical content with a pop music skin. In the last few years, we have experienced a freedom in pop music; and a lot of the restraints seem to have been lifted. That allows us to use more creative textures and sounds.

CMCentral:  What do you hope fans will take away from this record?

Dan:  I hope that they enjoy these songs and find a resonance in the description of real relationships. I hope it gives them a chance to examine their own world and the people they brush up against every day. It is ultimately a story of our need for God, our inability to love people well on our own, and the grace that this condition affords us. I hope that people find freedom in this record.

CMCentral:  Do you have any upcoming touring plans in the works for this record that you can share with fans?

Dan:  We will be touring this record starting late spring [with] a bigger tour starting in the fall. This record is going to be a different kind of experience live. We are looking forward to offering these songs to a live audience. This is by far the most textured and layered record we have made, and with that comes a great opportunity to be creative about how we deliver [these songs] live. There is also a cinematic quality to this record that we will tap into for the live show.

CMCentral:  Can you give us an update on Blood:Water Mission?

Dan:  Blood:Water Mission is nearly 7 years old and seems to find new life and amazing stories every year. This year we are focusing on a community in Kenya called Marsebit. It is a desert community where we have started working with HIV/AIDS groups to do testing and support, as well as helping to provide clean water in places where there is very little to no access. We are hoping to complete the goal of having clean water in 1,000 communities by early 2010. And we are continuing to develop ways to connect people here in the U.S. with people in Africa, so that lives can be transformed on both continents.