33 Miles uses life experiences to write songs

33 Miles uses life experiences to write songs

With a unique blend of southern gospel and contemporary worship songs, Chris Lockwood and Jason Barton — better known as 33 Miles — seek to bridge generations and connect people to Christ through their music.

Through toe-tapping and heart-stirring songs, 33 Miles desires to point listeners to Christ as their source of joy, comfort and strength. Their group name represents the 33 years that Christ walked on this earth and the steps He took while walking in obedience.

“We wanted a group name that would honor the Lord,” said Lockwood, who studied music at the University of Mobile and served as the worship associate for First Baptist Church, North Mobile, in Saraland. 

“We use it as a reminder and challenge to walk in obedience and make the most of our miles.”

Their fourth studio project, “Let It Be Glory,” is available through digital retailers and based on Romans 8:28. 

One of the many highlights for the duo came in 2008, when their breakthrough worship album reached No. 4 on Billboard’s Top Christian Albums chart. Another special moment occurred when the song “There Is a God,” from their debut album in 2007, was played as wake-up music for Space Shuttle astronauts during their 2009 mission.

Through their music and message, this musical duo hopes to encourage believers to live with a purpose and make the most of each day — striving toward what lies ahead.

“Inspiration for songwriting comes from being in the Word,” Lockwood said. “Sometimes the Lord reveals a certain passage of Scripture, or sometimes someone says something that sparks a great idea. Often the people we meet on the road and the stories they share with us serve as inspiration for songs. Other times it’s issues that our families and friends are going through. 

“We like to write songs using life experiences to minister to others going through similar situations. We want our music to bring about life change — for people to be inspired to fall in love with Christ and to live fully for Him.”