Powerful instrumentals, haunting vocals and an incredibly evident passion are all pieces of the intricate, yet natural, makeup of The Ember Days.

In 2006, Jason and Janell Belcher began the band with a desire to create epic and accessible worship music. “We had this vision for this band and we decided to start asking around to see if people wanted to be involved,” says Jason.

After a few member changes, the current lineup was solidified: Jason (vocals/guitar), Janell (vocals/keys), Jordan MacKenzie (drums), Logan MacKenzie (guitar) and Jedidiah Lachmann (bass). To date, the band has put out one full length and two EP’s. Your Eyes Light Up released in 2007 and The Ember Days EP came out in 2008 – both earning them New Zealand Music Award nominations for Best Christian Album. Then on August 31st, 2010 came the latest release, the Finger Painting EP. This album brings more of Janell’s beautiful vocals and a whole lot more of the band’s captivating and pulsating instrumentals. “These new songs are a great representation of who we are,” Jason shares, “This EP captures how we play live. There’s a lot of instrumental parts. It’s great music to just sit down with and open your Bible.”

As The Ember Days matured as a band, they had the opportunity to tour extensively with fellow New Zealanders’ Mumsdollar, Arms Reach, and All Left Out. In addition, they’ve toured the U.S. with Showbread, The Glorious Unseen, Bradley Hathaway, Esterlyn, and Ascend the Hill, among others. Their travels have taken them to play at various festivals including Parachute, Soulfest, Revelation Generation, Cornerstone Festival, Sonshine Festival, and Spirit West Coast.

But the heart of The Ember Days has always remained a zeal for communion – a zeal for communion between the created and its Creator. “We want to just write sincere and honest worship,” Jason says. “We strive to write music that is inspiring. And not just for the church, but music that even someone who isn’t a Christian can listen to, find beauty in, and enjoy,” he continues. “We desire to see unity in the body of Christ, and we see worship as a great tool for unity. Churches of all denominations seem to agree that God deserves glory, and that is a great thing!”