Misty Phillip sits down with Dan Haseltine and Matthew S. Nelson from the Chosen Series to talk about making the music for the series. The Chosen is a cinematic drama based on Jesus’ life, which American director Dallas Jenkins conceived, directed, and has co-written. The creators of the series said they hoped that they would draw a multi-season scenic tale from Jesus’ prior images. Jesus “through the eyes of people who encountered him” is portrayed in the series. The Chosen is television show about Jesus. Season 1, released in 2019 (with a pilot episode on the birth of Christ released in 2017), this garnered attention for several reasons: it is the first TV show of its kind, presenting the life of Christ over multiple seasons (it plans seven seasons total). The Chosen is the #1 Crowdfunded Media project of all time. At the time of this interview there are two seasons, and they are beginning to film season 3. The Chosen is free to watch, with no fee or subscription necessary. DVDs of Season 1 are also available for purchase. Season 2 launched on April 4, 2021. T

In this episode of the By His Grace podcast, we talk about special connection of the Chosen music has with people, our need for rescue, the creative process of the music of the Chosen. We conclude the episode with with Matt and Dan sharing what’s currently on their personal playlists.

“Music is a key part of the Holy Spirit”

“It can penetrate a heart or mind both that can be broken”

“I needed to be rescued and music rescued me.”

“Dallas is a force”

Daniel Paul Haseltine  is an American singer best known as lead vocalist for Christian alternative folk rock group Jars of Clay. Haseltine has performed vocals, piano, accordion, percussion and melodica, while with Jars of Clay. He has had different artistic titles, including songwriter, producer, film composer, music supervisor and art designer.

Haseltine is also the founder of the non-profit organization, Blood:Water Mission, where he currently sits as part of the board of directors. He is a regular writer and speaker about worship music, HIV/AIDS in Africa, social justice and church reform. Haseltine is also a regular columnist for Relevant Magazine, and has contributed articles to Moody, CCM Magazine, Christianity Today, World Vision, Campus Life and Beliefnet.

Matthew S. Nelson is a cultivated and contemplative musical whisperer. Growing up between the two old oaks of classical tradition and pop curiosity was a sacred nursery. Explore a selection of his credits on AllMusic, his instrumental work with kingpinguin(with violinist Avery Bright) and his original score (co-composed with Dan Haseltine) for The Chosen, and feel free to get in touch with any comments or inquiries.

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