5 Lessons From a Rockstar About Chasing Dreams

Mac Powell jokes that he was singing before he was even speaking. Long before he became an internationally recognized performing artist, young Mac spent time in his home watching his parents embrace their love for music. Both played guitar and sang, which inspired Mac to give music a try. Their support and example sparked a dream for Mac: to make a career out of his musical ability. Now 51, he’s a four-time Grammy Award winner, the 2002 Dove Awards’ male vocalist of the year, and helped Third Day sell millions of records over its more-than-20-year run as a band. It’s safe to say that after chasing dreams, Mac has lived his.

His newest dream is helping his kids find theirs. Mac is a husband of 28 years to his wife, Aimee, and a father of five. As someone who knows the work involved in making a dream a reality, he is now embracing his role as a mentor, guiding his children as they chase down their own dreams. His beard is a bit grayer than it was back when he was the lead singer of Third Day, but the music giant is still dreaming. Mac sat down with All Pro Dad ahead of the 2024 Awakening Tour to talk about music and family. Anchor Here are 5 lessons from a rockstar about chasing dreams.

1. Know your dream.

Mac knew from an early age what he wanted to do with his life. His oldest daughter, Scout, 25, plays guitar on stage with him now. One of his sons got a job leading fly fishing trips in Montana. The others are still identifying their dreams.

“First of all, you’ve got to realize what your dream is. You got to figure that out. And that’s not easy for everybody. For me, it was an easy thing. I had a talent that I knew I loved. I loved singing and making music. There weren’t really any other options. And so, for my kids, I feel like the world is their oyster. There (are) many options for them. My hope is that they do follow in my footsteps in some ways and try to make music. But if not, I’m going to support them in any way that they want to go.”

2. Chase your dream.

Mac stuck with it during the early years with his band, which were a grind before Third Day signed a deal with Gray Dot Records in 1995.

“We never thought we would be a band for almost 25 years. We thought, man, if we can make a record or maybe two records, and tour across the country for a couple of years, then we’ll go get real jobs. Well, the rest of those guys went and got real jobs. I don’t know what else to do, so I’m here doing this.”

3. Share your dream.

Mac wanted to do music with his friends. So in high school, he, guitarist Mark Lee, and pianist Billy Wilkins started the band that would become Third Day. Mac and Mark were the only two active members for the entirety of the band’s run. They played in front of countless people in their time together.

“We had a great, great fan base that really supported us for many years, and it was a great season that we were in. So, of all the awards and things that I can put on shelves and on the wall, gold records put on the wall, all that stuff, that was great. But it was really the connection, I think, with the fans that really stands out for me.”

4. Know when to press pause on chasing dreams.

Mac has toured either as a band member or as a solo artist since 1991. He began his music career before having children, but once his family began to grow, he committed to leaving music on the stage and being present at home.

“Someone asked me the other day, ‘Where do you go get coffee when you have coffee with people?’ I’m like, ‘I don’t.’ When I’m at home, I’m at home. There are a few opportunities here and there that I go meet with someone for lunch or whatever. But for the most part, when I’m home, I try to spend the majority of my time with my family.”

5. Don’t stop dreaming.

Mac’s next big on-stage performance is the Awakening Tour, which kicks off October 2, 2024 in Jacksonville, Fla. The multi-city tour features performances by Mac, Casting Crowns, We The Kingdom, and more. For Mac, it’s an opportunity to continue living his dream alongside other talented musicians.

“I still feel like even though I’m probably the elderly statesman among the group of people and artists, I’ve been doing this so long, I still feel I’m a fan of Christian music. I’m a fan of going to shows. And so, I get to, as an artist, be part of the night, but also get a free ticket to an amazing show with a lot of great people.
“It’s going to be a lot of fun. I’m excited for people to see the show.”

Experience the power of music and faith at The Awakening Tour! Don’t miss this incredible lineup featuring Casting Crowns, We The Kingdom, Mac Powell, Katy Nichole, Terrian and David Leonard. Let’s gather to celebrate our shared journey of spiritual growth and renewal! #TheAwakeningTourJoin us for a night that will leave you feeling refreshed, inspired, and encouraged at The Awakening Tour! Get ready to be moved by the soul-stirring performances of Casting Crowns, We The Kingdom, Mac Powell, Katy Nichole, Terrian, and David Leonard. Get your tickets today!

Sound off: When your kids are chasing dreams, what advice do you give them?