A Peek at the Band Physick

 Physick, a band based out of Sugar Hill, Georgia is comprised of Michael Minkoff, Jr. and Phil Hodges. For whatever reason, I feel like I was drawn to this band for a purpose, as I initially clicked on what would be some of my favorite songs they’ve written. Otherwise, I may have been a little more inclined to move on because of their diverse style and approach to music, in which many of the songs did not quickly grab me—and because of my synonymousness with the world, where if a song doesn’t hook in the first five seconds, we move on. However, now that I have some time under my belt listening to them, I have a better appreciation for their writing and depth of contribution to the Christian music industry. Alongside his father, Michael is also the founder of The Nehemiah Foundation for Cultural Renewal, Inc., which is a great resource for not only music, but his writings, which as noted in his mission statement, is to “liberate Christian creativity”. Michael has also authored three books, including a book of poetry, which includes the following piece:

Ink Blots

A window keeps blocking

a ponderous moth

whose reflection still

hovers wobbling

on its tattered-sail wings

veined like crumpled leaves.

It’s beating the air on the longing side

of an unbreachable display case;

should be happy to have a desire

untainted by having.

That moth tattoos its delicate dust

in cryptic splotches on the pane,

while I confess to the window,

blind and just,

who suspends these faint records

of relentless failure.

—from The Landfill of Discount Messiahs

The other half of the band, Phil Hodges, studied classical guitar performance, and also claims to be drawn to the "melody, musical composition, and arrangement aspects of the writing"—and it shows. In all honesty, when listening to their music, I get drawn into more of an experience, rather than a performance. At times, one may feel as if they’re listening to jazz, and then other times, indie and prog rock—or even the Beatles; and this could all happen in one song. With four releases available on their Bandcamp page (actually two with Death is Their Shepherd offering three separate components), I find myself being drawn to three songs. In fact, on one, I found myself playing it for everyone I could and just kept hitting the repeat button. Battling Cancer, which is off their Song for Friends album, ministered to and impacted me in a tremendous way—and still does. The other two are Memento Mori and Answer Me.

Songs for Friends is Physick’s first record and their website discusses that it is about “various friends in various circumstances”. For example, in Battling Cancer, they are clearly singing about a friend who is engaged in a war with cancer. Lyrics, like, “I’ve never stared death in the eye” and “You’ve never been more like Christ” just brought goose bumps all over me as I am writing this. The music and the lyrics for this track are authentic and sublime. Death is Their Shepherd is the latest release, and features 21 tracks going over 80 minutes in length. Physick describe the album as being “a fully narrative concept album following the journey of Zakary Adamson as he is led by personified Death through his own memories and human history—exploring the significance and weight of death”. Though highly admirable, Songs for Friends is a little more on the raw side, and the newer material has a more accomplished and monumental feel to it. Overall, I am blessed that I came across these artists and Michael’s Renew the Arts endeavor. I encourage you to take the time to listen to their music, and what they are doing to impact the arts for Christ. These guys are rare birds. 

Facebook Page

Renew the Arts

(information sourced from their Renew the Arts, Facebook and Bandcamp page)

Reviewer:  Cory Enderby

Interview With Jesse Broniste of Traumatone

Tell us a little about Jesse. Where were you raised? Do you have a wife and kids? What was interesting about your life that brought you to this point as a musician?

I was born in Texas (unexpectedly), but spent my childhood around Orange County, CA. My formative years growing up were spent out in the desert in Yucca Valley, CA. about thirty minutes north of Palm Springs. Then I left the desert to go back to Orange County as I still had family there. That’s where I met my wife, Kristen. We were married in 2007 and we have two beautiful boys that just turned 5 and 7. But the foundation of Traumatone was laid in the desert. That’s where I joined my first band and started using music as a creative outlet. I had witnessed a lot of dark stuff throughout my childhood, including my dad’s near death from a drug overdose. That lifestyle caught up to my mom who died when I was 12 years old. That was a couple of years after we moved out to the desert. Our family had already turned to Christ by that point, but too many years of abuse took their toll. After that, various events of heartbreak and anger just fueled that creative outlet. Those years were a tumultuous time that resulted in tons, and tons, and tons of music just exploding out of me. Quite a lot of the music of Traumatone was either written fully or partially during that time, and I’m still making my way through it all the way up to this latest album. In fact, the music for “War”, the opening track on this new album, was written in 1999 when I was 17. There are a lot of life experiences I could talk about. But, obviously, everybody endures trials and heartache all throughout life. And like all artists, I draw from the emotion of those experiences to create.

How did you come up with the name Traumatone?

I actually did not come up with it. One of my best friends, who was in my first band, had come up with it as a mock record label name to put on our EP. I now know there actually was a Traumatone Records, but at the time, it seemed nobody was using it and we liked it. So when that band evolved into the very beginnings of Traumatone, I took the name. As I mentioned, the music was being born out of various what you might call traumatic experiences, and I thought it fit perfectly.

Being that there are probably not too many Jesus-influenced Goth bands out there to tap into for inspiration, what was influential in shaping your sound, secular or otherwise?

Well, I grew up in the heat of the Nu-Metal movement. So, I was heavily influenced at the time by Korn, Deftones, and Rammstein. Usually, when asked to compare my sound to other well-known artists, I wind up referring to that group. Maybe if you threw them into a blender you’d get something like Traumatone. As far as the Christian side, a couple friends of mine used to be a part of an old band called The Terminal Generation. Their “Pop Culture Junkie” album was really big for me.

One thing that sticks out for me about you is that you have consistently put out albums since 2003. Not including your next album, that span covers a 13-year time period. What has driven you to keep going at this for so long?

I would have to say that creative explosion that I mentioned before has been mostly responsible. I’ve just had droves of fully or partially written music for years and I can just keep pulling from it. As a musician, the creative flow doesn’t ever really stop. So, there have been songs that have been written along the way also. But I would put out an EP or album and still have a bunch of songs sitting around that I really liked and wanted to put out. Then it was a matter of trying to see what songs to put together on an album. I would say every Traumatone release is a combination of new and old material with the exception of Demo 2006. That was 4 new songs I had written at that time. As far as the drive, I just recognize that my musical ability and love for it is a gift from God. I also have a strong desire to spread the Gospel. The logical thing to do when seeking what God would have for me, was to combine those two things and run with it.

What was the scene like for Christians playing music when you were first getting started?

At the time, there was a semi-existent underground Christian Goth/Industrial scene. But a lot of the alternative styles of Christian music at that time were still stuck in or coming out of the “Christian version of” phase. So, a lot of it got written off. And to this day, I don’t think the Christian scene knows what to do with it. But there were some churches that were into that scene and could see the effectiveness of the music. My old band would go play at city and youth outreaches and such. You can still find those kinds of things happening today. The alternative would be to go play the clubs, and in that case, you’re basically throwing your hat into the ring with any other band out there as far as exposure, and building a following, and all that stuff that goes with the business.

Do you think it is a much more saturated market now than it was then?

Yes and no. There are a small handful of popular or more highly exposed bands that might be categorized as or at least known to be Christian Rock, or Metal, or whatever. But it feels like it’s a dying breed. It seems a lot of bands are really just trying to blend in. There has been this fight between heavy bands and the Christian label. Not even just heavy bands, but all different styles. Yes, they’re Christians, but don’t call them a Christian band/artist. Well, why not? Are you proclaiming Jesus or not? If so, what good is the message if the message isn’t clearly heard? Lyrics are open to interpretation and so forth. Yes, we should be out and amongst the lost to reach them, but you shouldn’t have to disguise your message in any way to do that. Our identity is in Christ. I say let the music speak for itself. Let your mouth openly speak for Jesus. Let the chips fall where they may. The Spirit will draw who He will draw. Everybody else is still underground and/or not really getting the exposure they should. And you can still find the really strong, outspoken artists out there. Technology has majorly changed everything. Anybody can record music and put it on the internet these days, so there is probably a lot more out there. Just have to really look for it.

Clearly, your music is well-put together and sounds capable in the genre in which it resides. Do you think that being such an outspoken Christian artist has kept you from becoming more popular among the masses—at least within the Goth scene?

Naturally. But we’re talking about a style of music that is not massively popular anyway. As soon as you add the Christian label onto something, it will naturally repel some people even more. Which is why, going back to what I was just saying, a lot of bands don’t want to be labeled as such. But, like I said, my identity is in Christ. I just happen to really like heavy, dark, moody music with minor chords and that’s the sound that naturally comes out of me. I know a lot of people struggle with how you could possibly tie the labels of Christian and Goth together. Maybe even the thought of it seems ridiculous enough that people think it would be cheesy and not even give it a listen. Admittedly, if it's not done right, it could definitely come off as cheesy and do more damage than good. But living in a sinful, fallen world that is awaiting God’s Judgment provides a lot of darker material to draw from. So, I try to make it the best quality I can. I want to make the music good enough that people will want to listen more and open that door for the truth to come in. Traumatone may fall by the wayside, but hopefully it will make enough of a blip on the radar of the underground scene to influence others to continue to reach that genre and create a bridge to people that God deeply loves. Aside from all of that, it can also be very challenging to be a solo artist and find people to come along side you to play your music. I would definitely say I regret not being able to take Traumatone to the masses more and really get a chance to see how people would react. All I can do is trust that if God wills for my music to be a tool he uses in someone's life to bring them to Him, that it will happen one way or another.

You know, I listen to your music and as a fellow musician, I think it’s impressive that you’ve handled most, if not all, of the instruments, programming, etc... Did you have any formal training or is this something that you learned on your own?

First off, I do have to give credit to Steven Adams, who played bass for Traumatone during a brief phase when I actually had a live band. He handled bass on the Absence of Fear album. But, yes, everything else was done by me. I’ve never taken lessons for anything I do. That is why I refer to what I do as a gift from God. I play everything by ear. If I can hear it, I can usually figure it out and play it. Drums are my first instrument that I’ve played as long as I can remember. I picked up bass around 6th grade, and guitar in high school, if I remember right. I’ve always messed around on piano, which translated to keys. My Grandmother used to teach me fun little two part songs that we would play on the piano together. But still no formal training. I come from a line of musicians. My Dad gave me pointers here and there and showed me a couple of chords. After that, I just started playing along to other people’s music. I would buy tablature books and see how chords were being formed. That’s pretty much how I learned everything. As far as the recording aspect, I was fortunate enough to have a studio in our house with a bunch of really old recording equipment. That’s where I first started tinkering around with recording and mixing. Then I just paid attention to things. I would listen to songs in headphones and notice panning, and different levels, and how things were mixed in the background. I learned somewhat how to EQ so instruments would stand out from each other and all that. Programming all came pretty easy. I’m not going to say all my work is perfect or even on par with people who actually know how to do that stuff. But it’s good enough to get the job done, I think.

What is your favorite song that you have ever written? And why?

That’s a really tough question! I have a few favorites. But if I had to narrow it down to one song, I would pick “Cantexist” from Absence of Fear. I like the drive and arrangement of the music. I really like the lyrics and the message. But what really makes that song unique for me is the sample of my old pastor who allowed me to use some sermon excerpts to finish off the song. It’s a very direct, hard hitting song about how all religions don’t agree and therefore do not lead to the same God. Which is a very important thing that people need to consider. People are always too sensitive and scared to talk about religion. But since we’re all going to die, and religion is the only thing that has anything to say about what happens when we die. It’s in everybody’s best interest to talk about it. So that song puts it right out there, and it's definitely one of the pieces I am most proud of.

On the song Loss, from your record Death by Culture, you sing the words “So, in despair, your heart is thickly coated. He tries to speak to you, but you don't care. Your bitterness has left your faith corroded. And now you doubt that He is even there.”. Could you tell us in your own words what this is about?

This song is based on experiences with a couple of different people in my life. One person was a self-described Atheist. He actually had a church past. But he lost a baby daughter and bitterly questioned God about it until he just gave up and decided He wasn’t there at all. Another person seems to hold a grudge against God for tragedies in the past as well. It kind of builds on this mindset that some people have where they think they’re going to be able to die and give God a piece of their mind and/or demand answers when they stand before Him. So, it starts with some kind of personal loss and ends with the truth that anybody who thinks they’re going to argue with God in the end will lose that argument. Hence the title “Loss”.

Do you believe in a literal, burning hell?

I do. I do believe Hell exists and it is a place of eternal torment.

How can one avoid such a place?

The Bible says if you confess with your mouth that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead that you will be saved. Repent from your former ways and trust in Him for salvation.

Do you think that God uses music to reach people?

Absolutely! I believe God uses any and all avenues He can to reach people.

If so, can you tell us one example of how God has used your music?

I will occasionally get emails from around the world. Thankfully, the internet can bring the music to places we can’t go. But I remember exchanging emails with a guy in Brazil who was inspired to use his own musical abilities to reach others for Christ. He was very excited to share the music with some other friends and people he knew who were not saved. I don’t know what came of all that in the end, but I am content to pray and trust that somebody out there somewhere in the world is being influenced to give their life to Christ. Even if the music is being used to do nothing more than plant a seed in one person’s heart to move them closer to salvation, it’s all worth it. That’s what it’s about.

You have stated that this next album could be your final album, at least indefinitely. What does the future hold for Jesse after this?

Well, musically, I will probably continue to write. The last track on the new album is an instrumental piece called “The End” and it represents both the end of one thing, and start of another. There are no lyrics because I don’t really have anything left to say. But the future most likely holds more music in the form of instrumentals. Probably just under my own name, but I haven’t given it too much thought yet. I like to just wind down for a good long time after finishing an album and not give any thought toward what’s next until I feel moved to do so. I’d like to work with other artists. If I ever come across another vocalist that fits my style, I may just get back in the thick of it. One thing I have long said is that I never wanted to do vocals. I express myself best through music. But I could never find a vocalist, and I could hear finished melodies in my head, and I wanted to hear the finished product. So I just did it myself and unintentionally became the voice. Writing lyrics was always been a real struggle for me. I would have to really pray for God to help me find the words that He might use to reach someone. So, I’m putting all that down for sure. I’m involved with the high school ministry at our church, so my playing for the foreseeable future will be with the youth band. Playing and helping guide their skills. Another reason I probably won’t stop writing is because my boys like to watch me play. They bust out their own instruments when they see me sitting down to record. So, I’m just doing the everyday thing and enjoying life with my family.

What is it about faith in Jesus that makes you want to keep following him?

Ha! That answer would require me to write a book! I would say His love, grace, mercy, and forgiveness. His provision, protection, and guidance. There is a quote at the end of “Cantexist” that points out that all other religious leaders are dead, and that Jesus alone is risen. What does anybody else have to offer me that is better than following Christ? I think anybody who has fully given their life to Christ and followed Him with their whole heart will come to know the truth of what Peter says in John 6:68-69. “Lord, who will we go to? You have the words of eternal life. We have come to believe and know that You are the Holy One of God!”

Jesus told us that the first and greatest commandment is to, “Love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind”. How do you think that a person could actually obey this? What would that look like in the life of a believer?

Give everything you have to God. Put Him above everything, and everyone else. Live your life to glorify Him and be an example of His love in all that you do in your actions, thoughts, behaviors, and speech. Love others. Do these things because you love Him. Not because you feel like you have to do it out of some religious duty. It's a response to what he has already done in showing His love for us.

Is there anything out of all God's creation that just blows you away that he made it?

I don’t think I could honestly narrow it down to one thing. All of creation is beyond description in how amazing it is. The human body is an incredible machine. Anybody for that matter. Cells. The universe. I live in Arizona where we are spoiled with some beautiful scenery in the state. It’s all beyond comprehension when you consider the detail and artistry of His creation. Like the Bible says, it just screams out who He is. Creation really does speak of Him when you consider it.

We want to thank you Jesse for doing this interview and for putting such a good catalogue of music together over the years. And if this is the end of Traumatone, we want you to know that your contribution hasn’t been in vain. May the Lord Jesus richly bless you!

Thank you so very much for the opportunity! I absolutely love and appreciate what you are doing for the underground scene. And I have a feeling the Lord does too! Thank you so much for your support of Traumatone. Your kind words towards my work have been deeply appreciated. Blessings to you as well!

Traumatone Facebook Page

Interviewer:  Cory Enderby  2016  (via email)

Jesus

This is perhaps the most important article on this site, and really the sole purpose that we do this. We want to lead people to the only One that can redeem us from death and into a glorious new life, Jesus.

Even though Hollywood would like to depict this as fantasy, we really are immortal beings. We have a soul that never dies inside of us. When we die, we go somewhere; Either judgement or rest. Hell or Heaven.

Jesus said,  "I am the way, the truth, and the life:  no man comes unto the Father, but by me." ~John 14:6

That's a strong statement because it means that the only way to God and Heaven is through Jesus, His Son.

Why do we need Jesus?

Because we need the evil that we've committed in our lives to be forgiven. God gave us His Ten Commandments to show us what he commands humanity to follow. We have all fallen short. Everyone has (some more than others). The Bible says that God is Holy. He is perfect, pure, truth and that our own righteousness is like a filthy rag compared to His high standard.

So if our best isn't good enough, then we need help. I have good news. The Bible says that God did help us out.

For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son (Jesus), that whosoever believes in Him should not perish, but have everlasting life. ~John 3:16

Jesus died for you and took your place.

Ask God to help you become what He wants you to be. He does everything He can do, to help us know Him better. He also wants us to repent of our sin. Sometimes this is a slow process. It doesn't happen overnight. This is why it is so important for seasoned Christians to be patient and not judge people. Because God sometimes doesn't conquer everything sinful in a persons life immediately. He does it slowly and over time. But we have to take the first step. Secondly, the Bible tells us that we need to be baptized in Jesus name and then recieve the Holy Spirit. 

If you need prayer or someone to talk to, you can always let us know. We're here to help you.

Email:  CoryEnderby@gmail.com

Behold, I stand at the door and knock. If anyone hears My voice and opens the door, I will come in to him and dine with him, and he with Me. ~Revelations 3:20

Interview with Staynlis

Laws of Average Interview

Not only do Laws of Average rock, but they also a really nice group of guys that have their hearts really set on trying to impact this world with their music. They have a pretty intense story about how they came together and once you get a bead on who they are, you just can't help but support them. I recently had the chance to interview this up and coming band and I strongly encourage everyone to get behind them. They released one album already called Sickness I Have and are in the studio putting the next one together. Here is the interview below:

How long has LOA been together and how did you guys form?

Brett Gerringer (Guitarist) and I (Johnson Bissell, Vocalist) met while attending high school (1999) in South Carolina. We mostly played in other groups off and on, but came together in 2002 to form the band “From Ink to Blood”. In 2005 Brett got a job in Washington, DC and had to leave the band soon after the band broke up. It just so happens that in 2010 I moved up to the same area that Brett was living in at which point we started writing and preforming together again. The bass and drum position was kind of a revolving door for us, nothing really finding just the right fit. But, earlier this year we picked up Tim Caracciolo on the Bass and Matt McNeely on the Drums. The first time all four of us jammed together, we wrote three new songs… It just kind of clicked!

Is there a principal songwriter in the band or do all members contribute?

Well, with the last album “Sickness I Have” EP and up to now, the music has been written by Brett and I. though currently, we are writing some new songs which the writing process kind of unfolds differently depending on whose in the room.

So are you guys pretty stoked to open up for Taproot on this upcoming tour?

We are riddled with glee to get to be on the bill with them. It’s one of those groups you grew up listening to. These guys are out there rocking crowds still every night bringing down the house and we get to share the stage with them.

How did you get connected with them?

We got connected through our new booking agent (James Coffey) over at Scream City Productions.

What it’s like to work with Scream City Productions?

It’s been quite the blessing. We are new to the company and to having someone doing the booking for us is awesome. It’s kind of weird though letting go of the reins, because we are so use to doing everything ourselves. But, at some point you need that heavy hitter to get you on those festivals and venues that never return your calls unless you have representation.

I've been following you for a while now on Reverbnation. I've noticed that lately it seems like things are really starting to pick up speed for you as a band. Do you guys feel the same way?

Time will tell… We hope so! But, our main focus right now is putting on the best shows we possibly can and give the people something special when they come out to see us. We hope with these next few shows and with the other great things coming this year, we continue to just grow our audience, because in a nutshell that is what matters. We love the live experience and to interact with our new fans. 2014 should be quite the epic year if lord willing our hard work continues to lead us down the path we seem to currently be on.

What would you say is the band's main goal to accomplish in the music industry?

Getting our music out to the masses! WE HAVE A CHANCE TO BARE OUR SOULS and GET OUR MESSAGE TO ANYONE WILLING TO LISTEN.

I understand that you have one record done called Sickness I Have. Any plans on another album in the near future?

Yes. We are currently rumbling secretly in the lab right now writing new stuff. Right now though, we are just touring and promoting the “Sickness I have” EP. We feel it’s an honest record and deserves it’s time to shine. Now, if you come to our live shows, you'll hear some new stuff we are working on. So really, it comes back to you just got to come see us live. Haha….. Seriously, come see us live!

One of your songs that really intrigues me is Lonely. Can you tell me a little about what that song means?

It’s about a girl (like most songs), heartbreak, and all things surrounding me at that time. When you hear the lyrics like “now I live inside my car”, that’s just it, I was living in my car! When you hear things like “she is still dying to be cut”, this person I love was fighting sickness which told her hurting herself relieves pain. The actual original name of the song was “CUTTER”, but the record label wasn’t too happy about it, so we changed it. That song has a special meaning with me, as it is basically a timeline of my life back in 2011.

What song that you've written do you think has the most impact on people?

Hmmm… It’s tough to say. Different folks relate to different songs on the record. Some people gravitate to the song “Inside” being their favorite. Some people relate more in their own lives to songs like “Nailz” or “Ya Lie”, just like you have expressed interest in “Lonely” aka “Cutter”. This is one of the coolest things about the record. Lots of people float towards different songs depending. I look at the whole “Sickness I Have” EP just as a report of a human being.

What song does LOA enjoy playing most live?

Probably “Ya Lie”, because it is the one that the crowd is usually singing back to us, plus it features a long guitar solo that our guitarist Brett always looks forward to playing. In addition, we got some new ones which we really like playing as well. That is why it’s so important for everyone to check out our website frequently to see what is new or find out when we are close to you to come see us live. We will give you every ounce of energy we got to make sure when we are done, u feel like you have seen something special.

What is the music scene like locally where you live?

Well, we are from different spots. Originally Brett and I are from Charleston, SC which has a very rich history of music of all types delivering straight hard rock to backyard country. Locally it’s kind of dead unless you want to hear many different covers of Lynyrd Skynyrd songs. Here in the Washington, DC and Baltimore region it’s kind of leading in the new wave rock that is current that week. Locally, all styles, national acts, and cut throat musicians arriving and departing daily.

What does the band enjoy doing outside of the music?

Work our normal jobs and do just normal guy stuff, really i.e. Sports Cars, Football, Hockey, and just hanging out with friends & family.

How important is faith in Jesus Christ to LOA?

This is where I was coming from with this whole sickness I have record, the record itself deals with trusting God and Jesus despite the traps the enemy sets for us. This group in its inception was based upon this faith, we've lost people who we love while making this music....sometimes we suffered setbacks which would brake lots and lots of groups but thru the faith in our lord Jesus, in knowing his love and knowing that we hurt down here because it’s our job to get past that hurt and show how great he is. It’s about trusting the ever living God and understanding how spiritual warfare works. Thanking God is the best way to begin. We take so many things for granted around us and our lord loves when you notice the wonder of his creation. There is so much good to love and fight for in this world, and of course you got the other side which is the enemy of the true light, we don't fear the enemy over here......we are not scared of anything but our of father above us. It’s thru him we breath every second....it’s thru him our gifts lift us up to continue to glorify his greater purpose and to be committed to being a piece of this purpose is the ultimate bliss.

Do you have any final words you would like to share with your readers?

Please check us out at  https://www.facebook.com/lawsofaverage?ref=hl   where we can update you on the goings on with the groups as they go down. Hit us up with likes check out our twitter and youtube channels. Look out for us on youtube here soon we are going to really be putting on some entertaining things only like we could up there real soon. It’s going to be bonkers. If you are interested in purchasing the record you could get it at http://www.tatepublishing.com/bookstore/book.php?w=847726007421

We love our fans.....keep your eyes open for us.....and keep your eyes open in general folks ...support christian underground we got to stick together in these times especially. We need to drop the divisions as christians which divided us in the past and come together under one universal truth of love for one another, showing this unwavering love which Christ taught us will wake more folks up to the greatness of the good news of Christ. It begins with love. Come see us live and become part of the laws of average family which grows by the hour. Thanks to all who are supporting us we love you.

Interviewer:  Cory Enderby (2013)

An Interview With Jared Shotwell of Loud Bird

Every now and then (rarely), I discover a band that sends shockwaves through the Christian musical spectrum by being different and going totally against the flow. Jared Shotwell of Loud Bird has done just that. His musical genius can be heard on his debut EP titled Tree. I was able to get an interview with him to get a better picture of the man behind the music. Check it out.

What made you decide to get into music?

I can't really remember a time when I didn't love music, which I guess isn't that unique. But when I was younger I tried a lot of different things like sports, skateboarding, drawing cartoons, acting etc... Music was the one that came the most naturally and the only thing I've ever been consistently into.

I found your record on Noisetrade and it's so different. I'm really enjoying it. How has the buzz been about this album?

Thank you for checking it out! To be honest, there really isn't any buzz at all. Haha! Which i guess isn't very cool, but I'm happy to say that it doesn't really bother me.

Are you the sole writer in Loud Bird or do you collaborate with other artists?

I'm actually kind of the only member. I wrote the songs and then had some friends come in a play bass and guitar.

Your music sounds a lot like the 80's/90's period in music, and is easily as good as some of the best of that time. How influential are those years to you as an artist, or are they even at all?

I'm so glad someone has noticed this, and I appreciate the compliment! It gets old having to explain to people that the vocals are not supposed to be clear or up front in the mix. I love a lot of different kinds of music, but probably listen mostly to underground artists from that era or that sound. Sonic youth, My Bloody Valentine, yo la tengo, blonde redhead, etc...

It seems like your music has several layers of instrumentation, which gives it a rich and interesting texture. When you write music, do you usually start with lyrics or composing the music parts first?

I start with the music first. The only instrument I play is drums and percussion. So my process is kind of backwards. A lot of times I just start with a drum part and then layer everything else on top of that.

It's hard because every one is really good, but I’m thinking my favorite song on Tree is Tired. Tell us about how that one came to be and what it's about.

When I wrote tired, i was feeling very pressured to perform a certain way in order to feel loved by God. Then I was reminded that God already loves me and has chosen me. Christ already paid for my sin. My works are to be out of gratitude and love. Not fear.

On this record, was there any track that you personally felt strongest about creating?

Hmm... Probably people. It's just a very honest statement about how so many people go through life dead, and they don't even know it. After being shaken awake by God's love, I couldn't imagine going back to that life of slavery.

Have you learned anything from making this record that you could share with aspiring artists to help them make better music?

I think in a lot of situations an artist has to worry about what listeners want in a song. When I do Loud Bird,  I think about what I want to hear in my songs. I don't worry about other people thinking it doesn't sound "professional." I just go for it. None of the bands I love have good singers, and I think that's awesome. I intentionally left imperfections because when I listen to my favorite bands, the wrong notes or other flaws become a part of the art. A piece of history, captured in time. I'm not sure where the perfectionism came into art. I don't think art should be perfect. Unless the artist is God himself. But even his perfect word doesn't leave out human imperfection. Now, I'm not saying don't strive for excellence... Just don't beat yourself up when it turns out you're still human. And don't be afraid to do something crazy.

What would you say is the best and worst part of being an independent band?

The best part is that I can literally do whatever I want. The worst part is just kind of feeling like I'm on my own sometimes. A little too independent. Ha.

What do you enjoy doing outside of music?

Running, watching movies and tv with my wife, being around friends and family. Taking naps.

What can we expect to see or hear from Loud Bird in the future? A new record or possibly a music video?

Definitely a lot of music. I'm just going to keep crankin em out as my time allows.

How important is faith in Jesus Christ to you?

It is the absolute number one most important thing ever. Of all time. But seriously, without faith in Jesus, I'm completely hopeless. And so is anyone else, whether they know it or not.

Thanks for taking the time to answer these questions. My readers and I appreciate it! Any closing thoughts?

If anyone likes my music, send me an email or something! You can find my info at loudbirdmusic.com

Interview Date:  November 2013

Interviewer:  Cory Enderby

An Interview With Adam Cotton of Sacred

Who all makes up the band and how did it form?

Adam Cotton (me) on vocals. Hanna Cotton on guitar and harmony. Jessika Hickman on bass and her husband, John, on drums. Wayne Pinkerton on guitar.

I placed an ad on Craigslist looking for people who wanted to play some music I had written. Jessika replied and was on board immediately. Upon hearing the music his wife was involved with, John joined the band. Who better to trust with the task of rhythm guitar and harmonies than someone I had been playing music with for a long time, my sister. We replaced another guitarist with Wayne, a musician from John and Jessika’s church.

Is there any special meaning behind the name of the band and the album?

Part of the definition of the word “Sacred” is “set apart.” We felt like we were set apart from most of the music being put out today. We also wanted a name that wouldn’t confuse people with what we sound like. A lot of time we hear band names and immediately picture a sound, we know people aren’t going to hear our name and picture music similar to ours, but they won’t picture country or pop either.

The album title actually came about while trying to come up with the band name. It fit perfectly with what the album means and is trying to accomplish. Starting with the first song “Ashes”, it goes through adversities, struggles, and changes in life until it ends with the “Antidote” (Ascension).

So I’ve been jamming Ashes to Ascension like crazy. At this point, it has by vote for Alternative Metal album of the year. How long did it take you guys to write it?

Thank you so much! I am very happy to hear that you enjoy it. It would be amazing just to be nominated (laughs).

I spent about 4 years total writing it. However, it was 7 years from the first rift to the physical album.

Does one person do most of the writing or is it mostly collaboration between all artists?

For Ashes to Ascension, I wrote all of the lyrics and music. However, for the next album, there will definitely be some collaboration.

 Adam Cotton (pictured above)

It seems like sometimes bands put out a debut album but then on the next one their sound changes. Do you see your sound evolving into something different on the next album?

A lot of bands’ second album actually defines their sound. I’m hoping our first album defines our sound and we have to try and top it with the second. I spent so long honing a style and sound that we should be able to stay within that for the foreseeable future. We actually began working on the next album this year.

Weakness is an amazing song. Can you explain what inspired you to write that song?

I witnessed some friends of mine going through struggles in life that could have been remedied quickly, and they chose the easy way and ended up suffering longer for it. To me it seemed like a decision made out of “weakness.”

The guitars and bass are a really dominant feature in your music. What sort of effects do you use to make your guitars sound that way?

I could sound all tech-savvy and talk about the pick-ups I used and throw out some brand names, but that’s boring! I love a little flanger; and some chorus and delay go a long way. I used a grungier Marshall type sound for one guitar, and a much heavier, deeper metal sound for the other. For the bass, I scooped mids and added some overdrive. I used pretty much the same effects for all three guitars. We don’t really have a lead guitar; the lead position actually switches between all three guitars, that’s what gives it that full sound. Since recording, we have accumulated more gear, and refined our sound more. I think our live mix is now better than the recording. I am so happy with it!

Another song that’s really intriguing is Ibogaine. What’s that one about?

Cory, we’ll have to save that question for another interview.

I saw that your band played at Potential Church in Florida. Is that your home church?

Yes! I love it there, check us out at potentialchurch.com

It seems like Florida is putting out a lot of great bands. What is your local scene like?

Not trying to step on any toes, but it is very hard trying to be a Christian rock band in Pensacola. It’s hard to find balance with other bands, considering what’s trending here is Screamo and Country.

Are you planning on doing any touring in the near future?

We are trying to plan a tour, but we are having trouble finding shows. We are not currently in touch with any bands that we can tour with.

How have you seen your music impact people so far?

Oddly enough, I haven’t. My bandmates and friends have seen our music have a positive effect on people though. For instance, after listening to our album a woman felt compelled to work on her relationship with God.

Sacred has been compared to bands such as Chevelle and Tool. What would you say makes you different than those bands?

Chevelle and Tool have vastly different styles, and sounds, and we feel we are a mesh of the two. This makes us sound somewhat like both but completely like neither. Besides the musical difference, our lyrics are what really set us apart.

What do you want to accomplish as a band?

We want to help bring a positive change in mainstream music and bring people closer to God.

Any plans for a music video in the future?

We all really want to make a video but we are waiting on the right equipment and opportunity to do so.

How important is faith in Jesus to your band?

My band feels the same way I do, faith is the only reason I started this and have continued to pursue it. Faith would also be the only reason to leave it all behind if I felt the nudge from God to do so.

Closing thoughts

Thank you for taking the time to interview me. I am inspired and moved by the work you are doing in the Christian community.

Interview Date:  November 2013

Interviewers:  Cory Enderby/ Milo Miller

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