Hello Friends! We're all doing great. I am in Bend, Oregon while Jordon is in Portland and Kyle in Colorado Springs, CO.
How’s 2011 going thus far?
Very good! We're all back in school studying at different University's.
If people don’t know Above The Golden State, how would you describe yourself?
People who love Jesus, life and music (music- specifically to share the first two things).
How did the band come together?
I made them come together. Haha! But seriously, I hired Jordon and Kyle to play with ATGS when we wanted to launch a more "touring" oriented band.
Where did the name come from?
A long list of band names that weren't as good... or were already taken by random myspace bands. Myspace... pfff! What a joke!
When did you give your life to God and what made your life turn in God’s direction?
I did in Middle School but got more serious about living the Way of Jesus in college.
Your self titled debut album was released in 2008. How successful would you say it was and how would you define success?
Haha! That's a "well-worded" question. I would quote Martin Smith (Delirious?) on the measure of success but I don't have his book around because I'm making my friend read it. All in all, from the responses we encountered I believe the album was a success! We knew before we signed our record deal that the music we made wasn't necessarily the "christian industry" norm and therefore any amount of response and recognition was good. Yes, it was NOT a top seller by any means but I still hear amazing stories from people's lives about what God did using those songs and that was my prayer going into it.
Your single 'Sound Of Your Name' was included in the WOW Hits album of 2009. How did it feel to be alongside the likes of Casting Crowns, MercyMe & Steven Curtis Chapman?
Great... but also a little embarrassing too! Living in Portland we don't EVER listen to that kind of music. We're more interested in the new Strokes album. Don't get me wrong though, I rejoice in the ministry and effectiveness of those other artist.
What is your favourite track? Which did you most enjoy playing live?
"I'll Love You So" is still my favorite. "Streets" always felt better live... maybe not for the audience though, haha!
Back to your roots, how did you first come to music?
Mmmm, Green Day, Everclear, Weezer, Nirvana and Offspring we're a big help. Those bands made playing guitar really fun... and easy. haha!
Where do you find influences?
From everything! I love the craft of song writing as well as just flat out weird music. I think as music progresses with weird productions, melodies and rhythms it provides us song writers to re-create the craft and sing "well known" truths of God with new expressions.
How do you write music, how does the process work?
Who would you love to perform with, past or present?
Paul McCartney and/or my Fiance, Monica Haha! She doesn't sing much with me, it's not really her thing but I know she has a great voice because in the car she can do amazing impressions of other singers... anything form Brittany Spears to Sugarland.
What artists have you most loved sharing a stage with?
Starfield, Phil Wickham and The Supertones.
What are you currently listening to on your mp3 player?
New albums from The Strokes, Elbow, The Boxer Rebellion, Radiohead, Augustana and Thad Cockrell- you'll like Thad if you haven't heard of him.
Who do you think is going to sum up the sound of 2011?
Probably something I won't like... unless the new Death Cab For Cutie album is amazing.
What message do you want to give through your music?
Depends on what music I'm writing... but most the time I want to share about the life and love we all have in Jesus.
God's Earth is a huge place, where have you most enjoyed visiting, what cultures have you embraced?
I love our city of Portland with all it's culture and beauty. If you haven't seen the comedyPortlandia, it isn't really a stretch of the imagination... we're that messed up! Haha, and it's awesome. God is moving in this crazy city of ours. I wouldn't want to be anywhere else... but since you asked:
I love Europe... probably for the things that they would think are boring and old but I love it. Hawaii has never let me down either.
Best live performance you’ve played?
What do you miss the most when you’re on the road touring?
Good food and coffee! I fixed both of those as I got better at touring. I brought local Stumptown coffee beans from Portland with a french press as well as a cooler full of yogurt and granola. And you'd think I'm joking, Haha!
How has the Christian music scene changed since you've been part of it?
Amongst the Christian bands and record labels they're all struggling to make money. It's become less about what God is doing and more about taking advantage of 40 year old mom's emotions. I believe things are changing and that there's a LOT of great inspired music out there that God will use for His church (all ages) regardless of radio play, CCLI and distribution.
How does it feel to be in a position to inspire so many people, including young people to turn their lives to Christ?
It's awesome! I don't really think about as often as I probably should... but it's definitely why I do what I'm doing every day.
If Above The Golden State was a Jelly Bean, what colour and flavour would you be and why?
It's a sad day if Jelly Bean makes an ATGS flavored bean! I think we'd be plaid and taste like a well roasted coffee bean.
Some quick fire questions:
Tea or coffee?
Both. Tea's good on the vocal chords.
Summer or winter?
Superman or Batman?
I lean towards Batman.
Mac or PC?
Mac duh!
Bread or Wine?
Is this a trick question... as in, how do I go about remembering the Lord's supper?
Favourite passage from the Bible?
I've always loved 1st Cor. 13
You released an EP, 'The Golden Rule' last year and a single has already been taken from it called 'I Am Loved'. Will you be releasing anything else from 'The Golden Rule'?
Well, to be honest the Sparrow (the record label) controls that... so no probably.
What’s coming up in 2011 and next on the agenda for Above The Golden State, when should we expect a new album?
We've got a lot of songs I'm really excited about. I hope we'll have something out before next year. If anxious to hear something, I did a side project call "Strangers & Pilgrims" that you can listen to for free at http://www.ajesuschurch.org/
You might like the songs "When All I Have Is You" or "Overdue".
And finally, how would you describe the love of God for all those people who are unsure of their direction and of course those already on their journey with Christ?
Gods LOVE is a perfect balance of Mercy AND Truth... it's very, VERY different then what the world portrays to us through relationships on TV and in magazines. Don't' be fooled! Ask God to show you what this means search the scriptures and find a church community that does the same.
Thanks guys, have a blessed day!
Thank you!
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