Friday, Oct 30, 2009

Interview: Abandon Kansas

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This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and the guys from Gotee Records band, Abandon Kansas. In our interview, the guys talk about the difference between being an indie act and being a signed to a label, who’s the biggest troublemaker in the band, some things they’re into, and how they got together as a band.

Listen up. Listen in.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: If you ask Jeremy Spring, frontman for the quartet Abandon Kansas, what it is that motivates he and his band, you may be shocked at the answer. And in the answer to this question lies the very thing that sets his band apart from the endless parade of fame-seekers in this industry:

“As far as long term goals, none of us have any desire to be rich and famous. If we can keep connecting with people through music then we'll be content. There are way too many bands out there already so we're trying to make what we do a little bigger than music.” And deliver something larger than just music is exactly what they do on their debut release from Gotee Records, the Weʼre All Going Somewhere EP. With fearless hearts, ingenious songwriting, and poignant wit, Spring and company shine like supernovas among fading stars. This is indie pop/rock that will surprise you with its candor and cause you to contemplate the deepest recesses of your heart.

Consider the track “The Harder They Fall,” for starters. If Abandon Kansas were just simply seeking to ingrain a melody in your head while simultaneously appeasing the music elitist in you, this song would more than achieve their goals. A bed of tasteful, yet compelling instrumentation snaps you to attention, as you say to yourself these boys can play. Then, Springʼs vocal turns attention to attraction with obvious charisma and charm. As verse ebbs to chorus the energy swells and the deal is sealed, as you sing There is no one left who isn't better than the rest. I need to hear you say that I'm the best. You are officially charmed, hook, line and sinker. You are pulled into the song with breakneck speed, traveling down the rabbit hole to an unknown destination. But as you submit to the hypnotic pulse of the song, a question pops into your brain: Where is Abandon Kansas taking me?

“We donʼt just write songs about love or breakups, or the clicheʼ things that you hear over and over again. We try to write about the deeper places of our hearts, asking questions of the listener, rather than just giving answers. If we can cause someone, when the music is finished, to contemplate their life, their motivation, and their soul, then we have done our jobs. We canʼt complete the journey for the listener, but we can open the door.”
The band linked up with producer Mark Lee Townsend (Relient K, House of Heroes) for what promises to be a highlight in his already amazing resumeʼ. Weʼre All Going Somewhere comes with a full chamber; this is six shots, not just a couple rounds. Yet, if one were to focus on key tracks, it would have to include “I Wonder If Itʼs Me,” a driving, dancy, yet contemplative number that confronts the “grass is greener” mentality that is so pervasive in our culture. And “Months and Years,” another standout among standouts, is an uplifting exercise in perseverance, complete with a chorus that could become the rallying cry of a generation of lost souls seeking a greater purpose.

Perhaps the greatest triumph of all here is the lyrical potency of Jeremy Spring. Only a truly inspired mind could conjure up lines such as these: We spend our lives tip toeing carefully just to arrive at our death safely...We all want what we deserve, unless it's going to hurt. And while he excels in providing sobering thoughts, Spring provides just as many euphoric moments as well: Close your eyes, then we'll start to see. Shut them tight, now we can believe. It's taken me so long to find out where you are. You live in me. Few have the power to shape the listenerʼs emotions with words, but here you will find one who can do just that, and Abandon Kansas will leave you singing (as well as thinking) long after the songs end.

Amidst all this depth, it would be hard to imagine a band that who can also bring one of the most energetic and spirited live shows around, yet Abandon Kansas brings just that. Spring explains: “Our live show is a lot more intense than the music suggests. We love to dance and we love to communicate our music with the audience whether they know our music or not. Our guitar player Brad is known for his Michael Jackson-esque dancing and it's always an entertaining show. We also never make a set list so we can vibe off the audience as to which direction we should take the show.”

An exhaustive touring schedule and work ethic has built a steady, resolute following. If you can believe it, the band played 200 shows in 2008, and is on pace to do even more in 2009. One heart at a time, one city at a time, day after day, the band adds to their fast-growing following. With such a schedule, itʼs little wonder that the industry at large is beginning to pay close attention.
In the end, Abandon Kansas succeeds where so many fail because of their hearts as a unit, their commitment to a unique vision, and most of all because of their one-of-a-kind voice. We are all going somewhere. And Abandon Kansas is taking us there. Or at least they are pointing us to the door...

“If people remember anything from our concerts I hope it's not the band name and the crazy dance moves. I hope that long after our T-shirts have been given away to thrift stores and our CDs have been lost, people will remember having been drawn to something and someone much more important than music.”

To find out more about Abandon Kansas check out www.myspace.com/abandonkansas


To follow Abandon Kansas on Twitter: @AbandonKansas

We’d like to thank the guys from Abandon Kansas for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Sarah Freeman for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 5:54 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Tuesday, Oct 27, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Independent worship artist Blake Bollinger

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This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and independent recording artist Blake Bollinger. In our interview, Blake talks about how Dino influnced his love for music,” his new album the “Blake Bollinger EP,” the story behind several of the albums tracks, and his thoughts on pirating music and movies.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Blake Bollinger is a worship leader/recording artist who recently moved to Nashville, TN. Over the years, Blake has lead worship at hundreds of camps, retreats, conferences and church services. After several years serving on the staff at 2nd Baptist Church in Houston, TX, Blake felt God calling him back to full-time traveling ministry.

From an early age, Blake was mesmerized by the glowing lights of soundboards and recording gear. Like many musicians, his first recordings were made between two tape decks with a Radio Shack microphone in a back bedroom. While most of his friends were buying clothes and video games, Blake spent every cent on recording gear and musical instruments. This hobby would prove useful as his high school and college band, Destination Known, would go on to record and release 5 albums with total sales topping 10,000 units.

In April 2009, Blake released a self-titled EP, and he is excited about sharing his "lifelong collection of songs" with the world on his spring and summer tours.

 Part musician, part recording engineer, part producer, part __________ . Get to know the music, passion, and artistry that is Blake Bollinger.

To find out more about Blake Bollinger check out www.myspace.com/blakebollinger

To follow Blake Bollinger on Twitter: @blakebollinger

We’d like to thank Blake Bollinger for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Leann Callaway for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 12:33 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Sunday, Oct 25, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Independent worship artist Jeff Johnson

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This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and independent worship artist Jeff Johnson. Jeff talks about his new album “Amazed,” life on the road, leading worship for multiple generations, and how he deals with criticism.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: The Jeff Johnson Band is a talented group of guys who love music. More than that, they love the Lord and are eager to glorify Him with those they lead in worship. Believing that worship is a lifestyle and not just a category of music, Jeff and his band desire to facilitate an environment of intimate and true worship.

Since 2004, Jeff has been traveling the country doing this. From a wide variety of concerts, college and youth events, to summer camps, the band has partnered with hundreds of ministries to lead them in authentic worship. The band currently leads worship weekly at Fellowship Bible Church in Dallas, TX and for Breakaway Ministries at Texas A&M (a weekly college bible study with thousands of students) in College Station, TX.

In 2007, the band released their 2nd album Glorious Day. An original track on the record entitled "Ruin Me" began gaining success on national radio, bringing exposure to the band and their gifted songwriting. The band has just released 4 new original songs this summer on their summer EP entitled Amazed. Jeff continues to write and create new music that will assist him in what he does. His passions continue to be meeting new people as they travel on the road, facilitating authentic worship encounters, and watching lives be changed forever through the power of Jesus Christ.

To find out more about Steven James check out www.jeffjohnsonband.org

To follow Jeff Johnson on Twitter: @jeffjohnsonband

We’d like to thank Jeff Johnson for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Leann Callaway for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 11:54 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Monday, Oct 19, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Jason Dunn, lead singer of Hawk Nelson

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This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and Jason Dunn, lead singer of Hawk Nelson. In our interview, Jason talks about the new album “Live Life Loud,” beating up old people, sharing a Twitter name, and balancing life on the road with a new marriage.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION:

Hawk Nelson has certainly made a lot of positive noise since first joining together in Ontario. The quartet was named Favorite New Artist by the readers of CCM magazine in 2004, won a GMA Canada Covenant Award for its second album in 2006, and earned a GRAMMY nomination in 2008. And like all good students of life, Biro and his band mates Jason Dunn (vocals), Jonathan Steingard (guitar), and Justin Benner (drums) have not stopped learning or
growing. Live Life Loud strikes a wiser balance than ever between the group’s two core strengths: kicking out amped up jams and often bringing social and spiritual depth to them.

To find out more about Hawk Nelson check out www.hawknelson.com

To follow Jason Dunn on Twitter: @hawkdunn

We’d like to thank Jason Dunn for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Lori Isaacs for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 10:36 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Monday, Oct 05, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Tracey Bateman, author of 'Thirsty'

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This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and Tracey Bateman, author of ‘Thirsty.’ In our interview, Tracey talks about her new book, switching from writing chic-lit to vampire stories, the nature of addiction, and trying to get her kids to read her work.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Tracey Bateman published her first novel in 2000 and has been busy ever since. She became a member of American Christian Fiction Writers in the early months of its inception in 2000 and currently serves as president. She lives with her husband and four children in Lebanon, Missouri.

We’d like to thank Tracey Bateman for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Ashley Boyer of Waterbrook Press for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 8:56 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Sunday, Oct 04, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Cross Movement Records hip-hop recording artist, R-Swift

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This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and Cross Movement Records hip-hop artist, R-Swift. In our interview, R. Swift talks about his new album “Anthem,” theological rap vs. socially-conscious rap, the loss of his son, and the fallout from CMR’s “Open Letter” and the restoration of Ambassador.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: R-Swift is a Christian hip-hop artist signed to Cross Movement Records. His new album, “Anthem” drops on Tuesday, October 6th.

To find out more about R-Swift check out www.myspace.com/rswift81

To follow R-Swift on Twitter: @rswift215

We’d like to thank R-Swift for answering some of our burning questions. A very special thank you to Melody Foat of the Melissa Foat Agency for setting up the interview for us.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 10:40 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Friday, Oct 02, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Hip-Hop recording artist, Applejaxx

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This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and hip-hop recording artist Applejaxx. Applejaxx talks about his new album “Back 2 The Future,” developing a personality for differing situations, the growing divide within holy hip hop, and the controversy surrounding the coming out of his friend, gospel recording artist Tonex.

Listen up. Listen in.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Applejaxx serves you music like a full course meal from mom dukes. This North Carolina-based emcee focuses on a diverse presentation of artistry and innovation. Applejaxx can give you commercial jams, underground lyricism and laid back joints without compromising the art form. In an industry that has forgotten quality lyrics in music, Applejaxx is now about to feed the world a form of hip hop that will spark a movement.

Born into a musical family, Apple’s entire family influenced his musical development. In a family of amazing singers, mcs, musicians and producers, Applejaxx was groomed for success and now believes that it’s his time to shine. Growing up, his musical influences ranged from hip hop to rock.

In 1999 Applejaxx happened to catch a performance by Grammy nominated and six time Stellar Award winner, Tonex (Jive) and west coast rap group Camp 8. That one gig provided all the motivation that Applejaxx needed to spark his hip hop journey. It was time for the jaxx to start producing rhymes for the fellas to feel and music for girls to move to.

A student of the art form and the industry, Applejaxx graduated from Campbell University in North Carolina in 2004 with a degree in Business Administration. At CU Apple took the stage where ever he could, performing at clubs, in plays, talent shows and any other spot with a mic and a friendly sound man. Applejaxx has shared the stage with artist such as Tonex, The Souljahz, Pettidee, Grits, MOC, and Glue. Recent appearances of note include a nationally televised performance at the MGM Grand with Tonex and the 2005 Pass The Mic Urban Music Showcase in Nashville, Tennessee.

To find out more about Applejaxx check out www.applejaxxmusic.com

To follow Applejaxx on Twitter: @FADACY

We’d like to thank Applejaxx for answering some of our burning questions.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 12:01 AM |  MAKE A COMMENT  

Thursday, Oct 01, 2009

Profess Interview Series: Rob Stennett, author of "The End Is Now"

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This edition of the Profess Interview Series brings to you an exclusive conversation between C.E. Moore and Rob Stennett, author of ‘The End Is Now.’ In our interview Rob talks about his emergency appendectomy, how his new book is different from ‘The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher,’ why he chooses to write satire, and his thoughts about people’s fascination with the end times.

BIOGRAPHICAL INFORMATION: Rob Stennett is the author of 'The Almost True Story of Ryan Fisher' and 'The End Is Now,' an award-winning screenwriter, a produced playwright, and a film and theater director. He lives in Colorado.

To find out more about Rob Stennett check out http://robstennett.blogspot.com/

To follow Rob Stennett on Twitter: @robstennett

We’d like to thank Rob Stennet for answering some of our burning questions.

Posted by Profess Podcast at 9:14 PM |  MAKE A COMMENT