Aidan
by Trisha

CS: There has been a lot of changing membera in your band. How can you explain the changes to outsiders who don't know the real stories behind the seemingly revolving door of players?

Brad: I am sure that all of the changes that have taken place recently DO seem confusing from the outside. We really hadn't had much change until recently, and now everything has changed. Basically, what it all boils down to is God's direction for us as individuals. The direction of the band and the direction of some of the members were sort of tugging at each other. And, it was best for the benefit of the ministries of the band and each member as individuals that these changes be made. We are really excited now to see what God is making of this situation. And, now, looking back we know now that we have a lot of elements that we never knew we were missing before.

CS: How has this affected the group? Did it take a while to bond? What kind of relationships do you all have now?

Brad: I would say that this whole situation has definitely all worked for good. God taught me a lot through all of this. I have learned to not put my trust in anything other than God. Because God is never changing. It took almost no time at all for us to bond. It was obvious that God had ordained this merge. We went through such a crazy time bringing things together that we were bonded spiritually before we really got to know each other from a normal perspective. This band has always been a band full of best friends...and now is no exception. We all really care about all of our friends in the old band and, we just wish the best for everyone.

CS: What is the main focus of your ministry? Teens? The lost? The hurting?

Justin: I think our main focus is offering spiritual reconciliation to anyone that needs anything, we want to be intercessors for teens, the lost and the hurting. Each one of the guys in the band has a certain testimony that applies to a wide variety of people and we are all really focused on edification for people in any situation.

CS: How did you choose this focus for your ministry? Or did it just happen?

Justin: Being the newest member of the band, it was kind of perfect that God had put James and I in this situation, because that has always been our focus even when we were in the other band. It was just very obvious that God wanted us in this ministry primarily because of that ministry focus.

CS: What does your groups name mean?

Aaron: It is an Irish name, meaning fire. We sort of picked it to represent to the Fire of God that we all long to have, which was represented very well by Josiah (meaning fire of God) in the old Testament. That man had a strong passion and reverence for God.

CS: Where did you come up with it?

Brad: This is not really the most inspirational story in the world, but I ran a search for names on the Internet and came up with a list of Irish names and their meaning...I think AidaN was first on the list. We liked it.

CS: Where do you see the band in the future? Do you expect to stay together and continue to grow and record, increasing in fame? Or does that even matter to your group?

James: I expect this band to stay together for a long time. We are all sure that this is what God has been leading us all toward our entire lives. I expect great things to come of this ministry. God has been blessing us so much lately. We have been writing new songs. There is just so much inspiration, and God is opening somany doors. I don't believe we have even seen the beginning of it.
Brad: If we could do without the fame, we would. That is not a focus of this band. The needs of this ministry are obvious. And, we do have to get our name out there and get our music out there to reach as many people as possible. We just seek the favor and approval of God, and we trust that our ministry will be effective.

CS: Do you ever worry about getting caught up in the world of show biz?

Aaron: Good question. The truth is that the farther we progress, the better our songs, the better our performances, the more shows we play, and the larger audiences we get, the more we have to work. Our hands become more full everyday. We just have to lay it all down before the Lord each day. My point is, we know that we are called to be servants. And we know that anything good we have has been given to us. Our success has been more humbling than anything else. Everything is working together for the good, everything.

CS: If you could ask Jesus any one question, what would you ask?

Brad: I would ask Him, and I have, why people cannot grasp the significance, the sanctity, and reality of being a true adopted child of God.

CS: Could you please share a short testimony?

James: I grew up in a Christian home with a Christian family knew who Jesus Christ was but I knew nothing of worship and living for Him. For some reason I never got into drugs and alcohol, I feel like the Holy Spirit led me strongly even before I knew God. There was always temptation but I never took the chances. I guess through my dad I could see the consequences. As I grew older my family grew apart. My parents stayed together My whole childhood. My dad was an alcoholic and a drug addict so my parents fought a lot. When I hit the age of 16, My dad sought help and became drug and alcohol free. Life became much easier for the family. We had more money for me and my 3 brothers and 1 sister to live on and we moved to a better neighborhood. As we got settled in my father began to slowly drink again. One day my father left us and said he was never coming home so the family went right back down the drain. My mother couldn't afford rent by herself and there was no money for food. I began to see Gods miraculous work when this happened! Churches from all over would donate to my mother and the family. Even though it was hard times, we were blessed at the same time. 3 months later my father came home to us with apologies and we forgave him. During the same month we were evicted out of our home and had to move. I had been in a Christian band by the name of Safe Haven at this time and was still in school. So, I did not want to leave so I moved in with a friend and his family. Throughout this time period I really sought God and still am to this date. I rededicated my life and God made it clear that this was my calling. Life isn't perfect but my faith has grown and I have felt God with me every step of the way. Now I am in the band AidaN! Sacrifices have been made to be in this band, and I have full confidence that this band ministry will take off and lost souls WILL be saved in the name of JESUS!

CS: What is the most inspirational piece of scripture that you have found that applies to your life?

Justin: There are several that have affected me, mainly because of the period of life I was in at the time. The first one was Joshua 1:8-9, which affirms that God will never leave us nor forsake us. I think this scripture is so vital for the youth of today to know, because our savior wants us to show boldness in the face of adversity, knowing that He is right by our side. Proverbs 40:31 is another scripture that has touched my heart. This is really an affirmation from God that even when we are tired, even when we feel like not going on, we are soaring above the world if we trust in Him.

CS: Do you write your own music?

Brad: We perform all of our own music, aside from a couple of worship songs that we play occasionally.

CS: Where do you get ideas for your music?

Beau: A lot of the times just from listening to other bands, but mostly just from jamming together. We kind of have an unspoken connection as far as our playing ability goes.

CS: How would you describe our music style?

Aaron: Modern rock. All of our songs are different in their own
sense, so it's hard to go into any more detail. We are very emotional about our song writing.

CS: Do you ever get criticized for your lyrics?

Brad: No, our listeners have been very supportive of our lyrics and our message. I always have people telling me how they have been encouraged by the lyrics.

CS: Who or what are your biggest musical influences?

Justin: The Nixons, denison marrs, Plankeye, Violet Burning, Radiohead, Toadies, Juliana Theory, Hum, pretty much anything in my radio right now. I'm also a big time jazz listener.
Brad: I would have to say U2, Delirious, and 3rd Eye Blind.

CS: Who, aside from Jesus, is or has been the biggest influence in your life?

Justin: I'd have to say my grandmother simply because of the portrayal she gives off of a strong Christian women. I remember staying over at her house when I was little and her kneeling down beside my brother and I to pray with us every night. I looked forward to that every time I stayed over there. If there ever was a Proverbs 31 woman, she would fit the mold.

CS: Who do you look up to most in life?

Justin: My father and mother have both been very supportive in my ministry, even though they don't agree with some of the life decisions I have made, they are constantly offering encouragement. I think edification is very important for a person's survival.

CS: Are you involved in your own home churches?

Justin: Since moving to Dallas, we have been going through a lot of changes, and finding a church has been one of the most challenging. There are so many good ones around and we are just trying to find the right one for us to share fellowship with each other at.
Brad: We were all really involved at our home churches before moving here. Now, that we have moved away home....I can see how important it is to stay grounded with a church family.
Beau: I lead worship for my church Youth Group whenever I am in town.

CS: What is your musical background? Did you take lessons to gain the musical skills you have now?

Justin: Pretty much, we are all self taught. We all share the kind of uncanny ability to pick up an instrument and play it, even if we have never seen it before. I guess God has really just blessed us musically.

CS: Have you always had the desire to be in a group like this?

Justin: I think God laid that desire on my heart about three years ago, pretty much when I reconcile my relationship with Him. Ever since then, music has been on the forefront of my mind, and has been my main focus in life.

CS: What is the latest news on your group? Your site mentions a new CD to be in the works sometime in 2000. Is this happening?

Beau: We should be in the studio real soon to record a 3 song demo. Also, we will be shooting a video for one of the songs shortly after completion of the CD. As for a full length, full blown album, preparation is in the works at the moment.

CS: Do you feel like people look down on you for your age? For your music style?

James: I feel that the majority of the people who have seen us so far have supported us 100%. We haven't really heard any negative comments of our band yet. but, There will always be someone out there to put us down for age, music style, stage presence, or simply the fact that we are a Christian band. I think we as a band are fully aware of people like that and are ready to handle persecution. We need to realize that people have their own opinions.

CS: Any plans to sign with a major label in the near future?

Aaron: We do plan to sign someday but it isn't our main goal at this point. Right now we are just focusing on ministry and getting our fan base to grow. Although, If the Lord opens the doors in the future to a major record deal, we will gladly walk on in.