Asbury Lane
by Trisha Bleau

CS: Your group formed from two separate bands. What were these two bands and why did you join forces? Were the other groups not successful or did you just want more?

Scott: We all knew each other from Boone, N.C., where five out of six of us attended Appalachian State University. Shawn and I were playing in a Christian progressive hard rock band called Reality. Ryan Terrell, a guitar player who was one of the originating members of Asbury Lane, was in a Christian pop rock band called Provision with Linc and Becky. Reality disbanded in early 1995. I then toured in a music and drama ministry called ARC for a year, and afterwards moved back to Raleigh, N.C., where I grew up. Shawn and Martha got married in 1995 and moved to Raleigh a year later. The six of us reunited in Boone to lead worship at a local event in March 1997, and it was at this event where we felt led to "join forces" and become a band together. Hence Ryan, Linc, and Becky made the tough decision to leave Provision, and that's when Asbury Lane became "official". I know this all sounds confusing, because it is.

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

Becky: It was a little hard for me at first because the two styles were a bit different. I see myself more as a pianist rather than a keyboardist, so it has challenged me to work on my keyboard skills. As far as bonding, it was no problem for me. We knew each other so well from college (except for Martha and Pat) that it was like a family reunion. Martha is like a sister to me and the guys feel like brothers. There is wonderful chemistry between us all, I think.

CS: Were you all friends before forming Asbury Lane? Or did your friendships develop as the band practiced together more?

Scott: As I mentioned before, we knew each other from Boone. After about a year in the band, Ryan felt led to step down. It was the five of us for awhile, and then we added Pat on percussion last year.

CS: Why did you target teenagers as your primary focus in ministering through music?

Shawn: Because kids are impressionable and are our future.
Linc: Mainly because by the time people reach college, they have already formed their concept of who God is. There are so many different philosophies flying around about God and spirituality in general, that sometimes its difficult to sort out what is truth. With that in mind, we want to give truth to others while they are still searching and asking questions. We also want teens to realize they have an identity in Christ, and that who they are is extremely significant to God.
Becky: Our style really appeals to teenagers through college age. I know when I was a teenager, music really impacted my life. If we can share the Gospel through music that is pleasant for them to listen to, WOW! Teenagers are searching for the truth today, and I hope we can have a part in giving it to them.

CS: What does your groups name mean? Where did you come up with it?

Martha: The name "Asbury Lane" really has no meaning. Many Christian artists use a name that ties them to a specific aspect of their walk with GOD. This is a great idea and a step of faith. One such name is "Anointed". The members of Asbury Lane, however, agreed to have a name with no meaning that just sounded appealing to us and did not focus on any one aspect of our faith or walk with GOD. We were trying to balance the weight of our music with a lighter name; call it artistic contrast if you will.

CS: What are the band's plans for the future? Where do you see it going?

Scott: As always, we're trying to follow God's will. The decision to make a record was a big step. We'll just have to see where He takes us after that.

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

Scott: Why do we drive on a parkway and park on a driveway? Seriously though, I'd probably ask Him if all the pain and suffering He endured was worth it, just to save people like me.

CS: Could you please share a short testimony?

Martha: Even though my parents were awesome, I still grew up in a dysfunctional home, like most kids in my day. I was depressed growing up and also got into some bad stuff. My outlook on life was very grim and sad. When I was in college, a small group of Christians got together and prayed for things and people that were on their hearts. I was at the top of the prayer list. Many Christians tried to witness to me as early as elementary school, but I totally rejected them and GOD. I would laugh at them and tell them that I would not bend my knee to a GOD that did not exist. Obviously, I was very hardened. But GOD heard this small group of Christians pray, and He came after me. A girl came to my dorm room and she spoke through her tears that GOD told her I was seeking Him. I laughed at her and said, "Yeah, sure…GOD spoke to you." It could not have been 10 seconds before the laughter stopped and I fell to my knees, my face to the ground; there I begged GOD to forgive me. It was so miraculous! I have never been the same since. GOD listens to prayers!

CS: What is the most fascinating piece of Scripture you have studied?

Martha: I’m sure everyone would agree, all Scripture is amazing; amazing how something that far above me, can touch me so deeply and change me so drastically. Currently, I have been pretty obsessed with Isaiah 50:7. I speak this verse over my life everyday. I think the enemy enjoys coming into our lives and messing up the little silly things that keep us so occupied we get our eyes off of the most important things. My job is pretty stressful, but this verse reminds me that GOD cares about the small things in my life. The sovereign LORD Who created everything I can see and everything that I can’t see, helps me. Wow!
Becky: The book of John. I've been reading it all my life practically, but it just recently hit home with me when I studied it formally. This particular Gospel really shines Christ's love for us. The interesting part is that John keeps referring to himself as "the disciple whom Jesus loved." That is all of us!

CS: When did you feel called to perform in a group like this? Have you felt God's hand guiding you towards this all along?

Becky: No matter where I have lived, I always end up involved in some type of music ministry. It's like I don't even have to try. I've been playing in church since I was 16 years old and with some type of band for 8 years. Since Linc and I were married six years ago, we have worked with youth groups and/or worship teams in four different churches. I know that God has been in it all along.

CS: Do you write your own music? Where do you get ideas for your music?

Linc - Yes! Our writing process is mainly a joint effort, with everybody adding their unique touch to the songs. I've found that I am a better initiator in the writing process. It's pretty rare when I finish a song on my own, so I rely heavily on the creativity of the others. Also, I'm not a dictator with my songs in that I don't tell the others what to play. I let them create their own parts within the structure of the song I've written, which tends to encourage a more creative process. After all, they know their instruments better than I do! As for ideas, for me it runs in cycles. My two main sources are current events and personal experiences. For example, Mr. So & So was written as a victim's view of society's attempt to lay blame following the Columbine shootings, whereas Darker Side was more introspective in that I tried to take a brutally honest look at some of my own attitudes towards sin.
Shawn - Yes. A combination of Holy Spirit inspiration and influences such as Kings X and Rush.

CS: How would you describe your music style?

Scott: Modern rock with an artistic flavor. Is that vague enough?

CS: Who, or what, are your biggest musical influences?

Linc - As a guitarist, Ty Tabor of King's X has influenced me more than any other guitar player. As a band, we have several different influences that affect our writing (King's X, Rush, Natalie Merchant, Keith Green, etc....)!
Shawn - Rush, Kansas, Kings X, Petra, Mylon LaFevere, Chic Corea and Bach.
Becky: Keith Green and Rich Mullins
Scott: Being a drummer, my biggest influences have been Neil Peart, Mike Portnoy, Peter Criss, and Phil Collins.

CS: Do you ever feel fear when you approach someone with the Gospel? I know I sure do! :-)

Scott: Sure, it can be a bit nerve-wrecking, but I think you have to be true and honest with people. Let them know about your relationship with God. If someone's genuinely seeking, you can usually tell, and you can use your life and your words to set an example of Jesus. However, don't be antagonistic or over-bearing. That can do more harm than good.

CS: Do you have an accountability partner or prayer partner to keep you encouraged and uplifted?

Shawn - Yes! You cannot exist without one.
Martha: I meet with a lady each week during my lunch time and the two of us just talk about things that we are dealing with. She is a little older than I am, which is a blessing, and she has been through a lot of things that I have been through. We can relate to each other, encourage each other and also be painfully honest and pray for one another. It is important to have peers to be accountable to. Find someone that will be honest with you.

CS: What is the latest news on your group? How are things going towards getting the new CD cut and copied?

Scott: Our first day in the studio is going to be Saturday, June 17, 2000, in which we're beginning recording on our "debut" CD. We recently decided which songs are going to be on there and we're hoping everything will be finished, including duplication, by the end of the summer. Also, we're praying for the finances to be able to get it all done.

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

Scott: Right now, we're enjoying being independent. There are several advantages to this, such as not having any real deadlines, as well as recording and performing the songs we want to. We don't have to answer to anyone but God and each other. Plus, there is a lot of corruption in the record industry, even in the Christian industry. Ideally we'd like to play music full time and a label is a great way to do that, so we're open to accepting a deal from a label. However we'd have to know it was the God-given right opportunity.

CS: Do you have any advice to give to the youth of our world?

Becky - NOTHING - not sex, not getting high, not getting drunk, not your friends, not a better body, not more clothes, not more money, not food, not 'being cool' etc., etc., - NOTHING can make you truly happy or fill the void in your life except Jesus Christ! What more can I say?
Shawn - Stop thinking everything is relative! Everyone can't be right. There is one God!
Linc - You are significant and special because God created you. To Him, you are a precious treasure that He wants to use in a major way to further His kingdom. With Christ preparing your path, you can change the world.
Martha: Seek GOD, love GOD, trust GOD with everything that you are. Take Him much more seriously than you take yourself. If you can do this, you will go far. Find meaningful friendships that will help you grow. Do not believe the enemy’s lies that you are alone and nobody understands you; that is a lie from the pit of hell and it will keep you in the dark until you rid yourself of it. Have fun with GOD, He is your Father and He loves you so much and He wants you to have a blast in this life with Him. And don’t be afraid to ask for help when you need it.