Believe
by Jessica

CS: How did your group form? Did you start out together or did you pick up players along the way?

B: Our original drummer, Chris, wanted to get a band together, so he called up David (guitar) and Eric (bass/vocals). David called me (Daniel) a few weeks later. I went to a DC Talk/Jennifer Knapp concert with them and realized that Christian music could actually be cool...so I joined up. T4JYM: How long have you all been together? How long has the group been in existence, not counting any possible changes in members? Believe has been around for 4 to 4 1/2 years now. Eric left before things got rolling, and I started singing and trying to play bass. We picked up Tyson to play bass within the first few months, so I count him an original member.(He had never played bass B4!! God gave him real talent!)

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

B: We are now on our third drummer (Eugene). Switching out drummers has slowed progress ALOT, b/c we 'll just get tight with someone and start writing right about the time that they call it quits...then we have to start all over again! We are still good friends with both Chris and Andy though, so that is cool.
Our relationship with each other is just like a TRUE family...we love each other as brothers, we make fun of and pick at each other constantly, and we argue/ disagree sometimes. Believe is a really tight unit, and we have a good time both on and off the stage!

CS: What kind of equipment do you use?

B: We need to get an Ibanez sponsorship b/c you'd think we owned stock in the company or something! We play five Ibanez guitars. Dave and I play seven strings and Tyson is on five for bass. All of them are dropped to an "A" Dave runs a Marshall Mode 4 -4/12..Tyson an Ampeg Tube head on a 8-10 cab....Both are seriously low/hard hitters. Eugene plays a vintage John Bohnam Ludwig Vista Lite kit. It is see through yellow, and VERY cool. Of course double bass action going on! We use our own PA system with some special Cerwin Vega 18 subs that have nearly blown the windows out of several buildings!! The police frequently come to our shows...it makes me proud!!

CS: What is the main focus in your ministry? Teens? The lost? The hurting? Why did you decide up on this as a focus?

B: The main focus of Believe ministry is making sure that every show we do leaves people changed for Christ! We try to spend quality time - every time -to get to know fans on a personal level so that we can more effectively share Jesus love for them. Some people need encouragement, some need to ask Christ into their lives for the first time, but whatever the need we try to help any way we can. You never see us on stage when I don't share a testimony or spiritual thought on the mic. Also unless I know for a Fact that another band/speaker plans to do it already...I always give people a chance to pray and accept Jesus right from the stage! Its that important to us! It has ticked several people/venues off, but if you can't stir up a little controversy then it ain't rock and roll now is it?

CS: What does your groups name mean?

B: BELIEVE is pretty self explanatory, but we usually put our banner verse with it of Romans 10:9. BELIEVE in JESUS and everything after that will fall into place.

CS: Where did you come up with it?

B: I think Dave pulled that one out.

CS: Where do you see the band in five years? Ten? The future?

B: I know the kinds of things that I would like to see happen with the band, but honestly wherever God wants BELIEVE to go is up to Him! If He wants us to be playing small intimate shows with close contact to fans, or arenas to reach thousands, as long as He gives us peace about it, then we'll be right where we need to be.

CS: Do you ever worry about getting caught up in the world of show biz? That success will change your group?

B: I really do worry about that b/c if we ever REALLY make it big where money is no object...I'm afraid all the guys will stop pulling their hair out, and we won't look nearly as hard core! Seriously people think we're a bunch of skin heads or something.

Also we would definitely all get the motorcycles we want so badly, and probably all get killed on them (Except for Eugene b/c he'd be on a moped!!)

CS: What kind of relationship do you maintain with your audiences? Do you fellowship with them? Or do you remain distant as the performer?

B: I am one of the few frontmen who actually jump off stage and go mosh with the crowd, during a show! I like to ask the audience questions/ cut up with them/ just have fun! Before and after a show you'll usually find us playing fooseball

CS: How would you describe your music style?

B: We have an aggressive hard rock style. We like deep, hard hitting rhythms that make you move. Alot of bottom end for sure, but also tight and distinct sounds at the same time.

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

B: We didn't grow up with Christian Rock being available, so our influences are mostly secular, however the guys are into Demon Hunter, Living Sacrifice, East-West etc in the Christian scene now. You'll here a similar sound to Korn in the guitars, maybe some Alice in Chains/Ozzy in the vocal style, and God knows Eugene wants to play like the Slipknot drummer!

We're not AGAINST secular music, but as Christian music has grown, I think people can find almost anything they're after now ... with a positive message of HOPE, instead of the despair and pain found in most secular songs.

CS: Are you involved in any other ministries?

B: Yes. Rock for Life...Voice of the Martyrs..and several Christian Biker ministries!

CS: How much time do you spend practicing as a group? How much time do you practice individually?

B: We practice twice a week if we can, plus shows every weekend. I sing in the car Christian, does that count?

CS: Does the group come together for prayer at times other than concerts and ministry opportunities?

B: We believe strongly in prayer! We begin/ end every practice and trip in prayer. We go to church together as well. We have gotten together for Bible studies sometimes too.

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

B: Doesn't everybody want to be in a rock band?!! Wouldn't we all like to get on a microphone and tell everybody exactly what we think?!! Don't we all want to change the world?!! I sure do!