BJ Oliver - Guitarist and back up vocals
Broken Strings
by: Jessica
http://www.brokenstringsmusic.com
http://www.purevolume.com/brokenstringstx

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

BJ: Actually I am the newest member. I started December 2003. Before me was the three of them Wes Ragland, Brent Hankins, & Merle Doss. Brent is the second newest. He replace their old bass player, which was Zack Briley.
Zack Briley, Wes, and Merle are the ones that created BrokenStrings.

CS: How long have you all been together? How long has the group been in existence, not counting any possible changes in members?

BJ: 4yrs

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

BJ: It is like a family. We have ups and downs like anyone else. But we stick together through the rough, to make us stronger. I think it is harder for us the busier it gets, cause we don't have time to settle stuff. But we are pretty close to each other, like best friends.

CS: What kind of equipment do you use?

BJ: Our sound system is a full size factory direct Carvin System. Two mains, 4 monitors, 24 channel board, etc. Fender, Gibson, Yamaha Guitars. Pearl Drums.

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

BJ: The lost. Cause that is what all 4 us were called to do. Minister to the lost. We want to provide music that non-christians will want to listen to. If a non-christian that likes rock/alternative music hears "soft touching," type music then he/she is probably more likely to be turned away at that point.

CS: What does your groups name mean?

BJ: BrokenStrings. The meaning behind that would mean when we are born again and are Christians we are broken from Satan and his hold that he had on us. Knowing that we have the choice to resist him and what he offers us. He has control over non-christians, and then their strings (like a puppet) are broken from him.

CS: Where did you come up with it?

BJ: Actually a funny thing. I wasn't around but the story is that when they were playing when they first started the band....the bass player broke his big "E" string, which you do not hear of often at all. Then it turned into the bigger more meaningful definition.

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

BJ: We are and always will be a Christian band. We hope that soon we can make a full time job out of it, but as of now, we just follow God's calling and minister where we can at this time.

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

BJ: NO. We just have to watch our steps and not take just any offer that comes toward us. We are and always will be a Christian band, not only "Christians" in a band.

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

BJ: Fellowship! that one thing we try to push each other to do before and after shows. . . unless one of us is sick, we don't want to cough on fans. lol.

CS: How would you describe your music style?

BJ: Alternative, Rock, fun, tight, catchy.

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

BJ: I think each of us has different influences. Myself, I would have to say: Flyleaf, Kutless, 12 Stones, Skillet( collide), Shane & Shane

CS: Are you involved in any other ministries?

BJ: Before it closed down recently, we all helped with The Club Impact, providing them with our sound on Saturdays and helping in different places when we were not doing shows. Usually we are busy with the band though.

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

BJ: Right now, we are currently on a holiday break, preparing for the first week of January in which we are going in to the studio. Practices are on Monday and Tuesday nights, weekly.

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

BJ: During practices, we always start with prayer. We often mention stuff that needs prayed about and pray about it when it comes up. That's an eye opener question, I think I am going to push for more praying in the group.

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

BJ: yes. With this group, we can rock out and also be the lead worshippers. I like to say lead worshippers cause we want to lead ppl in worship but at the same time, be worshipping ourselves.

CS: What is the latest news on your group? Any new CD's to be released soon?

BJ: Yes, early 2005 we are releasing a full length CD. Going into the studio the first week of January to record our new material, in which no one has heard yet.

CS: What's the weirdest thing that's ever happened at one of your concerts?

BJ: We did a church camp & the kids were allowed to play in the huge camp fire and roll down the hill in a big 50 gal barrel!

CS: What's a band could you not live without?

BJ: Flyleaf

CS: What are your favorite bible verses?

BJ: 1 John 2:2
2 Corinthians 4:16-18
James 2:19

CS: Do you have any advice for the youth of today?

BJ: If you've messed up, get back up and keep going hard following the calling that God has put on your life.

CS: What people have influenced you (non-musicians)?

BJ: Obviously Mel Gibson w/ "the passion" Parents

CS: What's one tv show you can't live without?

BJ: Friends