Caleb's Faith
by Jessica

CS: What does your group's name mean?

CF: We got our name from the story of Caleb and Joshua in Numbers 13. All of us in the band want to demonstrate the type faith Caleb did when he spoke up in what he believed God could and would do for His people. Even though people threatened to stone Caleb he still stood strong in what he believed. We all want to have that same type of faith and determination for Christ in a world where it may be difficult to do so.

CS:Where did you come up with it?

CF: We came up with the name after having a bible study together.

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

CF: Well, this is something we find ourselves talking about a lot in the band. Hopefully in five years we will all be out of school and will be playing music full-time. Ten years, I would still like to be doing the same. Eventually, some of us want to get involved in producing for other bands or possibly opening our own ministries for kids.

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

That success will change your group? CF: It would be a lie to say that being caught up in pride and everything is not a fear. However, I don't see us ever getting a big head just because we have some great accountability partners and friends that always help keep us grounded.

That and we are just normal guys and there is really no reason to think higher of ourselves than others, because we realize nothing we have done has been short of a miracle from God. One thing that we do fear with success is the amount of interaction and ministry that someone like a record label would allow. We are huge believers that our ministry is more than just our music and we don't ever want to lose that for any amount of success. We would rather live off of doing youth rallies and camps where we can get to know and help youth than being on some huge touring circuit making lots of money.

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

CF: As a band, we love to get to know the people in our audience! That is why we love doing week long retreats and camps, because we really get a chance to not only disciple and minister but also we get a chance to cut up with and just really build friendships with the youth and adults present! If we ever have a chance to eat with, hang out with or whatever we take it. It is really cool to still have people that we met a year ago at a show or camp that still email and call us! One huge blessing in this ministry is being able to meet and impact so many people!

CS: How would you describe your music style?

CF: Well, we don't really know what our style is. It is a Acoustic/Rock/Pop hybrid. Our music has influences from people such as Third Day, LifeHouse, John Mayer, GooGoo Dolls and even a bit of bands such as Creed. So if you took those different styles and smashed them together somewhere in the mix you would find us I guess.

CS: Who or what is your biggest musical influence?

CF: Worship music is our biggest influence. Because our music is for God's glory. Also, the depth in the lyrics of hymns has influenced the lyric style we use.

CS: Are you involved in any other ministries?

CF: Most all of us are heavily involved at our home church back in Statesville, NC. Also, Casey (Leadsinger) is a Young Life leader back in Shelby, NC. Go Crest Chagers!

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

CF: Not as mush as we would like to because of distance due to school. However, we always spend a day of practice before each show if possible. Then of course we are all playing throughout the week working on new material and brushing up on technique.

CS: Does the group come together for prayer outside of time for performance?

CF: Yes, in fact we have an accountability group with one another. And we just try to pray whenever we get together, it is just so uplifting. And personally just praying for upcoming events is very important.

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

CF: I think there has been a desire in me (Casey) my whole life ever since I was a little kid. I loved being in front of people and getting to sing, dance or do magic shows. What better way to be in front of people than presenting the gosepl and leading worship? I love it. We all love being able to do it and count it as a blessing each opportunity we receive! It's been fun.

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

CF: We actually just recently released a brand new CD recently, "Depsite Me." And the funny thing is that we are already in talks about starting production on our next CD.

CS: What's the weirdest thing to happen at one of your concerts?

CF: This one is easy. One of our shows was at a Relay for Life event and in the middle of our set an older lady came up and unplugged all of our equipment and began yelling at us for plugging into her outlets at the stadium. We thought that the outlets were for everyone's use, but evidently we were wrong. It was hilarious.

CS: What band could you not live without?

CF: I would have to say 7-Miles. The guys in that band have been like big brothers to us and our ministry and we owe them the world when it comes to what they have done for us. Check them out at www.7-miles.com they rock

CS: What are your favorite Bible Verses?

CF: Casey-John 15:13. It amazes me to think Jesus views me as more than a servant or follower, I am His friend! Matt D.-Luke 9:23. Matt N.-Matthew 7:7, God is always there for us whenever we need him and He wants to help us. Sam-James 1:2-4.

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

CF: Don't ever sell short. God has a wonderful plan for each and every one of you and you are all beautiful in His sight. Don't settle for the empty answers the world offers like sex, drugs or even things like popularity. True joy can only be found in Jesus and the life He offers!

CS:What people have influenced you?

CF: All of our parents have played a role in our life. Also our ministers at our church and former sunday school teachers. That and friends of the band like or buddies Seth, Stacy and Jason have played a huge role in developing us into the Christian men we are today.

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

CF: As for Casey and Matt D, Panthers Football! Yeah the Panthers rock our faces off. Who knows for Sam. And Matt N. just really likes video games and cartoons.

A house, a functional plumbing system, a cell phone, a four-wheeler and a helicopter! I think that would work.