Josh Sharp of Elyseeum
By: Jessica

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

JS: Ben (vocals&guitars) and I (josh-guitars) met in church about 3 years ago and we were both looking to start a CHRISTian rock band so we jammed and the chemistry was there so we started down the path of finding the right members to complete the group needless to say whenever we would try someone out without praying about it or seeking GOD first about the decision things didnt go as planned and we would be back to where we started then we found a few guys that we stayed with for like 6 months and we had a few songs but lets just say that we were heading in two diffrent directions and the Ben and I (josh) had to step out of that project cause we felt that GOD was urging us to do so ..... so we did and not long after that I had fell back into the world for a time and started a secular band and all the while Ben was looking to find solid ground CHRISTians to complete the band i was running from GOD's calling for some stupid reason but GOD in HIS faitfulness had put together a band Ben (vox&guitars) Jhy Duet (bass) and Zac Cheramie (drums) they were a three piece and ben would call me and just tell me that he was praying for me and that i had a spot with them soon as i got straight with JESUS and my world had started to fall apart and i ran back to into JESUS arms and the guys asked if i was intrested in having a spot with ELYSEEUM and i prayed and new it was right with GOD so i accepted and here we are!

CS: What are some cool facts about you guys that hardly anyone knows?

JS: Jhy (bass) is into old school jazz and can funk it up on the bass. Ben can sing opera way to well and zac is the pretty boy of the bunch and myself (josh) is the only one out of the three that wasnt a highschool band nerd!!!

CS: Any song lyrics from your favorite bands that seem to push you to strive towards making music your profession?

JS: Not really. I can't think of any off the top of my head. All I know is that we are four guys with a hunger for the lost and we love ministering through the gifts that GOD has given us in music and we hope to do this for the rest of our lives!!!

CS: Are teens your main source to witness to?

JS: We hope to witness to everyone who is around. But yeah, our hearts are on the youth because were trying to give them something positive in their lives and with the way that the world is they need some truth and some light in their lives!

CS: What does your group's name mean?

JS: We spell it a lil different than the original (Elysium). ELYSEEUM means Heavenly Paradise.

CS: Where did you come up with it?

JS: T he movie Gladiator. In the beginning fight scene - just watch it and you will hear it. We just thought it sounds so kool and the meaning was awesome!

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

JS: Hopefully, if it be in GOD's will, touring around the world spreading the good news of JESUS until HE orders us otherwise!

CS: How has the group changed since you started out? Has it changed band members?

JS: No. We all just have grown and matured in our walk with GOD and we have become like family. I (Josh) couldn't ask for a better group of Guys!

CS:Do you write your own music?

JS: Yes we do, with inspiration from the HOLY SPIRIT.

CS:Where do you get ideas for your music?

JS: JESUS

CS: Do you ever get criticized for your lyrics?

JS: We have had people tell us to tone down but we're not ashamed of our GOD!

CS: What is the biggest thing you have learned from ministering through music?

JS: That music is such a huge calling and I am honored that HE chose me to lead people into worship for HIM and that its one of the easiest ways to minister to people !!!

CS: What is the biggest thing God has done during one of your concerts?

JS: At one of our shows there were a bunch of kids that were not saved and we knew before we played it would be a battle. And while we were playing they all got in this huge circle and started chanting and screaming and we just kept playing and we started to witness to them and they all just scattered the dark couldn't sit with the light. We persevered and people saw that and they were like "man ya'll are really doing ya'll job" cause they seen the enemy try to make us stumble and we just stood our ground and he had to flee!

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

JS: I always had the desire to be in a band all my life but I had no idea I would be in a band that has such a huge calling to do the will of GOD and I thank GOD for choosing me such an honor!

CS: Do you have any plans on signing with a major recording label?

JS: We would love too but it has to line up with what GOD wants for us !

CS: Favorite verse of the band members?

JS: As a whole we all love Psalms 33:3 sing unto HIM a new song; play skillfully with a loud noise!