Jason Foust of Exit>East
by Jessica

CS: What does your groups name mean?

J: The names of bands can mean lots of different things. With Christian bands sometimes their name means something spiritual or something personal to the members. In our case.it's neither. Here's a funny story: When we started in 1999/2000 we were playing mostly at our church when we started to receive quite of few calls from people wanting us to play for them. We had been together about 6 months but still had not come up with a name (it's really hard to think of cool names). So, out of desperation my brother said, "Hey.why don't you call yourselves EXIT? That way, your name will be everywhere you go". It seemed to make sense so that's what we did.

When we were signed, the label did a trademark search on our name and someone had already trademarked the name "EXIT". So.we were back at square one. The label liked the idea of keeping "EXIT" somewhere in the name because that's how fans knew us. So.after many weeks of trying to think of another cool name I blurted out "Let's just call ourselves EXITEAST. We're from the southeast and we're wanting to expand our territory out beyond the east..so..we'll be called EXITEAST". The label like it and thus, EXIT>EAST was born.

CS: Where did you come up with it?

J: Well, like I said, it originally came out of desperation in trying to find a new name but in reality, EXIT>EAST has become who we are. To us, it's the culmination of the last four years of our lives.everything from our family's decisions to our living conditions. EXIT>EAST is who we are.

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

J: Umm.let's see.I'm not going to lie. I hope God has decided to make us commercially successful. I would be telling you a fib if I said otherwise.

As a band we really are open to whatever He has for us. We want Him to be glorified at whatever capacity He allows whether that be playing for Christians at a church or pagans at club (actually I guess either could be at both places :-) ). I hope we're better musicians in five years. I don't think we stink now but we all have an individual and collective desire to grow in our craft. I think He wants it that way as well. I hate being stagnant in anything, especially music. We hope and pray that in five years people hear our name and say "Wow.those guys really reflect Christ and write some killer stuff". I think that would be about it!

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

J: I don't think anyone is immune to the pride of life. Ya know, the whole "Wow.I'm famous.blah, blah, blah." As Psalm 121:2 says; we know where our help comes from. He's commanded us to go into the entire world and demonstrate His love toward others. That's the bottom line. I think we will always write about what He has told us to write about.that being how He affects our lives. How He guides us in relationships, in decisions, and in every aspect of who we are. Anyway, the whole "Christian Rock Star" title is really silly.

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

J: We L-O-V-E our fans.I mean.we absolutely adore them! First of all, we have the greatest fans in the world. They're supportive and best of all.they love our music. At every concert we request that the venue set up an area where we can just sit and talk to our fans. Honestly, making music and talking with the fans are our favorite things to do. The fact that people would pay money and travel long distances to hear us is so incredibly humbling. The very least we can do is take the time to hear about their lives. People often tell us what an encouragement one of our songs has been to them but in reality it's the fans that encourage us and we are SO thankful for them.

CS: How would you describe your music style?

J: Pop/Rock; definitely. There seems to be a trend in music right now where all the bands sound alike. There's not a lot of originality going on. I hope we're different from other stuff that you hear out there. When it comes down to it, we like music that gets in your brain.ya know, the kind of hooks that just grab you and don't let go. Some people would call it "Top 40" rock.I've heard others say, "EXIT>EAST's music sounds like matchboxtwenty meets Train with some Maroon 5". I think we just sound like.well..us.

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

J: Umm.as I said in the above question I'm a sucker for a huge hook. I grew up listening to a lot of my parent's music like The Beatles and The Eagles while at the same time being a part of the MTV generation with Michael Jackson and Billy Joel. As a band, we come from a lot of different backgrounds a little rock, a little pop, and even a little country here and there (only the good kind). I can't say it enough.we just love a great song. Whether it be Steven Curtis Chapman or matchboxtwenty,.Rooney or Led Zeppelin; if it's got a good hook then they've influenced us.

CS: Are you involved in any other ministries?

J: We're heavily involved with World Vision and I serve at my church (WestRidge Church) when I'm in town playing keys for the band.

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

J: Umm.we usually spend about 8-10 hours/week collectively and personally I practice everywhere: in the car, at home, in the shower.hey...don't laugh.those are the best places to sing!!

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

J: Always. We pray and read at rehearsals but we've all sort of grown up spiritually together so we're always having spontaneous theological discussions.

T4JYM: Have you always had a desire to be in a group like this?

J: We've all grown up wanting to do music as our vocation. So, yes.we have.

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

J: Let's see.we're going for radio adds on AC from now until the release of the record (January 18th) and we're getting some fairly decent play on CHR stations. We will also be heading out on tour with Big Daddy Weave and Todd Agnew in February. Umm.we're also on Absolute Favorite Christmas, Absolute Worship, Pulse, and Absolute Hymns (not in stores yet). I know, I know.there 's a lot of "Absolutes" in there.

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

J: Umm.we were in the middle of a show at a university in GA and the power went out. We sat and talked to the audience of 500 or so for about an hour and then the power came back on. We then finished the show. :-)

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

J: A band I couldn't live without?....hmmm.that would have to be matchboxtwenty. I think Rob Thomas is one of the greatest artists/writers of our time and the band itself is impeccable.

CS: What are your favorite bible verses?

J: The whole 5th Chapter of Romans is phenomenal. That would have to be my favorite chapter.

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

J: Seek Him. Seek His face with everything that you are. Don't be afraid to live in Him.that's what He's called you to do. There is tremendous freedom in Christ and don't be ashamed of that and don't let anyone say that you should be (ashamed).

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

J: Let's see.my parents, my wife, my little girl Hope and Jon's (EXIT>EAST guitarist) dad: Jack Stanley.

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

J: Seinfield

CS: If you were stranded on an island, and could only have five things, what would they be?

J: My Bible, my wife, my little girl, milk, and lot's of peanut butter. ;)