First So Last
http://www.firstsolast.com/
by Trisha Bleau

CS: Please share with us how your group formed and any changes it went through after forming.

F.S.L. - First So Last was initially begun by lead vocalist Dominick and drummer Rick. The two have had a long time friendship ever since early childhood. They decided to record a two song demo to shop around to different labels. The two song demo quickly became a four song demo and eventually developed into the HourGlass album. After recording the first two songs different band members came into the picture. All of these were integral in the recording of the F.S.L.'s debut cd. Dom and Rick felt moved to begin a band that could positively influence today's world with their music. Two guitar and two bass players later,through lots of heartaches and prayer, Dom and Rick now have their permanent bandmates.


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

F.S.L. - The band's main focus is outreach, whether that be to teens or adults. The band always tries to bring it's audience to have a closer relationship with their Creator and to instill a desire to learn more of Him. We decided to focus our energy on outreach after realizing the amazing power of music and how it can be used to change people's lives.

CS: What does your groups name mean? Where did you come up with it?

F.S.L. - The band got it's name from Mathew 19:30 "But many who are first shall be last, and the last shall be first" All of the band members feel this verse best exemplifies their individual lives and disposition for God.

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

F.S.L. In 5-10 years the we still see ourselves touring and recording.Dom and Rick will most likely also be producing and developing artists for their own label.

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

F.S.L. - We don't really worry too much about the show biz aspect of the industry. We just try to put on the best live performance possible while still focusing on our main reason for putting on the concert in the first place. Outreaching to the community to save lives.

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

F.S.L. - We definitely try to maintain as intimate a relationship as possible with our audience. Whenever possible we always love to meet the people that come to our shows.

CS: Do you write your own music? Where do you get ideas for your music?

F.S.L. - We totally believe in writing our own music and in being original. We think one of today's biggest problems with Christian bands is that they aren't original enough. We're all pretty much constantly writing and working on music all of the time.

CS: How would you describe your music style?

F.S.L. - Our music style can best be described as a cross between Living Colour, Matchbox 20 and Santana. Hey !!! We're all Latin.

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

F.S.L. - Some of our biggest musical influences have been, Stryper,Petra, Whiteheart, Russ Taff, Bryan Duncan, Metallica, G & R, too many to name.

CS: Who are some of the groups you have performed with and what did you think of them?

F.S.L. - Some of the folks we've had the opportunity to play with are Seven Day Slumber, Scott Kripayne,Whisper Loud, Renee Gonzalez, Ingrid Rosario. They all rocked.

CS: What is your musical background? Did you take lessons to gain the musical skills you have now?

F.S.L. - We've all taken music lessons at one point or other in our lives. Dom took piano lessons from the 5th grade through college, Rick has studied at N.Y.'s drummer's collective, Manny currently is going to college on a music scholarship. Victor took lessons from his older brother when he was younger.

CS: Do you have any advice to give to the youth of our world?

F.S.L. - There is one verse that we all take to heart in this band. Proverbs 16:3 " Commit your work to the Lord, and your plans will be established" .