Flint
by Jessica

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: Being musicians your focus tends to be rather scattered at times, and it definitely depends on where we are at the time. At clubs we focus on being an example to those who might not understand what we are really about. At Christian shows, while consisting of that same thing we can also focus on encouraging people to continue in their faith. In both places we are simply trying to stay open to the Spirits leading. We feel God will use us in any capacity he wants, at any time he wants.

We believe our focus involves anyone and everyone. To encourage other Jesus Freaks, to share hope with the hopeless and to mostly get people who listen to our music to question who and what God is, and where He is in their lives.
Our music does tend to target a youthful audience because of its edgier style, but that just sort of happened that way. We really only decided to focus on two main goals and let the chips fall where they may. Those goals are first to use the talent and passion God gave us wherever He wants us to go. And second, to be as honest and real as we can possibly be through our music and relationships

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

F: Every time we think we know what direction God is sending us, it seems to take another turn. But, we do know that in 5 and 10 years we'll look back and say, "now we know why He sent us there." Hindsight truly is 20-20.

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

F: We’ve spent most of our adult lives away from the showbiz world, and are surrounded by people who would not allow any ego in us whatsoever. We know any talent we have is a gift form God. Success for us may differ greatly from what others may think. We view success as being on the path God has chosen for us. Financial success would probably just mean that we could pay our bills finally.

Maybe if we became successful at an earlier stage in life, it may have puffed up the ego too much. But, we've had enough time on our side to realize that we are just three dorks who have been given the privilege of playing and enjoying a gift that we really don't even deserve. As far as success is concerned, we believe we've already achieved success, even if we were done tomorrow. The last year and a half I've experienced everything that I really wanted to in music and everything else that happens is just a bonus. Every moment in this band is successful when you pass through that moment with your best friends and believing that together you are doing what God wants you to do.

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: We spend as much time as possible with the people who come to our shows. After all, we want to do more than merely entertain. We make every effort to answer all emails we receive, and we try and keep everyone informed about what we are doing (show dates, videos, etc.).

We want our audience to become our closest friends as best as we can make that happen. We believe it's all about relationships and as I said earlier, we want to be honest and real with our listeners.

CS: How would you describe your music style?

F: In your face rock and roll with a lime twist.

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

F: This is always so hard to answer. But, some of our favorites are Whiteheart, U2, King's X, Our Lady Peace, Audioslave, Elvis, The Beatles, Tonic, Steve Taylor (lyrical genius), Creed, Foo Fighters, Dave Mathews, Harry Connick Jr., and on and on. Pretty much anything on the radio.

T4JYM: Are you involved in any other ministries?

F: Praise and worship at our church whenever we can, and we are involved in the charity cd “Unit of Hope”. The proceeds go to Compassion Canada.

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

F: As a group, we practice as much as possible. It is our duty to always perform to the best of our abilities. There are some weeks we are only able to rehearse a couple of times and some weeks we are able to rehearse a couple of times a day. We also like to make sure we play every day on our own.

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

F: It feels like we’re in a constant state of prayer because we have had to make so many career decisions as a band over the past year but not as nearly often as we should. There is definitely room for improvement in that area however. So, thanks for making us feel guilty, now we'll have to try harder!

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

F: Yes, Yes a thousand times yes. It is definitely an answer to prayer.

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

F: First full length cd “Smoke & Mirrors” is coming out shortly(Dec 2nd), as well as the video for the first single “Ahh!” and a DVD as well. The video will be played nation wide across Canada on MuchMusic, Mtv Canada, and many, many other video stations. So watch for it and feel free to request it to be played in your area!

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

F: At one show, there was a guy who kept yelling out for us to play "Sweet Home Alabama". So, finally Jay said into the mic, o.k., here it is, and proceeded to play another one of our songs, the guy finally gave up and left. That same show someone walked up behind Marc and was asking him for info on our website, while we were in the middle of a song.

CS: What band could you not live without?

F: Spinal Tap.

CS: What are your favorite bible verses?

F: Eph. 2, especially verse 10 & Romans 5:3-5

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

Jay - I guess the best advice I could give is to make some really good Christian friends that will hold you accountable. Stay in the word, and pray. If you fall into temptation you are NOT a freak. We all fall, but we don’t have to stay down. Because of what Christ did for us we are assured forgiveness. God wants our fellowship, we need never feel too ashamed to go to Him. He is our Father.
Gary - Don't take our word for it, check it out for yourself. The bible is the standard, not some dorky rock band. And, oh yeah, eat your veggies.
Marc - Have a good time…all the time.