Jed Elkins of Hammertown
http://www.hammertownmusic.com
by Trisha Bleau

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

Jed: Shawn McGhee (the guitarist) and I have always played music together since high school. We were always looking for a singer and drummer, but never really found anyone that seemed to fit just right with what we were looking for. At the time though we were not Christians yet. Then when we got saved, it only seemed natural to continue playing music, but dedicated to God, and not our former gods that we had in the world. We had sent demos to record labels before we were Christians, but after we got saved, some record companies started responding. We prayed about it, then decided that we would wait on God. When God's timing was right, the band was formed with Jason Sickles and Tony Allard as our singer and drummer, and every thing was set up just right.

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

Jed: Our main focus is the lost. There are plenty of bands out there that are geared toward Christian teens, but rarely do they seem to break through into the secular audience. At the same time though, we definitely know that there is a need for an encouraging voice among music styles such as ours in today's youth. I think that believers and non-believers alike will benefit from the message and spirit that God has given in the music of Hammertown.

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

Jed: Hammertown is actually the name of a lake in Jackson County Ohio, where we are all from. The lake is the source of water for the City of Jackson, and it is a beautiful place. We have often gone there as a band, to pray, and fellowship with God and each other. One time while we were there to pray, one of us said, "Hey, we could call ourselves Hammertown...", and it just seemed to fit. It is good to have a name that represents such a strong spiritual bond between us, while at the same time, connecting us to our home.

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

Jed: Wherever God takes us. We are willing to go as far as God wants us to go.

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

Jed: It is possible that anyone could get caught up in the biz, if they are not careful. The enemy is always trying to bring down the things that God sets in place - we have already seen that first hand. But, as long as we keep an open eye out for his tactics, then we will not be deceived. I think that if one keeps the attitude of a servant, then things are usually kept in perspective.

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

Jed: We definitely like to hang out with the crowd. I have seen other bands that come in, do their show and leave as soon as it's over. We are not about that. And if there are other bands performing the same place that night, we like to get to know them and fellowship with them too.

CS: Do you make it a goal to use your music to minister to people? Or do you just write for the sake of writing and performing?

Jed: Ministry is what it is all about. Without it, what meaning would any of our efforts be? What lasting contribution would we have made? None. If ever the time came when lives were not being changed, then that would be the end of Hammertown for me.

CS: What is the message you are trying to get across with your music?

Jed: That God loves you, and that being on His team is being on the winning team, and that Jesus is the only way to heaven. Also we have a message of encouragement to those with struggles in their Christian walk.

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

Jed: Yes, we write all of our own music. Ideas come in many different ways, from preaching sermons that we were effected by, and bible scriptures that have inspired us, to personal struggles, or events in our lives.

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

Jed: Our music influences are diverse among us. Since most of our lives were spent without the saving knowledge of Christ, just about all of our musical influences have been secular artists. They range anywhere from the older groups such as Led Zepplin, Black Sabbath, and Jimi Hendrix to the newer Alice-In-Chains, Tool, and Ian Moore.

CS: Are you involved in your own home churches? What role do you have there?

Jed: We all attend the same church, where I play bass for the praise team.

CS: Are you involved in any other ministries?

Jed: We have just begun an association with "Fire Within Ministries" - a youth centered ministry that includes dance and drama teams... We may be including some of that with a few of our concerts.

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

Jed: We all have been playing music for most of our lives. Shawn and I have been playing guitar for over 10 yrs. while Jason grew up in a very musical family and also has been playing many instruments for a long time. Tony played drums all through school in marching bands and in various music groups.

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

Jed: As a group, we usually practice about 2 or 3 times a week for 2 hrs. at a time. Individually it varies too much to tell.

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

Jed: Yes, during each practice.

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

Jed: All of us would definitely say yes to this question. I think God places those desires for a reason.

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

Jed: We have recently finished recording our first full length CD. It was self produced at "The Recording Workshop" in Chillicothe Ohio. It will soon be released in local stores and on a few radio stations. Also, a talent scout for CCM Magazine recently took interest in us, and we are now featured in the "unsigned" section of www.ccmmagazine.com.

CS: Any plans to sign with a major Label in the near future?

Jed: We are currently in the process of sending our CD to record labels that are excepting demo submissions.

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

Jed: Yes, get involved. There are so many things to do in the Kingdom of God when you are young, so many opportunities await you. Don't wait around for something to fall in your lap, go out and start something new. Don't think that because you are young that you are unqualified to share your testimony. Also, there is no excuse for boredom among Christian youth if you are willing to get involved with God's work. He always makes it fun and worthwhile.