Josh Lee of Return
http://www.return2jesus.com
by Trisha Bleau

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

JL: The main focus would be all three, there isn't a stone we want that would be unturned or for that matter a seed not planted. We are going after them all. I guess we know that Jesus didn't show favorites, and everyone needs him, so it was pretty easy to decide.

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

JL: I see the band eventually going national and international sharing with everyone our faith. No stopping. Just Going. :)

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

JL: It is a constant struggle to remain level headed, but when you have people around that love you enough to burst your pride bubble then you do pretty good.

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

JL: We don't stay back stage, we mingle and talk, because for us that's were the real work starts. None of this give me my check and my grape gatorade or I am not playing stuff.

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?

JL: Yes, Lyrically we mull over the words so much it is aggravating, but that's only because we don't talk just to talk, words stick with people and you have to make them count.

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

JL: That the Lord loves these people and wants them to come home to him.

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

JL: I write a lot of it and then take it to the band and then we either change a few things or leave it alone, but no one else writes our stuff.

CS: How would you describe your music style?

JL: It is probably a mix between Caedmons Call, Third Day. A lot of rockin'.

CS: Do you ever get criticized for your lyrics?

JL: No we usually criticize our own stuff though, like if it starts to sound cheesy, but that's because we play it a lot or something like that. But never anyone criticizing us for it.

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

JL: Mine would be Keith Green, Steven Curtis Chapman, Third Day, Jars of Clay and James Taylor.

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

JL: We've Played with Small Town, Plumb, LaRue and others and they are all great, very nice people, they do some things different but they are doing the Lords work so I don't have any complaints.

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

JL: Yes, we are heavily involved in our home church in Fresno C.A. Peoples Church. Jon( the lead singer) leads worship for our high school group, I (josh) just go and get ministered to right now, Paul (the lead guitarist) plays for the college group, then the other guys, David the drummer and Justin the bass player go to their churches and fill in where they can.

CS: Are you involved in any other ministries?

JL: Not really.

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

JL: We are a mixture of guys who taught themselves and guys who learned from the best.

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

JL: We usually spend about four hours every Friday and Sunday practicing. On our own we do it when ever we can.

CS: How do you do this with your drummer living an hour and a half away now?

JL: We go down to were he is and he comes up to where we are, it's not hard.

CS: What kind of support do you get from your churches? Your community?

JL: Every helps us out like we were their own children. We get lots of support and wisdom.

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

JL: We are working on getting into the studio in a little bit and we are playing a huge show with Crystal Lewis and The Elms here in a bit so it's very exciting. You can check out that stuff at http://www.jesusshack.com

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

JL: Maybe, sure.

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

JL: Keep seeking Jesus and learning everything you can about grace and Gods love and you will grow in maturity and faith. And we love them.