Mark Gibson of Sundry

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?

Mark: All of the above. We want to spread the Message of truth to anyone who is listening because we want to ultimately glorify God.

CS: Reading through the band info on the site we find that Sundry means Set Apart. What are you doing to keep yourselves set apart? For example, what are you doing different than mainstream artists to share Jesus with the crowds? What are you doing different from Christian artists that sets you apart?

Mark: We want to be real on stage and not read from a script. It's easy to fake it on stage, and off stage. But we are involved in some really tough accountability, and scripture reading and memorizing. We want to start a revolution of Christians, who actually read their Bibles and actually spend time with God everyday.

CS: Where did you come up with it?

Mark: The dictionary. Its the best place to find band names.... heeheehee

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

Mark: At the risk of sounding overspiritual, wherever God has us. We would love to be playing arenas and things but if its not Gods will, well.......it just won't happen.

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

Mark: Not anymore. We are doing a real reality check with this accountability we are doing together. I know that the Lord is in this group. And we make sure of that everyday.

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

Mark: We tour alot, so we play for a lot of different people. But we never remain distant. We LOVE people. What's soooo cool is that we can actually have relationships with the people that we play for. We consider them friends, not fans.

CS: If you could ask Jesus any one question, what would you ask and why?

Mark: I wouldn't have to ask; He would already know my question. I'm just not sure.

CS: When did you feel called to perform in a group like this? Have you felt God's hand guiding you towards this all along?

Mark: I felt called my junior year of High School.

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?

Mark: Well, our music does minister to people, but we do most of our ministering off stage when we talk to them and hang out. We make it a point to share scripture at our concerts and give the Gospel message during the show.

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

Mark: That God is good and HOLY and we should be reverent to the fact that he is SOOOO much bigger than us. 2 things we try and get across.......Christians should be in their Bibles and in prayer......and non-Christians should repent.

CS: Where do you get ideas for your music?

Mark: Everyday life, the Bible, and sometimes a little imagination.

CS: How would you describe your music style?

Mark: Energetic rock...... FUN FUN FUN

CS: Do you ever get criticized for your lyrics?

Mark: Maybe when the older generation says they can't understand them because they're too loud, LOLOLOL

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

Mark: Smalltown Poets...they rock, Skillet....they rock, Newsboys...they rock, Third Day......my favorite, Reality Check.....I miss them. You name a Christian band and there's a good chance we have played with them.

CS: Are you involved in any other ministries?

Mark: I work at a coffee house. We are starting a youth group at the church our band pastor is pastoring.

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

Mark: I sang in the Atlanta boys choir for 5 years. I sang R&B for a while. Glad I'm in a rock band though.

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

Mark: Group...good bit. Individually....some more than others.

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

Mark: We recently came out with our national debut, "The Toughest No-Brainer Yet." And we're putting together a big tour for the fall, mostly in the southeast, midwest, and northeast. Keep checking http://www.sundry.org for all the details.

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

Mark: Stay in the Word everyday. How can we be Christians if we don't get to know Christ? There is one way to know Him and it's through the Bible.