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"Christian rock is often considered 'too religious' or 'too God centered' because of the positive messages presented through the lyrics. However, bands like Sanctus Real are out to prove that Christian musicians can hold their own in the mainstream rock world. ...Sanctus Real does more than impress. They secure their place and leave a dynamite first impression on the ears of both Christian and mainstream rock junkies." - CNN
MQ: Shifting gears a little bit - what's one of your favorite songs that you've recorded?
Matt: On our new album Fight the Tide, the single 'Everything About You'. It was just a really exciting process being in the studio and making that song. I know for me on this record, I really stretched myself vocally. There's a part of that song where I kind of, you know, go about my vocal in a different style than I ever have before. I think that was really fun for me to do that, and to record that. In writing that song, we tried to do some very unique things and I think that is a step out for us and so that really stands out for me.
Chris: The whole record I think was exciting because all these songs were brand new to us. Our last record, which was a compilation of songs that we had written over the course of a couple of years. So, going in there to record this, we weren't really bound by any certain structure we were used to playing a song in. So we'd go in there and change it to how we wanted so we did that a lot. It was just exciting to be able to go in there with a great producer and have these brand new ideas and see where he can take them from there. One of my favorite songs on the record is called 'Alone' and that's actually one of the songs that didn't change a whole lot. I think that's why it was cool for me because we wrote that song all in one night during pre-production and we made our own demo of it. If you go back and listen to the demo and then listen to the real thing it's almost right on musically. We changed the lyrics a lot but that was the fun part - really honing in on the lyrics. So, that is one of my favorites.
MQ: You mentioned the producer...who worked with you on this record?
Chris: Ted T. produced this record. He was the guy we worked with on our U2 cover. That's kind of how that all happened after doing that with him. We were like, "Man, this guy is great!" We just hit it off really well with Ted and he offered to do this record for us.
MQ: What about songwriting? Where do you guys go to find inspiration? Do you have a routine? I know everybody is different. It's just kind of cool to see how everyone approaches it...
Matt: Yeah, I've got a pink room in my house with candles and drapes and I just close my eyes . . . just kidding!
all: laughter
Matt: We're a band that writes about our life experiences - period. In both of our records you will find that we're not shy about writing about things that we go through, you know? And a lot of Biblical lessons too, for me, on the lyrical parts that I wrote on this record, were really trying to bring to life things that I was dealing with in my life - marriage and relationships and just things I see going on in the church and world. There are some songs about arguing. There are songs about finding patience when you're being impatient. There's a song about faith and deeds. There is a song about death. All of these things are just real life issues, you know? There's a couple of songs that are very worshipful in nature. There are so many different kinds of "rock styles" that we have on this record - it's really diverse - lyrically and well as musically.
MQ: What kind of comparison would you give the average listener between Christian music and secular music? I know the last ten years or so, the industry has really changed production wise, and sound wise. I just wanted to get your take on this.
Matt: I think Christian music is just a lot like any other music now - there is a lot of "indie", underground things that you're going to find just like you do in the mainstream - that the recording quality isn't as good but there is still a market for it. I think that in general, major labels of Christian music now are now putting out products that are as good sonically - and a lot of the songs as well - as the mainstream market. I think it's really cool to see bands like Switchfoot or Stacie Orrico or whoever. There are more and more bands putting out great songs, great recordings, that are having an exposure on a greater level and that's what it is really about. It's about reaching as many people as you can through the music and the gifts God has given you. And I think the Christian music industry right now is beginning to prove itself - that we can hang with the best of them. We're being creative too and we're making records that are top quality. And I hope to see more of that. I hope to see more large scale exposure to Christian artists because people need to hear the message.
MQ: What kind of advice would you give to kids who are in their youth group or whatever, and feel that God has given them a passion for music and they really don't know how to get started or develop that talent. From your own experience, do you have any advice?
Mark: I think one that I would definitely say is to just pray about it a lot - just really seek the Lord on it. Make sure that you're submissive to the Holy Spirit, and just really put it into His hands, and let God be in control of it. I remember before Sanctus Real technically started, I remember going through 3 or 4 different sets of guys that I was trying to start a band with. It would never seem to work out for some reason. As I prayed about it, it just wasn't the right time, the right set of guys. Once we came together as a band, from there it was amazing how quick everything happened and things took off - and we were playing shows and writing songs. So, just really make sure you don't let the desire to be in a band and to play music overcome your desire to simply do what God wants you to do. Make sure you keep your priorities straight.