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10 Questions with ... Sixteen Cities
January 16, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
LINE-UP:
- Josiah Warneking (lead vocals, piano)
- Josh Miller (guitar, vocals)
- Joel Warneking (bass, vocals)
- Chad McCutchen (drums)
LABEL:
- Centricity Music
DISCOGRAPHY:
- Love Is Making a Way (2012)
- Your Love Is (2010)
- Sixteen Cities (2010)
1) Introduce the members of the band, using musical background and/or personality traits.
Josh is the guitar player in the band, and is definitely the responsible one of the group. If it weren't for him, we'd probably be lost in the Midwest somewhere. He's been playing guitar since junior high and looks remarkably like Aaron Rodgers.
Chad is our drummer, and most people refer to him as "that guy with the beard." As the youngest member of the band, Chad has become a kind of mascott, apprearing in most of our online videos. And not only is he a great drummer, he is an exceptional guitar and bass player.
Josiah is the lead singer and pianist for Sixteen Cities; known for his signature "faux hawk" and skinny ties. As the songwriter in the band, Josiah spends much of his time singing in the shower, dreaming up the next big song.
Joel plays bass in Sixteen Cities and is the younger brother of Josiah. Although an incredible musician and singer, Joel is more known for his athletic abilities. As a star baseball player, his 95 mphfastball demonstrates his drive to be the best, which also explains his massive muscles.
2) Can you describe real briefly how you guys connected with Centricity?
After having ministered independently for several years, Sixteen Cities met Centricity at their annual artist retreat in the mountains of Washington state. In just a few short days, we both realized a similar heart of music and ministry, and we decided to sign with them in 2008.
3) What's the story behind your new single "Love Is Making a Way"?
"Love Is Making A Way" is a song about the redeeming grace and love we have in Jesus Christ. Each band member has a personal story of how God reached into a difficult situation and poured out amazing amounts of love. We have found that no matter how great the obstacle, the love of God always makes a way.
4) How is the new album shaping up? What can we expect to hear from Sixteen Cities sonically and lyrically?
We are incredibly excited to be releasing new music in 2012. After spending the last few years on the road, we are hoping to release music that will impact the hearts of our fans all over the world. In contrast to our last album, which was more introspective, this new project will showcase songs that have more vertical lyrics; singing about who God is and what he's done for us. Musically, you will hear an energetic combination of pop beats and ambient guitars, fused with hooky melodies that remain youthful while delivering an age-old message of hope. Having worked with some of the best producers in Christian music, you can look forward to great new addition to the Sixteen Cities discography.
5) Where might we find you guys playing this winter?
Although we call Portland, OR, home, you will find Sixteen Cities touring all over the country: from New York to Los Angeles and back again. We love ministering to young people, so a good deal of our time will be spent performing at winter camps and conferences. We'll also be visiting Christian schools this winter and spring, leading worship at reaching out to the next generation.
6) Do you have any inspiring or humorous stories from recent radio visits?
If only people could see what happens in a radio studio. We've experienced so many hilarious moments working with radio, including balancing eggs with a couple pieces of string with Wally on "Total Axxess." We've also been blessed to hear amazing testimonies of how God used our songs to impact people's lives.
7) Do you have a favorite song on the new album?
One of our favorite songs is called "Glorious" because it is an honest, raw worship song from the heart and declares the glory of God is an authentic way. Other songs, like "Still Here With Me" and "Love Is Making A Way," also stand out from the rest.
8) What song (any song, any time) do you wish you had written?
Because of the massive impact they've had on the world, I wish I had written "Mighty To Save" and "How Great Is Our God." They may not be complicated or overtly artistic, but they have brought millions of believers into the presence of God.
9) Do you have much time to check out other artists' music? What are you listening to right now?
I'm often the last one to discover new artists but enjoy listening to all kinds of music. Over the Christmas season though, I found myself listening to Michael Buble's new Christmas album, as well as classics like Bing Crosby and Frank Sinatra.
10) Do you guys make New Year's Resolutions? Have you made any for 2012?
2012 is a big year for us. We are releasing a new album, going back to school at Grand Canyon University, and launching a massive tour schedule. With all of that going on, we are making the resolution to stay rooted in the Word. It can be so easy to get "busy" and forget to include Jesus in our daily lives, so we're intentionally focusing our energy on connecting to the heart of God. We believe it's the only way to stay grounded and refreshed amidst our intense schedule.
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