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10 Questions with ... Kutless
February 27, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
LINE-UP:
- Jon Micah Sumrall (vocals)
- Dave Luetkenhoelter (bass)
- Jeff Gilbert (drums)
- James Mead (guitar)
- Nick De Partee (guitar)
LABEL:
- BEC Recordings
DISCOGRAPHY:
- Believer (2012)
- This Is Christmas (2011)
- Kutless: The Beginning (2010)
- It Is Well (2009)
- To Know That You're Alive (2008)
- Live in Portland (2006)
- Hearts of the Innocent (2006)
- Strong Tower (2005)
- Sea of Faces (2004)
- Kutless (2002)
1) Is there a message to the songs on Believer? Do you craft an album so that the songs work toward a singular point/theme?
There is absolutely a message on Believer. The singular theme behind these songs is a testimony of God's faithfulness towards us as believers. We love him, because he first loved us. In the life of a believer, there will be trials and hardships and also much joy! I think that these songs are about that "all encompassing" lifestyle of a person that strives and has a purpose in their heart to follow Christ. There are times of earnest dedication as well as times of doubt. There are circumstances in our lives that lead to praise and worship, whether it's through an open blessing or from realizing that you have a need for God. That's what Believer is all about.
2) What can we expect to hear from you guys sonically on the new album?
I think we're learning how to refine our sound as we get older. We have been a band for a long time now, and we've put out some pretty diverse records. For example, compare our first record to the second record Sea Of Faces. Or, for a more drastic example, compare To Know That You're Alive to the next album It Is Well. We've learned how to do what we're best at. We've also become very comfortable being the type of band we are. We don't really feel the need to try so hard at the "hard rock" label. Quite frankly, there are other bands who are just a lot better at that. But we also just feel like God has shown us more specifically what kind of band he wants Kutless to be. Sonically, this album seems to be more of a continuation of the type of songs we wrote for the It Is Well album.
3) What's the story behind your new Rock single "Need"?
It's pretty simple really. The song "Need" is about having a realization that you've been trying your own way for far too long, and you're worn out. In those times, it's just best to call out to God and tell him that you need him. Honestly, I think it's more about just admitting it to yourself at that point. Ha!
4) What's the story behind your AC/CHR/INSPO single "Carry Me to the Cross"?
It's a song of praise to God for carrying us every day in every way. When we realize that every moment is about him, it will give us purpose and direction.
5) Do you have a favorite song on the new album?
I have a few favorites, but I'll just tell you about two of them. The song "Even If" is an awesome song that we got to write with Scott Krippayne (who wrote "What Faith Can Do"), and it's really fun to play also. The song is pretty heavy, spiritually speaking, because it deals with the question, "What if I ask God for healing, and he doesn't heal me? What if the answer is 'No'?" In those times in our lives, we need to remember that God is sovereign, and his promise in Jeremiah 29:11 is still true. Some of the lyrics are, "You are God, you are good, forever Faithful One! Even if the healing doesn't come."
My other favorite song on the record is the title track, 'Believer'. I think it's such a liberating thing to make a declaration for Christ, and that's what the song is all about!
6) Do you have any inspiring or humorous stories from recent radio visits?
No. Never. Nobody is funny. Nobody is inspiring. Just kidding! This is the hardest question in the world for all the members of Kutless for some reason. Seriously, any time I watch any of my band mates answer this question, they're always like, "Uhh, I don't know, um...let's see, something funny..." So, my answer will be: "Yes, I DO have inspiring and humorous stories from recent radio visits."
7) Are there any spring tour plans in the works?
Yes. We are trying to figure out exactly what we're gonna do.
8) What song do you wish you had written?
"Clair De Lune" by Claude Debussy.
9) Fill in the blank: I can't start the day without:
I'd love to say something fancy like prayer but the real answer is coffee.
10) Do you have much time to check out other artists' music? What are you listening to right now?
I'm literally listening to a band called This Will Destroy You right now. Despite their name, they're not a hardcore band. They're actually an instrumental group, sort of similar to Explosions in the Sky,or another band called Russian Circles. It's great stuff, really good for background music. It sounds like you're listening to a movie soundtrack all day!
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