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10 Questions with ... Manafest
April 9, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
LABEL:
- BEC Recordings
DISCOGRAPHY:
- Fighter (2012)
- Live In Concert (2011)
- The Chase (2010)
- Citizens Activ (2008)
- Glory (2006)
- Epiphany (2005)
1) You are currently on tour in Japan. Have you been before? What's on the schedule? What are you most looking forward to?
This is my fourth time going over to Japan and I'm super pumped! We have six shows booked to play with a bunch of local bands opening in each city, which will be rad. We are also shooting a music video for the song "Fighter" as well as get some skateboarding footage.
2) What's the story behind your single "Never Let You Go"?
This song was written to encourage people when they feel like they've hit rock bottom and there seems to be no way out to "never let go". God's Word says nothing can separate us from his love and I believe he uses people to be the hands and feet and voice to help pull one another up from tough situations. This song stretched me musically because I'm singing both in the chorus and verses, and that was a big step out of my comfort zone.
3) Is there a theme or message that runs throughout the new album "Fighter"?
This is the first album on which I've actually written with a theme: never give up. Sometimes you have to go through a dark time before you see the light, and I touch on some heavy subjects such as divorce, forgiveness, addiction; however I always point them to the answer: Jesus.
4) This is your sixth album with BEC. How do you keep the process fresh? What challenges do you face when you start the recording process again?
I worked with a new producer for the first time Seth Mosley who gave me a fresh perspective on song writing. I travel so much internationally and meet so many people that it's not hard to come up with new content. That's my favorite part about song writing is finding new ways to tell a story that will touch people.
5) Do you have a favorite song that appears on the new album?
My favorite song is "Human," which was a song inspired by a fight that I got in with my wife about me going into the studio. I told my producer Adam that I wanted to write a song about not being perfect as a person and that's' where we came up with idea of I'm only human. I love the message/lyrics, melody and the production of this song.
6) Do you have any inspiring, interesting and/or humorous stories from your time working with radio?
When I went to Japan last, I did an interview and every few questions they'd speak in Japanese to translate what I said over the airwaves. Then all of a sudden they'd start speaking to me again in English so I had to make sure I was ready.
7) Is there a favorite song that you love to perform live?
Right now my favorite song to perform live is "Fighter." It's not super fast but just grinds and moves on stage and that causes people to vibe out.
8) Who inspires you personally, professionally and/or spiritually?
Peter Daniels is my hero from Australia who I drove over four hours once to hear him speak on leadership and going for your dreams. He was illiterate, colorblind and came from poverty so low that they had to reach up to touch rock bottom. However, he was born again at a Billy Graham crusade and God changed his life and through goal setting became a multi-millionaire and is one of God's giants in giving and business. He wrote a book called "How to Reach Your Life Goals."
9) Where is your favorite place to perform?
Monterey, CA at Spirit West Coast. I get to skateboard and the weather is amazing.
10) Do you have much time to check out other artists' music? Anything in particular catch your ear these days?
I listen to music on Spotify or iTunes, and I'm digging Foster the People right now. They're pretty dope as well as The Black Keys.
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