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10 Questions with ... December Radio
July 10, 2006
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NAME:December Radio
BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
Brian Bunn
Lead Guitar Player/Vocalist
Born in: Roanoke, VA
Raised in: Christiansburg, VAEric Miker
Guitar Player/Vocalist
Born in: Fairmont, WV
Raised in: Shinnston, WVBoone Daughdrill
Drummer
Born in: Jackson, MS
Raised in: New Hebron, MSJosh Reedy
Lead Vocalist/Bass Guitar Player
Born in: Radford, VA
Raised in: Riner, VA1) Give us a little bit of background on each band member so theAll Access audience can get to know DecembeRadio a little better.
Josh Reedy here, the lead singer and bass player for the group. I started playing music at age two with a ukulele. I then took piano lessons and soon after started taking electric guitar. Later, after the band was formed, Brian started playing guitar, so I thought I would switch to bass and sing high harmonies while Brian would sing the lead and play guitar. Now, of course, I'm playing bass and singing the leads.
Brian Bunn: I grew up in Dublin, VA, where I started playing guitar after seeing Josh get all the attention from the ladies in 7th grade talent shows! Originally, I was the lead singer for the group for the first demo with the band's producer Scotty Wilbanks until I contracted a virus that left three of my vocal chords paralyzed. At that time, Josh became the lead singer for the band.
Eric Miker: I grew up in a "smalltown" in West Virginia, where I fished and hunted my way through life until I became enthralled with the guitar at the age of 16. I started playing in a small praise band and met two guys on the road with a vision--the guys names were Josh Reedy and Brian Bunn. After playing as a four-piece, opening for other bands and backing solo artists along the way, the guys formed what is now called DecembeRadio.
Boone Daughdrill: Growing up in the rural area of New Hebron, Mississippi, drumming became my passion and this was the only thing I wanted to do from an early age. When other kids wanted to be astronauts and policemen, all I wanted to do was play drums...but there was only so much work in Mississippi, so I decided to move to Nashville, TN, to pursue this calling. After playing for several Christian artists, I was recommended to DecembeRadio. When all of us finally met and played together, it was a perfect match.
2) The sound of DecembeRadio is really unique with a straight-aheadrock sound combined with a strong Southern rock influence. How did thisbecome "the sound" for the group?
Eric: Growing up, Christian radio was hard to find, so we listened to what our parents listened to--good ol' classic and southern rock on 8-tracks and records. Musically, we learned how to play listening to that kind of stuff...it really has been all we've known.
3) Who were the early musical influences for DecembeRadio in theChristian and mainstream rock worlds?
Led Zeppelin, Black Crowes, DC Talk, Stryper, Journey, Eric Clapton and Van Halen.
4) DecembeRadio really showcases strong musicianship so how did all four of you hone these incredible musical skills?
Eric: Josh and Brian were fortunate to study under an incredible guitar teacher for many years before they started their professional quest. I was handed a guitar by my father and shown a few chords on the spot, and Boone--we believe Boone was drumming on the hospital bed the day he was born.
5) What a thrill to be named "Buzz Band of the Year" at the 2005Christian Rock Summit. What was the event like and what do you attribute to DecembeRadio receiving this honor?
Brian: That was a really great opportunity for us, and we were honored to be chosen. We had a great time hanging out with other bands and making new friends. Musically, we were a little different than the other bands there, so maybe that was a contributing factor. We honestly didn't know what to expect...it was our first Rock Summit. We just went in and did what we do and had a great time.
6) What is the goal for DecembeRadio with their music ministry?
Josh: To spread the love of Christ and to reach the lost with a message of hope.
7) There is such a great chemistry between the band members so how did you hook up and become DecembeRadio?
Eric: Josh and Brian grew up together and started the foundation of the band many years ago while studying with the same guitar teacher with classic rock styles and also some shred techniques of the '80s.
Later, they met me on the road while I was on stage with a praise band playing Guns'N Roses' licks over praise tunes.
After working with several different musicians, the guys got the name of a new drummer from their producer and decided to call him. Boone flew to New England to join the guys for three weeks of shows; and after this time, everyone knew, spiritually and physically, Boone was the man for the job.
8) Your self-titled debut CD on Slanted Records was released June 27 so can you give us some insight into the making of the album?
Brian: Recording the album at Southern Tracks, in Georgia, was an amazing experience. To record in the same place as so many of the bands you grew up listening to (Aerosmith, STP, Train, Audioslave) is definitely humbling. We were in New England on the weekends for gigs and flying to Atlanta during the week for the recording of the album. Once we all got plugged in and tracked the first song ("Can't Hide"), it was all worth it!!
9) Sheryl Crow's slide guitar player, Peter Stroud, played on "Drifter" and supplied some great atmosphere to the song. It's pretty cool that a new rock band can garner the attention of such a respected musician. How did he come into the mix?
Eric: We are a big fan of his playing, so we asked our producer if it would be possible, and he made it happen. Peter is a super nice guy...learned a lot watching him manipulate the instrument.
10) If you were not in the music business, what would you be doing?
Boone - Rodeo clown, Wal-Mart door greeter or brain surgeon.
Eric - Hunting and fishing guide or jukebox hero
Josh - Pro trout fisherman or custom bike builder
Brian - Landscaper or guitar teacher
Bonus Questions
1) Who is married and single in the group?
Josh will be getting married on the 22nd of July; Brian's wedding day in September 23rd. Eric and Boone have yet to set any dates.
2 ) Which band members sport tattoos and what are they?
Josh sports a bass clef on his left forearm with Psalm 150 inside. Eric has an eagle with Isaiah 40:31 underneath on his left shoulder. Boone and Brian are scared of needles.
3) What fun things do the band members enjoy doing in their off-time?
Fishing, golfing, hunting, Xbox, hanging out with family and friends
4) Are there any practical jokes you have played on each other while on stage?
None that any of us can remember.
5) What CD are you listening to now?
Anberlin, Decyfer Down, Dave Barnes and the Shore
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