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10 Questions with ... Bellarive
July 16, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
LINE-UP:
- Sean Curran (lead vocals, keys)
- Melissa Mage (vocals)
- Mike Mage (programming, vocals, guitar)
- Zach Glotfelty (lead guitar)
- Josh Luker (bass, percussion)
- Kenny Werner (drums)
LABEL:
- Sparrow Records
DISCOGRAPHY:
- The Heartbeat (2012)
1) Introduce the members of the band, using musical background and/or personality traits.
Sean Curran (lead vocal, Rhodes piano, and guitar): I feel funny trying to describe myself. I am a simple man. I try to help bring the best out of the wonderful people that I get to do ministry with. I love to worship Jesus. When it comes to quirky talents, I guess my yo-yo and ping-pong ability is above average.
Melissa Mage (vocals): Melissa has a pure and joyful spirit. It's a beautiful thing. She is also the mom of the group. She keeps us in line and helps keep the van from being unbearably disgusting and smelly.
Mike Mage, brother to Melissa (programming, guitar, and vocal): Mike is the kind of guy you just like to have around because you know his presence will change the atmosphere for the better. He is well rounded - a jack-of-all-trades type of guy. He is pretty good at everything except for tying his shoes and remembering where he put his phone.
Zach Glotfelty (lead guitar): Zach loves deeply. He isn't afraid to get real or to wear his heart on his sleeve. He helps to keep things raw. He brushes his beard a lot and can snore louder than a dinosaur.
Josh Luker (bass and programming): Josh thinks a lot. He is the kind of guy that doesn't speak up much, but when he does, you better make sure you're listening. He is also the comic relief. I haven't met many people who can match his comedic timing. He drinks way too much Diet Coke and can eat faster than anyone on the face of the earth.
Kenny Werner (drums): Kenny is a low maintenance guy. He is easy to please and easy going. Kenny is hands down the smartest person in the band, but quick decision making in high pressure situations is not his forte. He can do your Calculus 2 homework no problem, but put him in the driver's seat at the Wendy's drive-thru and you might have a serious problem on your hands. It is hilarious. He also has a weird obsession with puns. I think it's because puns are like humor for smart people.
2) Can you describe real briefly how you guys connected with Sparrow?
As we were preparing to record our first full-length record, Sparrow contacted us. Honestly, pursuing a record deal was not on our radar at all, but after connecting with them, we really felt like the Lord was taking us down this road. We are super excited to be a part of the Sparrow family. They have such wonderful hearts.
3) And what's the story/meaning behind the band's name?
The band name loosely translates to "Beautiful River." "Bella" means beautiful in Italian and "rive" means riverbank in French so we put them together. We like to make up words.
4) What can we expect to hear from Bellarive sonically and lyrically on The Heartbeat?
Sonically, we tried to keep it very raw, emotional and heartfelt. All the songs are worship songs so we felt like it would be best to keep an organic quality to the recording. The goal was not just to have people listen to these songs, but engage with their hearts and souls in a deeper way.
Lyrically, these are songs of ascent. The songs describe those personal moments of revelation that one has as the Lord brings you closer and closer to his heart. While writing all the songs for the record, the word "heart" or "heartbeat" always ended up being such great symbolism for the meaning or theme for whatever song we were writing at the time. Eventually, it became the pulse that tied all the songs together. So The Heartbeat seemed like a fitting album title.
5) What's the story behind your new single "Taste of Eternity"?
"Taste of Eternity" is a song that was birthed out of a time of worship. The song focuses in on the truth that we will be worshiping God forever. It's about the idea that worship, the act of God being glorified, has an eternal scope. It has been and will always be. So, when we worship the Father, it's like we step into an eternal space. It's like we tap into a world that our hearts connect with because our souls know very well. It's like we get a glimpse of eternity.
6) Have you spent much time with Christian radio folks yet?
We actually haven't done too many radio visits yet. We are looking forward to them and I'm sure they will be a blast!
7) Where might we see you playing in the coming months? Festivals or tour plans?
Well, we have a full summer of camps and conferences and we are lining up some good stuff for the fall and spring so be on the lookout! It is such a privilege to worship Jesus with so many different people and communities. We can't wait to see what else the Lord has in store. Stay posted at bellarive.com!
8) Do you have a favorite song on the new album?
Well, we love every song, but the song "Heartbeat" is really special live. There is something about the pulse of that song that just stirs your soul. It's awesome to see how the Lord moves through it.
9) What song do you wish you had written?
Hmmmm, well, "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For" and "Where the Streets Have No Name" by U2 are some of my favorite songs. I don't really wish I had written them. I'm just glad someone did. I guess that didn't really answer your question.
10) Do you have much time to check out other artists' music? What are you listening to right now?
I love the new Crowder record. That band has been an inspiration to all of us in Bellarive and although we are sad to see it come to an for them, it's cool to see them go out on such an awesome record.
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