10 Questions with ... The Museum

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

LINE-UP:

• Ben Richter (vocals, guitars)
• Chris Brink (bass)
• Josh Kirk (drums)
• Loyd Rieves (guitars)

LABEL:

• BEC Recordings

DISCOGRAPHY:

• My Only Rescue (2012)
• Let Love Win (2010)

1) What can a listener expect to hear sonically on the new album? How is it different from Let Love Win?

I think we were able to have a little bit more fun musically on this album. Our producer Pete Kipley really did a great job challenging all of us to deliver our best individual performances on each of our instruments. We were able to step outside the box a little more with more keys and programming. I'd say it's a steady mix of guitar-driven pop/rock songs with a fair amount of keys and programming.

2) Is there a message to the songs on the new album My Only Rescue? Do you craft an album so that the songs work toward a singular point/theme?

We didn't specifically sit down and write toward a particular theme for this record. Our goal from the beginning was to look back and feel that every lyric is honest and genuine. I certainly feel it turned out to be very honest and personal album for us. It's very much the story of where we've been and the people who have inspired us in the past year or so as a band. Ultimately I think the theme that emerged is that God is with us through every up and down. That through every season of life, throughout the whole journey, Jesus Christ is our source of hope and rescue. Especially songs like "My Only Rescue," "Solid Ground," and "In Jesus Name" felt like they were at the core of what we wanted to say with this record.

3) What's the story behind your current single "Love Will Find You"?

"Love Will Find You" began as a message to a close friend who'd been going through a really tough time. He made some mistakes that ultimately cost him his marriage. We all make mistakes, and it's easy to sometimes question how God could really love us through the worst of our messes. This song was simply our chance to say that no matter how lost you feel and how far away you run, God is with you in every moment. Romans 8:38-39 says that there's basically nothing in this world that can separate us from that love. Your past does not define who you are in Christ.

4) Do you have a favorite song on the new album?

That's a tough question! I think it's always changing, but right now I'd have to say "Solid Ground." We've just started playing it live the past few weeks and it's been so cool so see people have such a strong connection to the song. I think seeing others impacted by a song is what excites me way more than just playing or singing something.

5) Do you have any inspiring or humorous stories from your visits with radio?

We love getting to visit so many radio stations, and we've definitely had some fun moments. Scott Smith from K-LOVE always likes to give me (Ben) a hard time because I HATE pickles. I really can't stand them at all, so he likes to make a big deal out of it on air in live interviews. Last time we were on air with them, the following three shows we did people brought jars of pickles and threw them at my feet. Gross!

Just recently we were at American Family Radio in Tupelo, MS. JJ from the morning show is big into flying and has access to a little two-seat airplane. Our drummer, Josh, happens to have his pilot's license, so by the end of the interview they had disappeared and grabbed the plane. By the time we figured it out and got to the runway they were going airborne!

6) And what kind of inspiring stories have you received from listeners?

We've gotten so many encouraging notes and messages thru the past two years since the release of Let Love Win. Most recently it's been really cool to see stories come in from people affected by hearing our new song, "Solid Ground." It's a song about how sometimes God can allow us to walk through storms in our life in order to bring us to a place of relying on him for everything. It's a reminder that God is right there with us through the storm, so we can "walk on water like it's solid ground." Through the past three weeks we had two people come to us in tears saying they gave their life to Christ after hearing the song. That blew me a way to see the song bring someone to a point of salvation! We're really excited about the song and can't wait to release it August 28!

7) What are your upcoming tour plans? Where might we find you playing this fall?

We always seem to stay busy; we've spent over 200 days a year on the road the past two years. We have some CD release dates planned in early fall and then will keep busy through tour dates as well as some weekend conferences and events through the end of 2012. We've been all over the country this year and now we're hoping to add some overseas touring in 2013. You can always find a full list on our tour dates page at www.TheMuseumMusic.com.

8) What song do you wish you had written?

"Walking in Memphis," it's just a good song! I'd also say "When a Heart Breaks" by Ben Rector. I'm always confused for him being that my name is Ben Richter, but I love that song!

9) Fill in the blank: I can't start the day without ___________.

Most days I could say coffee, but I'd have to for sure say Burts Bees. I'm pretty sure I'm a Bees addict.

10) Do you have much time to check out other artists' music? What are you listening to right now?

I've gotten really into the latest records from Needtobreathe and Switchfoot. I'm also on a nice Coldplay kick right now after seeing their incredible concert this summer in Atlanta. Lastly, check out "Save You" by Matthew Perryman Jones. One of my favorite songs right now.