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10 Questions with ... Downhere
August 6, 2012
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BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:
LINE-UP:
- Marc Martel
- Jason Germain
- Glenn Lavender
- Jeremy Thiessen
LABEL:
- Centricity Music
DISCOGRAPHY:
- On the Altar of Love (2011)
- Two at a Time: Sneak Peek & B Sides (2010)
- Thank You for Coming: The Live Bootlegs EP (2010)
- How Many Kings: Songs for Christmas (2009)
- Ending Is Beginning (2008)
- Thunder After Lightning: The Uncut Demos (2007)
- Wide-Eyed and Simplified (2007)
- Wide-Eyed and Mystified (2006)
- So Much for Substitutes (2003, Word)
- Downhere (2001, Word)
1) You guys recently announced that the days of Downhere are coming to end. What will you miss the most about being a full-time band? What will you not miss?
There's something so fulfilling about traveling and performing with a true band of brothers, all of us agreeing together on what we are singing about. Also the fact that we have done life together and know the deeper meanings behind the personal pain and triumphs that the music comes out of. We will also miss the great friends that we've made over the years. Not seeing them as often will definitely leave a void.
I can safely say that none of us will miss breaking down on the interstate at 4 a.m. and unloading the contents of our trailer into a box truck.
2) Tell us the meaning/story behind the new single "Living the Dream."
LTD was written in response to the many questions we get from fans about what they have to do to be as "successful" as they imagine we are. Often these are young guys and girls with big hopes and dreams about being pro musicians. Our usual response is "bloom where you're planted" because truly, that's what we did.
While it may seem to some that we're living some kind of dream life, and we DO have so much to be thankful for, but we still have to keep reminding ourselves that the dream we are chasing is not a music industry dream. That dream, like every other earthly dream, once you get there, you realize that it's nothing more than that. Just a dream. It's not real, and it disappears even faster than the time it took to get there. God still holds us to the same standard as anyone else...dying to ourselves every day, and honoring him in the big and small things from being strong husbands to controlling road rage in Nashville traffic! (They are really bad drivers.)
The song speaks to the fact that the only dream with lasting meaning is the one God, by his grace, has dreamed for us. That dream is sometimes completely different to ours, but God delights in his children, and the sooner we start chasing HIS dream for us, the sooner we get to living a life which is truly rich in his eyes. Even our desires start aligning with his. I believe that anyone whose life is centered around Christ can live the dream, his dream, right now.
3) Do you have a favorite song on the most recent album?
For me, it would be "Let Me Rediscover You." It's one of those songs that express a really important idea for me personally having grown up "in Church." It's crucial to understand that our God will not be put into our nice little personal boxes.
4) After 10 years is there a favorite Downhere song that you (still) love to perform live?
We don't perform a lot of older songs these days. But one that has really stood the test of time (or a decade, at least) is "Great Are You," which is from our debut.
5) Are the fall tour plans in place yet?
We have just begun to book the tour, so nothing concrete yet.
6) Do you have any inspiring or humorous stories from radio visits, either in recent days or in days gone by?
One of our favorite guys to hang with in the radio studio is Wally on WAY-FM in Nashville. He's just a great guy, says what he's thinking (with the bare minimum safe-for-the-whole-family filter), and we always split a gut with him. He's always well prepared for the interview with tons of games and questionnaires that are tailor-made for us. Whether it's racing down the hallway sitting on a skateboard, joking about Canada's obsession with hockey, or actually chatting about something deep and meaningful, it's always a memorable time.
7) What song do you wish you had written?
So many songs, so little time to think of a good answer. I'm going to go with the very old hymn, "O Sacred Head, Now Wounded." Wait, maybe Psalm 23, if that's admissible.
8) Do you have much time to check out other artists' music?
Honestly, no. I should listen to more music though. I like finding inspiration from what other artists are doing. I've always liked Keane, and they have a new album out. I've followed their career since they debuted and have liked a lot of their music. Their melodic sensibilities really appeal to me.
9) What are you most looking forward to in post-Downhere life?
Finding out what's in store!
10) Marc, you recently took part in the Queen Extravaganza tour. How was that experience? Was it much like you expected or completely different than you anticipated?
It was better than I expected. I was a little nervous about sharing the stage with anyone but my Downhere guys, but the whole band turned out to be quality people. Even though many share different views and beliefs, they are all incredibly respectful of one another, are exceptional musicians, and I'm excited about working with them again in the fall. We had a blast performing together, and there was great consistency from night to night. I don't think we had one "bad" show. Watching each crowd get won-over every night was super encouraging. It kind of feels like cheating when you're playing music as instantly accessible as Queen's, but we definitely felt like we had something to prove every night, since the standard we are being held to as performers is so incredibly high.
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