10 Questions with ... Cloudchase

NAME:Cloudchase TITLE:Band WEB:www.cloudchase.com

Line-up:
Erin Sparks (lead vocals/acoustic guitar)
Zak Sparks (bass)
Matt Spell (electric guitar)
Matt Manes (drums)

Label:
Indie

Discography:
That's Love (2008)
Another World EP (2006)

1) Can you introduce the members of the band using musical history and personality traits?

Erin: Is answering the questions.

Zak: Zak is the band leader. He schedules rehearsals, drives the band SUV and takes care of everything as far as the music goes. We're always joking that Zak has a whip and he's not afraid to use it. He keeps us in line. Zak studies bass with Adam Nitty. His influences are Adam Nitty, Pino Pallodino, Tony Marvelli, Dave Pomeroy and Victor Wooten.

Matt Spell: Matt is a go-with-the-flow type of guy. He loves Jesus and protein bars. Matt Spell has been playing acoustic guitar for a long time but has just in the past few years began to focus on and excel at electric guitar. His influences are Stevie Ray Vaughn, John Mayer and Eric Clapton.

Matt Manes: Manes is the most outgoing member of our group. He's great with people, the kind of guy you instantly really like. Matt has been playing drums for years. His influences are Chris McHugh, Carter Beauford and Ken Lewis. He also helps manage the band's myspace page.

2) Can you offer a brief look at how the band started?

Cloudchase began in 2005 with three people (Erin, Zak and a friend named Travis Rosen) meeting weekly just praying, worshipping and writing music. The three of us created a four-song EP with good friend and producer Scott Faircloff. Following the creation of the EP, Travis stepped down to spend more time with family and Zak and Erin went on. Matt Spell began playing with them regularly (about once a month) at local Nashville venues. In January 2008, both Matts made a commitment to be a part of the band. Shortly after, we began the process recording a full-length project. And here we are!

3) When will "That's Love" be ready? And what is the main message you hope is conveyed through the record?

The album is at the printer now and should be arriving within days! We don't have an official release date since we've been on the road for weeks. But when we get back to Nashville, we will make plans for a release party. It will be great fun. The main message we hope to convey through this record is what we've been about from the beginning: We want to encourage people to be who they were created to be. We want people to feel uplifted and loved when they listen to our lyrics. If our music isn't helpful to people, what's the point? We love what we do, but in the end it's not about us.

4) What is your favorite song on the upcoming full-length album?

Erin: "Let Love Shine"

Zak: "Moving On"

Matt Spell: "Who You Are"

Matt Manes: "Waking Up"

5) What's your favorite song to play live, even if it's not your own song?

"How Great Is Our God." Zak created an "island" version of this song that is very fun to play and audiences respond well to.

6) What's your favorite city/venue to play?

We've been to a lot of great places. It's tough to nail it down. The people we meet are the key to a great experience.

7) Looks like you guys play quite a few camps in the summer. What's your favorite and least favorite part about the camp life?

Favorite part is seeing the kids go from reserved (at the beginning of the week) to CRAZY and uninhibited in worship (by the end of the week). Least favorite part is the food. It's really hard to eat healthy at camp!

8) What's the story behind the band's name?

The name cloudchase was inspired by the story in Exodus 13 where God leads the Israelites through the desert by a pillar of cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. As a band, we believe that God still leads us daily and we want to chase after him and follow his leading. We are all about encouraging people to do the same. We believe that God has a specific plan and purpose for each life and we want our music and lives to encourage people to chase after that.

9) Life on the road isn't a cakewalk. How do you guys remain friends while being co-workers?

It's all about picking your battles and letting things go quickly. Frustrations come up all the time and when they do, we'll give each other some space and then let it go.

10) If you weren't doing music, what would you be doing?

Erin: I'd open my own boutique selling home decor items, maybe some candles, clothes, jewelry and other fun things. Or I'd open up a healthy organic drive-thru fast food restaurant. Maybe both.

Zak: Rally car racer

Matt S: Sky diving instructor

Manes: High school football coach

1) Favorite road meal:

CHIK-FIL-A!