10 Questions with ... Robbie Seay Band

NAME:Robbie Seay Band TITLE:Musicians LABEL:Sparrow Records WEB:www.robbieseayband.com

Line-up:
Robbie Seay (vocals, etc.)
Dan Hamilton (drums)
Ryan Owens (bass)

Label:
Sparrow Records

Discography:
Give Yourself Away (August 28, 2007)
Better Days (2005)

1) Briefly introduce the band members, using personality traits and musical background.

Ryan Owens loves jazz music. I don't know how I keep him around playing these little ditties, but he's still here after eight years and we love him. He owns more bass guitars than any human I know, builds road cases in his shop and is nicknamed 'COACH' because he's always got a game plan and is letting Dan and I know when we're slacking off.

Dan Hamilton has a three-legged dog and lots of other dogs who have four. He talks about car racing all day but make no mention of NASCAR to him. After 10 years of playing drums for RSB, he is now considering a career as 'Dr. Dan the car counselor' where he counsels on new and used car purchases. He's good at it, and he's good at drums. Let's hear it for Daniel!

2) Can you offer a brief history on the band?

We've all played together now for eight years or so. After years of playing Manilow tunes on a cruise ship, we decided to hit the road as RSB and never look back. We're from Houston. We all play music at Ecclesia Church in downtown. We love Tex Mex and we love playing music together.

3) What's the story behind the single "Song of Hope"?

This song was rattling around in my head for awhile. I had a melody and had always wanted to include some lyric from the hymn "All Things Bright and Beautiful." It's one of our favorite songs to play and the message of God's hope seems to be connecting with folks with all that's going on in the world right now.

4) Is there an underlying message to the new album "Give Yourself Away"?

The album focuses on HOPE and MISSION. We've took a long look at our lives as we wrote this album and realized that we're lazy and selfish as a band. God is calling us all to serve, to care for the oppressed and to remind each other that God is our only hope in this world that will fail us.

5) Which do you prefer: the process or the performance?

I love both. Seeing a song come to life is crazy. It feels so deeply personal and yet the songs that turn out any good at all feel more of a mystery than something we planned out or crafted. Playing live music is closer to the calling of being an artist because it requires much more focus and detail. I hope we have the chance to keep doing both. I'd make a horrible barista at Starbucks or car salesman.

6) Do you have any interesting and/or funny radio experiences/stories?

We've played live on the Houston station, the beloved KSBJ, several times. I remember the first time the whole band went in was for Liz Jordan's evening show. We were mixing the music in between segments based off a friend's suggestions that was listening at home and calling my cell phone. There was no engineer that night so we just ran with it. That's when I really began to appreciate the spontaneity and excitement of live radio.

7) What is the goal or mission or end purpose of the band?

Good art and a clear message of hope that leads to God's grace and calls us to serve and live missionally.

8) What songwriters/musicians/worship leaders inspire you?

Switchfoot, Delirious, David Crowder, Shane & Shane, Don Chaffer, Mute Math, Patty Griffin, Matt Redman, and of course, the honorable Andy Griffith

9) Is David Crowder Band like a cousin to Robbie Seay Band? Or more like a pesky older brother? Or is EMI just now trying to market a trend with certain kinds of band names?

Cousin? No, no, more of a father figure type. Let's face it. They're the older guys who are wiser and more accomplished and can offer we young lads some counsel in the rough terrain that is the music business. Crowder, POPS! If you're out there, give us a call.

10) Is Texas really that great? Or should we just pay attention to Austin and San Antonio?

Austin and San Antonio are pretty fantastic, yes indeed. But I'm from Houston and we love this big city. Smog, traffic, humidity? Never heard of them. Come see us down south and we'll treat you to Tex Mex and see some baseball. It's the good life.

1) Who would be a dream artist to record with (any genre)?

Patty Griffin, Harry Connick Jr., Bono, Lyle Lovett, and I always wished I had the chance to meet and record with Rich Mullins

2) What is your favorite city to visit?

Seattle for fish & chips and the vibe of the city, D.C. for history and government (I love sitting on the steps of the Lincoln every time I visit) and NYC for NYC (it's the greatest city on the planet)

3) What is your favorite road meal?

Cheeseburgers with bacon, bleu cheese and onions, and it's the last thing my suddenly flabby gut needs on the road.

4) Musical guilty pleasures?

Old Frank Sinatra vinyls, Paul McCartney, British rock and roll, and R&B

5) Any practical jokes on the road?

Too many. Boys never grow up.