10 Questions with ... The Color

1. If you could walk us through the band's journey from the start to present, what are some of the most notable facets of The Color's history up to now?

That's a big question! When we started the band in 2012, it came out of a season where we felt like we had given up on music as a career. A few years prior, we had a put together a band and we attempted to chase 'the dream'. We had written a bunch of songs, we had done some touring but, to be quite honest, it was mainly rooted in a desire to be known and seek attention. In 2009, God called both James and I away from the band and into full-time youth ministry. This was an incredibly important season for the future of The Color as God really did a number on our hearts. It was a season of growth and maturity. It was also the place that James and I reconnected on the music front. We began to meet once a week to talk about life in ministry. It was here that we would discuss what God was teaching us and, inevitably, these conversations turned into the songs that made up our first record. Since then has been a whirlwind. Some of the most notable memories are winning both "Group Of The Year" and "Artist Of The Year" back to back at the 2017 and 2018 GMA Covenant Awards as well as winnipeg the 2018 Juno Award for "Gospel Album Of The Year."

2. What were the inspirations that drove you to start the band? Were there any significant hang-ups along the way that threatened to keep the band from becoming what it now is?

As mentioned, we thought we had given music up and, once we had sorted through why we shouldn't be doing it, God began to reveal why we should. We saw the impact that music has on people. Not only does a song stir the heart and have this incredible ability to make you feel and be moved, but being on stage provides this moment where people are willing to listen. Honestly, it's not justifiable as most people who come to see The Color do not know us very well, but we get these little opportunities each night where we can speak out Biblical truth in our songs and our stories, and God uses that. That was a driving inspiration to start The Color. We have had a few hang-ups along the way but we have always tried to take the approach of seeing the silver lining or the positive side to each scenario. One piece of advice we would give to aspiring bands is to expect things to go differently than you plan!

3. Has there been much of an evolution of the band as far as personnel, sound and message is concerned? Who were your influences, both from a musical and ministerial aspect?

In regards to band personnel, there have been a couple of changes over the years. We started as a five piece and went down to a four-piece when one of our original members recognized that the touring life wasn't a good fit for his family. That was about 5 years ago. Just over 3 years ago our current drummer, Tyson, replaced our original drummer, when he decided to move onto something else. We have been blessed with a fantastic team, both onstage and behind the scenes.

Regarding our sound and message, we have definitely tweaked and adjusted over the years. Our first record was not geared towards CCM radio and it shows both from the content side of things, as well as the sound. It was heavily rock influenced and guitar riff driven. A few years into the journey, following a challenging conversation with a friend from CCM band Starfield, we decided to lean into the CCM market, which is where the doors were opening for us. Through this process, we decided that we wanted to fit into a space that could hit as wide an audience as possible and we felt like pop would do that more effectively than rock. In that specific season, we looked to other bands like Sanctus Real and Building 429, who we felt had gone through a similar transition.

4. Your first real exposure a radio in the U.S. came with your indie single "Surprise" in 2017, which became a Top 20 hit. How do you describe your experience of watching your debut single move up the charts and get airplay all over the country?

That was fun. There was a lot of energy in the air when we released Surprise. Adds kept pouring in so early in the campaign. Our radio team just kept telling us "this isn't normal." Not only were we an indie band but we were brand new to the U.S. We got to experience something rare. Every time a new add came in we were so thankful. Not only did it help us climb the charts and gain some notoriety in the music industry, every add represented thousands of people that we got to make a connection with and start developing a relationship with.

5. How did the tide start to turn for the band after getting some significant attention with a radio hit? Was there any thought about signing a record deal, etc?

Well the first thing it helped with is booking shows in the US! In addition to that, I think that the success of the single really opened the doors to new conversations within the industry. We are always working on building a solid team around us and, shortly after the release, we signed with the Greg Oliver Agency to handle our booking. We did have a number of conversations with labels around town. Our mindset is to be open to every opportunity that presents itself and so, to be candid, there were thoughts of signing record deal. At this point, it hasn't been the right fit or the right time.

6. The past couple of years have required a lot of work building relationships at radio in order to make yourselves known. Could you describe what the promotion process looks like from the perspective of a brand-new band seeking consideration for radio airplay?

We feel like we have two jobs. One of them is to get to know radio stations and their staff. This felt intimidating at first as most things do when there's an element of unknown. Then we went on our first radio tour and reality set in...these are great people who are a lot of fun to be around. They genuinely want to know about us and the heart behind our ministry. We've really enjoyed building these relationships. Our second job is to give them great music. The relationship piece is important because that's about more than just music, but you still need to give them great music that can impact their listeners.

7. What's the difference between performing a live show in Canada compared to performing shows in the U.S. (if any)?

For the most part, it is very similar. Every market responses a little differently, but overall we have found both to be very receptive. One thing we have noticed about the US is that people are really excited about Christian music and seem to really know their stuff. We have less Christian radio stations in Canada and so sometimes the live event is where they discover music, whereas most Americans seem to come to the shows knowing the music.

8. Are there any other acts or industry veterans you've leaned on for artistic direction and/or general advice over the years?

So many! Stylistically, we've always looked up to Tenth Avenue North, Building 429 and for King & Country. On a personal level, they've all impacted us as well. Jason Roy and Building 429 have taught us what it means put aside our personal stylistic preferences for the sake of connecting with your listeners. Mike Donehey of Tenth Avenue North has taught us to be genuine with our fans. Letting them in to our "real life" stuff. Joel and Luke Smallbone of for King & Country have set a standard for respect in our industry. There is no artist or fan that is above or below the other.

9. There's for sure an autobiographical "heart on sleeve" vibe coming through on your latest single "The Kind of Man." What's the back story to that single? What makes it particularly special for you guys?

When we wrote this song, three of the wives in the band were pregnant and, for James and me, we were about to be first-time dads. I remember thinking about my father and the influence that he has had on my life and how I will have this opportunity to shape my little girl. Everything I do, everything I say, is going to have an impact on who she becomes. That's heavy! If I say one thing and do another, she's going to see right through me. I don't want to be fake. Who I am on stage, or in the public's eye, means so little to compared to what happens in our home. The song flows from this season of our lives and to our continued desire to be godly men and fathers.

10. What does the rest of 2019 look like for the band? Any touring, more recording, etc?

All of the above. We're heading out on a radio tour at the end of February. That will be followed by a U.S. tour with Building 429, Sanctus Real and Blanca. After that we'll be coming back to Canada to do a nation-wide tour with our good friend and fellow Canadian, Dan Bremnes. Summer will be filled with Festivals on both sides of the border. Fall is still somewhat in the works, but what we do know is we'll be touring some more in the U.S.