10 Questions with ... Philmont

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

LINE-UP:

• Scott Taube (lead vocals)
• Josh Guion (bass)
• Justin Sams (guitar)
• Josiah Prince (guitar/keys)
• Jeremi Hough (drums)

LABEL:

• Independent

DISCOGRAPHY:

• The Transition EP (2010, Independent)
• ATTENTION (2009, Forefront)
• Oh Snap EP (2008, Forefront)

1) Introduce the members of the band using musical background and/or personality traits (the quirkier the better).

In the band we have Justin on guitar. We're pretty sure that Justin can communicate with animals. He usually leads with the question, "Hey watchoo doin?"

On the other guitar and keys we have Josiah. Josiah likes to read ridiculously thick books on stuff like quantum physics and black holes. We all blame LOST for this.

Our shortest member, Josh, plays bass and once mistakenly showed up to my house 24 hours early to leave for a show.

Jeremi holds things down on drums. Jeremi does weird stuff in his sleep. Here is an actual text I got from him last week. "Your mom put a new plant by my bed. I think I ripped the flower pedals out in my sleep or a strong wind blew them off cause they are everywhere."

And I'm Scott. The only non-J. I sing for this goofy bunch of guys and love every minute of it. I feel like I could be considered the glue that holds this strange family together.

2) What's the story behind the single "You Will Remain"?

"You Will Remain" is a testament to God's infinite and divine nature, a realization that the only thing in life that matters is that which is permanent and unfailing. Despite what we so often tell ourselves, our troubles, our possessions and our achievements on Earth are but fleeting glances in the eternal scope. The kingdom of heaven is close at hand and this song is an imploration to spend your time down here focused on the things above! "Heaven and earth shall pass away, but my words shall never pass away." [Matthew 24:35 (NIV)]

3) Is there a particular theme or message on "The Transition EP"?

A theme that we touch on a couple of times throughout the EP (especially in "You Will Remain" and "Closer") is about how our time in this life and all the trappings are temporary while God's love is forever. I think it's important for us to use our time here wisely, living for God, solidifying our relationship with him and making a positive impact on those around us.

4) Do you have any humorous or interesting or inspiring stories from any visits or interviews with radio stations yet?

Let me preface this story with this fun fact: I am a fidgety person. If I'm on the phone I'm either pacing or messing with something. About a year ago I was doing a phone interview from my house for a radio station. I was messing around with a resistance workout band while chatting with the interviewer. At one point, near the end of the interview, I was stepping on the band and pulling up on the handle with my right arm (this is what you're supposed to do with them!) Apparently this particular band was faulty because the handle snapped sending the end of the rubber tubing and two huge metal washers flying down towards my bare foot and slamming into my big toe. I dropped to the floor, grabbed my bleeding toe and writhed in pain all the while keeping my chipper, radio interview voice going. The interview ended a couple of minutes later and I was free to scream at the top of my lungs, which I did. To this day I don't think they have any idea what transpired on my end of that phone call!

5) Do you have a favorite song on the new EP?

My favorite song is track 1, "I Am." I love the energy and the feel of it plus it's fun to play live. It's a song about recognizing my flaws and shortcomings as a sinner while accepting that I'm redeemed through Christ's love and finding joy and hope in that.

6) You guys have produced a few of your own music videos. How did you get started doing that?

I graduated from college with a degree in media production. After school I devoted all my time to chasing after my musical dreams as opposed to landing a secure job in broadcasting. Now I use what I learned to make music videos as well as goofy tour videos for the band. It's kinda like graduating from medical school to go work a register at the drug store. Despite my student loans, I love making music videos. It's another fun way for me to be creative.

7) You started using Kickstarter.com when you began this new project. How did you first hear about this service? And why did you decide to use it? What has the response been like?

Josiah introduced me to Kickstarter.com back when Showbread was doing their last album. It's an amazing resource for bands like us who have the drive and creativity but lack the budget. We were running low on cash to finish the EP and decided to give a Kickstarter campaign a shot. The response was equal parts surprising and humbling. Our friends, family and fans came out in full force and helped us hit our funding goal in the first seven days!

8) Where is your favorite place to play? Do you have a favorite city/venue?

I love playing ANYWHERE! After touring for a couple of years we have so many great friends across the country that more and more cities are starting to feel like home. My favorite show that we've played would probably be when we played Flevo Fest in Holland last year. The kids were absolutely nuts and it was our first international trip. We can't get wait to get back and see our Dutch Philmonsters again.

9) What song do you wish you had written?

I started getting into Christian music back in high school when a buddy of mine introduced me to a handful of bands. One CD he gave me was Five Iron Frenzy's live record "Proof That The Youth Are Revolting." I love their song "Every New Day" as well as the performance captured on that recording. I got the chance to see them in concert just before they officially called it quits and they closed with that song. The crowd of a couple thousand started the song by singing along but by the end were straight up crying out to God. It was absolutely amazing. I remember thinking: I want to write a song that makes people feel this way when they hear it. It's been years since that concert and I don't really listen to much ska anymore but I can't hear that song without getting goose bumps.

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

As a band we listen to a ton of music and call it research. We're actually allowed to write off any CDs or iTunes purchases on our taxes! Lately I've been wearing out New Found Glory's latest record. I grew up on these guys and absolutely love their music. Another adolescent favorite, Jimmy Eat World, just put out a new record as well as Anberlin. I've been giving both of those a few spins lately.