10 Questions with ... Circleslide

BRIEF CAREER SYNOPSIS:

LINE-UP:

• Gabe Martinez
• Jonathan DeAnda
• Eric Vickers
• Lee Yoder

LABEL:

• Save The City Records

DISCOGRAPHY:

• Echoes of Light (2010)
• Uncommon Days (2005)

1. What's the story behind the new single "Love Amazing"?

I spent about 10 years working with Youth With A Mission (YWAM) with most of that time in Russia and Belarus with my dear friends John and Jane. One of my jobs was carrying their small daughters in my backpack through the snow, train stations and airports as we'd visit orphanages and share the hope of the gospel with the people there.

One of those precious girls, Olivia, was killed when she was crossing the street in 2009 by an SUV. She was 10-years-old. She loved going on missions trips with her family; her favorite trips being the ones where she was able to help build houses or churches in Honduras and Mexico.

I was asked to lead worship for her funeral, and I was struck by John and Jane's display of determined faith in the face of such horrible tragedy. There were around 1,000 people in attendance, along with local news media covering the event, and my friends worshiped God with such abandon, such joy even though they carried such tremendous heartache. They chose trust over bitterness and fear. They chose to continue investing their time for the Kingdom of God, raising funds for "Olivia's Basket," a foundation that builds houses and churches wherever there is need. Their story and their faith is what inspired this song.

2) What's the message or theme behind the new album "Echoes of the Light"?

The theme of light is throughout the bible. From the first words, God's words, when he speaks, "Let there be light," to the words of Christ in the Gospels when he proclaims, "You are the light of the world." The idea that we are echoes of the light of God, whether we are strong or faint, is the starting point not only for the songs, but also for our lives in the band. We pray that we will be lights in the darkness. It's never easy, but we know that he's the source and as long as we remember that we'll be alright.

3) Do you have a favorite song on the new album?

We wrote a song called "Samson." It loosely follows the would-be thoughts of the Old Testament character while also revealing a modern person's feelings of doubt, remorse and hope for redemption as they cry out to God for one more rescue. In a way it's the flipside of "Love Amazing." I like it because it gives us a chance to flex our rock muscles a bit. It's the hardest, edgiest thing on the album, and lots of fun to play live.

4) Where will we be able to see you performing in the next few months?

In the next few months we'll be busy playing in Boston and all around New England, San Antonio, Los Angeles, Sacramento, Oklahoma, Michigan and North Carolina. We'll probably fit in a few oil changes here and there.

5) Who or what inspires you guys to keep doing what you're doing, creating music and staying on the road as Circleslide?

All of us have amazing family members who support us and cheer us on, pastors who encourage us, and fans who send us messages to never give up. We each feel as if what we're doing is bigger than any one of us, even with the flood that destroyed our gear, the surgeries and family illnesses, we've sensed God's favor, protection and love.

Recently a young 17-year-old fan wrote on his Facebook page after a concert that our music had inspired him to ask himself, "What his legacy for Christ would be?" That's what keeps us going.

6) Do you have any inspiring stories from recent radio visits?

We recently visited a radio station in the Northwest. One of the staff members was leaving for another city, and what was supposed to be a routine visit turned into a prayer time for different people on the staff, along with the band. One person was dealing with the pain of divorce. There were a lot of tears and hugs and we all realized that we were experiencing the benefit of being in a Christian industry. We were asking for God's help in the midst of storms openly and without shame and we left so encouraged, almost like leaving an amazing church service.

7) Do you have a favorite song to perform live?

From the first time we started playing "Love Amazing," people caught on to the words and melody so fast, and even though it was their first time hearing the song, we could hear voices in the crowd singing along loud and strong. It took us by surprise, to hear an audience participate so quickly, immediately worshipping along with us. And it made us realize we might have something special here. We still have that feeling every time we perform.

8) Where is your favorite place to play?

It's a tie between Los Angeles and San Antonio. Both places have the most loyal Circleslide fans, and maybe, more importantly, the best food. However, we've never played New York City and I have a feeling both those places just might be in danger of losing that status a bit were that ever to happen.

9) What song do you wish you had written?

"Don't Dream It's Over" by Crowded House.

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

One of the best parts about touring the country is getting to listen to great music from other artists. We each have very different tastes in music. Gabe keeps "The Suburbs" by the Arcade Fire blaring through the speakers late at night. Jonathan is enjoying Brandon Bee's "This Is the Revolution" and "Inside These Walls." Lee is loving, "Dark Is the Way. Light Is the Place" by Anberlin. Eric is digging, "Please Come Home" by Dustin Kensrue.