Interviews

Interview w/ Joseph Christie

By Stoney ⋅ May 6, 2008 ⋅  Print this post ⋅ Post a comment

With a combined love for leading others in worship (not to mention the caffeinated goodness of Starbucks), the Joseph Christie Band is the culmination of many paths arriving at the same point. Spearheaded by namesake Joseph Christie and rounded out by Joseph’s bother Jared on keyboards, Chris Reid on lead guitar, Keith Axelson on Bass, and Bryan Levy on drums, the Joseph Christie Band blends tasty pop hooks with spot-on live performances to spread the message of God. In a short while the guys have already shared the stage with many national artists including Newsong, Nate Sallie, Echoing Angles, Matt Papa, and Todd Agnew. Considering themselves more worship vessel than Christian band, this five-man group takes the next step in that evolution this Saturday May 10th when they release their debut CD in a special release event that will combine music and worship. Lokal Loudness recently had the opportunity to chat with Joseph about the CD.

LL – Since the last time we spoke you’ve put together a new band and are on the verge of releasing a new CD. You must be pretty excited.

JC – Yeah we are very excited! I’ve been looking for the right musicians for a long time and I think I have finally found them. And we are really looking forward to the CD Release which is already just a week away. And we are even extra excited about having the band Fee play our CD release concert.

LL – Now you’ve been working on this new band and CD for a while. What’s taken so long?

JC – I would say that money was the major factor in getting this CD done. I would do a song at a time as money became available and I finally maxed out my funds at 5 tracks. So for everyone wondering why there is only 5 tracks there you go. Then once the recording is done you have all the artwork and proofing, packaging, etc. which also takes a good bit of time. But the CD sounds great so the money was well worth it.

LL – Through all this you’ve still managed to keep a regular performing schedule. How in the world did you manage to balance all the obstacles and still keep a regular show schedule?

JC – Well it really just has to be something you want to do because it definitely takes a toll on you. But I just worked on the CD in the spare time because to me, playing live is more important, but at the same time you want to have something to put in peoples hands.

LL – So getting back to the CD, am I correct in understanding that after all that hard work you’ll be giving copies away to everyone who comes to the CD release party this Saturday?

JC – Yes, we are really excited about being able to do this. The CD will normally go for 5 bucks but if you buy a ticket to the CD release for either $7 in advance or $10 at the door you will get a free copy of the CD plus a great show with the band Fee. They are a national band with airplay who currently have a single in the CCM top 10. And not to mention a chance to win a free 4gb ipod nano.

LL – Now that you’ve sparked the interest of our readers with the promise of a brand new spanking CD for mere admission to this show, where’s it gonna be held at?

JC – The concert will be held at In Focus Church this Saturday, May 10th. Doors open at 6 and the it starts at 7.

LL – Well I gotta admit that we’re not used to hearing about a band having a CD release show at a church. Why there and not say, one of Augusta’s usual music venues?

JC – Well, the church has been very generous in providing their facilities free of charge and they have all the required sound and lighting that is required. If I had to rent a venue as well as lights and sound I wouldn’t have been able to bring in a national act nor would I have been able to give away the CD’s for free.

LL – Got it. So not only are you pretty much giving your new CD away but you also went out and got an award winning national band to share the stage with you?

JC – Yeah, I’ve actually always wanted to do this when I released a CD. I just really want to give people, especially locals who can “see us all the time,” incentive to come out and enjoy the show and at the same time pick up a free CD.

LL – Sure it’s probably good marketing strategy but do you have any reservations that having Fee perform may take away from your band’s big night?

JC – It’s hard to get people to come out to a local bands event. I think that we will have a much more successful event with Fee. And by having Fee, their fans will come, some who may have never heard us. So we have a good possibility of actually gaining fans by bringing in a national act.

LL – Well the big star of the night is really your CD. What all went into creating it and what can listeners expect?

JC – Well I can say that the producer and musicians were absolutely amazing. Everything is very well put together. The overall quality of the CD is comparative to anything on CCM radio. I could’ve done a budget recording and been able to do a full album but I really wanted something that people would want to purchase and that would sound as good as other CD’s from national artists.

LL – And what’s the scoop on this new band lineup?

JC – Well we have Chris Reid on lead guitar, Keith Axelson on Bass, my brother Jared on keys, and Bryan Levy on the drums. They are all amazing musicians. I wouldn’t have been able to do any of this without their help. They have put in tons of time and effort to make all of this happen!

LL – Where can peeps go to find out more info about the band and this Saturday’s show?

JC – Show info is always available on our website, www.josephchristieband.com or on myspace at www.myspace.com/josephchristieband.

LL – Cool! Thanks a bunch for chatting with us!

JC - Anytime, thank you. See you at the CD release Concert on Saturday!

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