Jeremy Koering: You’ve just released your debut album, Lifegiver, on the RKT label. You’ve been touring with some big names bands; you’ve also been promoted by Mac Powell of Third Day. Has this experience changed you guys as Christians?
Shawn Lewis: This experience has certainly been a spiritual renewal for us. Being on a stage in a gigantic arena filled with believers who respond with shouts to the message of Jesus is extremely encouraging. At the same time, it's' difficult to understand how most of the people in the audience still struggle with the idea of the existence of absolute truth. That's square-1. The church in America has some unique challenges right now, and we're just trying to figure out how to help. We're certainly up for the challenge.
Jeremy Koering: Has it affected your message in anyway?
Shawn Lewis: In terms of our message, I don't think anything should affect it. The whole idea of integrity is that we're the same people in any environment. It's definitely easier being bold for Christ when you're immediately rewarded for it. Our quest as a band and as a church is to be bold for Christ anywhere and everywhere we are. So these recent tours and shows have been pretty 'comfortable' in terms of message. I know God is going to make us uncomfortable soon enough.
Jeremy Koering: If you could anyone listen to one song from Lifegiver what song would you want them to hear?
Shawn Lewis: Well, Lifegiver. We desperately want people to hear that they not only have eternal life to look forward to, but also abundant, prosperous, confident life available here on earth with the acceptance of Jesus Christ into their hearts. It starts with a realization that we all deserve hell from birth due to our innate sinful nature. But God gives us love when we're unlovable and grace when we're dead in our transgressions.
Jeremy Koering: What do you hope overall people will get out of you’re music, and more specifically Lifegiver?
Shawn Lewis: We really want to affect the listener on multiple levels. We want them to be attracted to the overall funkiness and tight rock sound. And we certainly want Christians to be encouraged and challenged. But we also want people to roll down their car windows and blast the tunes on the freeway.
Jeremy Koering: I’ve seen you guys a couple times in concert and each time I’m blown away by the talent. You’ve got one of the most talented singers in all of music. You’ve got a style like no other. How has, what I call the “hyper static” style come about? Any bands that influenced you’re style or lyrics?
Shawn Lewis: Thank you for the compliment. I think our style is derived from so many influences; it's difficult to pin down by a direct comparison to a couple bands. All of us in the band grew up with grunge, metal, classic rock, jazz, and marching band simultaneously. Later, we discovered 70s funk, Motown, and progressive-album rock. We're music fans, and we try to pay tribute to our influences, but I love it when we're able to bridge the gap between some of those influences within the constraints of one song.
Jeremy Koering: What three genres would you classify you’re music in?
Shawn Lewis: Rock/Funk/R&B
Jeremy Koering of Music Faith: I was a little disappointed you guys didn’t bring back “Goin’ on Up” from you’re independent release Entropy Automatic, but I was glad to see “Now That It’s Over” is back. Why did you guys decided to bring back “Now That It’s over”?
Shawn Lewis of Hyperstatic Union: We thought about redoing Goin' On Up. I think it was the persuasive power of Mac Powell that ultimately decided the fate of that tune. In the end, I felt like "Now That It's Over" got a good makeover, and "Goin' On Up" was pretty much done right the first time.
Jeremy Koering: What are you most excited about along the lines of touring? Any shows or events you’re especially excited about?
Shawn Lewis: 40 shows in the fall opening for David Crowder and Third Day is pretty exciting. We're also looking forward to some major festivals in OK and OH coming up.
Jeremy Koering: In all of you’re touring how do you guys fit God into you’re schedules, I know some bands have devotions, others have prayer groups, do you guys have any type of devotion/prayer times?
Shawn Lewis: It's been tough on the last couple tours because the bus and the venues are so disorienting sometimes. I did have a good time with Proverbs this morning in the front of the bus while driving past a bunch of windmills south of the Bay area in California. I imagine Nigel will be back with us on the Third Day tour to keep us in line. Lately it's been more of a personal responsibility than a corporate one. Thanks for the reminder though, I may have been dropping the ball on that lately. It's probably because Geoff Moore has "Lost" on every time I get on the bus. He's almost done with the first season DVD so I'm looking forward to less TV. Basically, it's Geoff's fault. Actually it's our bass player, Mike's fault for buying the DVDs. It's a really great show about forgiveness, teamwork, acceptance, overcoming challenges, etc. though, I must say.
Jeremy Koering: Thanks so much for taking the time to answer our questions! Do you guys have any last comments or shout outs to the www.musicfaith.com readers?
Shawn Lewis: Please, please, please pick up our new CD, Lifegiver at Christian and "Mainstream" retailers nationwide...or download it from iTunes. I guarantee it will be one your favorite discs you ever bought. We covet your prayers and look forward to seeing some musicfaithers at some shows!
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