Artist Review - Christian Music

Praise Report features a band called "Seven Layer Soul."  I was blessed to be able to meet with the band's lead vocalist, Joe Rangel.  Initially, I intended on conducting a normal praise band interview.  However, it turned out to be a time of fellowship and praise to the Lord.  Thank God that He helps us keep our focus on the only thing that matters...Jesus.

Seven Layer Soul is a Christian Rock band that worships at Calvary Chapel Oceanside, CA.  During the interview, Joe made it clear that they are not Christians in a band, but a Christian band.  Their music is their ministry.  And that's good to hear in today's world where so many Christian bands use their careers to glorify themselves instead of God.

Seven Layer Soul is comprised of a five member band that have been together just over a year.  But don't think they just picked up instruments and started playing a year ago.  Together, they have many years of musical experience and have even played venues like the Universal Amphitheatre.

The band's song "Four Letter Words" is featured on rotation at our own KPRR - Praise Report Radio.

In the interview below, Joe gave some great insight into SLS and some good advice for other worship bands.  I pray that you receive as many blessings from reading the interview, as I did conducting it.

Interview

PR: What type of music would you categorize SLS?

SLS: It's conventional rock and roll, but it's not something you can just put your finger on either.  It's got different influences in it, but we call ourselves a rock band.

PR: What are the objectives of the band?

SLS:  It's basically preaching the gospel.  Only through God's mercy and grace are we able to know Him.  And that's totally the message.  We have a song called "The Tree", which is about the death and resurrection of Jesus to a song like "What is Joy" which is one we're about to record about how Jesus is joy, that's how you find joy.  It's a universal theme even though it's tackled in many different ways.  Jesus is God and in His grace and mercy and faith alone are we saved.

PR: Is there a full length album in the works?

SLS: I'm glad you asked.  We're going in the recording studio this Saturday to start the basic tracks.  We're going to record nine new songs along with the five that we have on our demo.  We're probably going to pick ten to twelve of those songs and release it this year as a full length record.  We're hoping to have it released by the end of June.

PR: What kind of advice can you give to younger musicians putting together worship bands?

SLS: I would say, approach it with a level of confidence that the Lord will guide you.  Approach it with the same level of confidence that you would if you were going to minister to someone.  The Lord just blesses it.  Rehearse as much as you can.  Play out as much as you can.  Play at your church, play out in the community.  It's such a privilege.

PR: Even though you guys aren't the official worship band of your church, do you still consider yourselves worship leaders?

SLS: Absolutely.  I think that whether we've written a song glorifying the Lord or whether it's a song that people are familiar with worship-wise, we're worshiping.  We're a worship band, bottom line.  That's the way we look at it.

PR: What do you say to a person in a band, a Christian in a secular band, on the verge of success and God is tugging on their heart?

SLS: And you said the Lord is tugging on their heart already?

PR: The Lord is tugging on their heart.

SLS: Listen.  You have to listen to that tug.  I can't even describe the blessing switching from not serving the Lord to serving the Lord in music.  The amount of inspiration.  The amount of satisfaction and fulfillment, knowing that you're praising the Lord when you're doing it.  I'd say run as fast as you can and embrace it.  It's a calling, like any other calling.  Go after it, definitely.  Otherwise, He'll call someone else.

PR:  Wow! What an incredible interview.  Thank you Joe Rangel and Seven Layer Soul for your insight on what a praise band is supposed to be...A Praise Band.  And thank you for your continued fellowship.  I pray for many blessings on your ministry, your family and your vision.

Glory to God for His grace,

Amen.