Interview: Backstage Revival
Husband and Wife duo Backstage Revival have released their new single 'Gentle Whisper'. Louder Than The Music chatted with them both to find out how they started making music, their plans to record more singles, and the story behind their latest song.
For those who haven't heard of you before, can you tell us a bit about yourselves and how you got involved in making music?
John and I each had very different music backgrounds and influences, but we both led worship and wrote songs for many years before we met. After getting married, we started leading worship together and later began to co-write songs, introducing some of those songs to our Vineyard congregation in Laguna Niguel, CA. We received many requests from folks in our local congregation and others for recordings, as they seemed to connect with our songs and enjoyed our musical style. Right around this time, we were introduced to Casey Corum, a brilliant musician, songwriter, and engineer (currently Director of Production and A&R of Vineyard Music), and it seemed like God's providence - we became good friends, and started recording our first album. We continue to work with Casey on new singles, and are very grateful to be able to share our music.
Tell us about your new single 'Gentle Whisper' and what the inspiration behind it was?
One of John's great passions is listening for God's voice, and we both have always earnestly pursued that. One of our favorite old testament stories is told in Kings 19:11-13, which describes Elijah's encounter with God in the cave. It is a fascinating picture of how God speaks. Elijah is standing on the mountain waiting for the Lord to pass by. A powerful wind comes, followed by an earthquake, then a fire. But in a profound twist, it was the gentle whisper that followed which carried God's presence. The lyrics echo some of the imagery in that story, while the music itself has beautiful melodies with atmospheric tones to reflect the beauty, mystery, and serenity of God's voice.
Do you have plans to release more new music in the near future?
Yes! We are releasing a new single almost every month now. We are almost finished recording our next single "Ever Bless", which should be released in a month or so. We are continually writing, and exploring co-writing with others as well.
What message would you like people to take from your music?
We hope our songs inspire a greater connection with God - His Word, His presence, His Love... all of it. God's love means everything, and it changes everything.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
John has rock and blues influences, while I have more folk and country influences, and writing together has really helped meld our styles into something unique. We enjoy writing "outside of our box", so our music does encompass a range of styles, but if I had to summarize it, I might describe it as having an Americana vibe.
If you could work with any songwriter, who would it be?
John: Steven Curtis Chapman
Anne: Sara Groves
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Reaching more folks that enjoy our style, and helping them connect with God through our music is our ultimate goal.
What is your favorite album of all time?
This is a really hard one for us to answer... We have so many favorites! But here it goes...
John: Steven Curtis Chapman Greatest Hits
Anne: Sheryl Crow - The Globe Sessions
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your phone. What track is it?
Another one that is really hard to answer...
John: Hotel California (Eagles)
Anne: Soak up the Sun (Sheryl Crow) - I'm on an island right? So I might as well make the best of it.
What does the next year hold for you?
More music, of course!... and whatever else God might lead us to do - He loves to surprise us sometimes!
