Local band finding their groove
David Littleford
Issue date: 3/31/08 Section: The Scene
This newfound increase in their work load has kept the band from fully realizing the gravity of their situation, yet the band is not totally blind to the results of their music.
"We're so busy that we don't have the time to realize the reality of what's going on in our careers," said Whetsel. "We have been working so hard lately. It feels as if we are finally reaping the benefits of that. If we ever do find time to just think about how everything is turning out, we end up just being in awe."
Not only has the band's upcoming tour schedule provided genuine success, but they are also in negotiations with INO Records in Nashville about establishing a recording contract.
INO Records, which distributes through SONY Records, is one of the largest Christian recording companies in the market, producing bands like Grammy-nominated Skillet, P.O.D. and Flyleaf.
"We're in the process of recording some music to send to the producers so they can hear how our sound is evolving," Whetsel said.
One of the most striking aspects of this band is their genuine love for their fans. "Our band is all about creating relationships," Keen said. "The people who come to shows, chat online and support us make our success possible. We love hanging out with our fans."
"We're all just bros," Whetsel said in agreement. "We love to hang out after shows and such."
However, they do realize that being Christians in a rock band could be complicated, especially when it comes to the perception of their music.
"I mean back in the '80s you would hate to be called a Christian band, but now it's becoming more acceptable to make that claim," said Winters.
"Now there are bands like Flyleaf and Underoath that are incredibly popular and yet still completely open about their Christianity.
"We try to conduct ourselves in the same manner as those guys. We can play at a church one night and at a bar the next. We don't push our religion on anyone. That's not what we're about."
Keen added, "Yeah, we don't preach in between songs like some Christian bands do.," he said. "We don't try to constantly push the words Jesus and God into our shows. Like we aren't ashamed of who we are, but we really just want to get to know people first.
"We feel it's more important to know who they are and really care for them, rather than simply push our beliefs on people. We just love to play music and have a fun time."
If you want to say that you knew these guys before they hit it big, or simply rock out for a night, Say You Will will be playing quite a few shows in the area before they hit the road hard this summer.
The closest local concert dates are when they will be visiting the Hideaway in Johnson City on April 14 at 8 p.m., the Elizabethton Armory on April 18 at 6 p.m. and at the Fire Escape in Kingsport on May 3 at 7:30 p.m.
"We're so busy that we don't have the time to realize the reality of what's going on in our careers," said Whetsel. "We have been working so hard lately. It feels as if we are finally reaping the benefits of that. If we ever do find time to just think about how everything is turning out, we end up just being in awe."
Not only has the band's upcoming tour schedule provided genuine success, but they are also in negotiations with INO Records in Nashville about establishing a recording contract.
INO Records, which distributes through SONY Records, is one of the largest Christian recording companies in the market, producing bands like Grammy-nominated Skillet, P.O.D. and Flyleaf.
"We're in the process of recording some music to send to the producers so they can hear how our sound is evolving," Whetsel said.
One of the most striking aspects of this band is their genuine love for their fans. "Our band is all about creating relationships," Keen said. "The people who come to shows, chat online and support us make our success possible. We love hanging out with our fans."
"We're all just bros," Whetsel said in agreement. "We love to hang out after shows and such."
However, they do realize that being Christians in a rock band could be complicated, especially when it comes to the perception of their music.
"I mean back in the '80s you would hate to be called a Christian band, but now it's becoming more acceptable to make that claim," said Winters.
"Now there are bands like Flyleaf and Underoath that are incredibly popular and yet still completely open about their Christianity.
"We try to conduct ourselves in the same manner as those guys. We can play at a church one night and at a bar the next. We don't push our religion on anyone. That's not what we're about."
Keen added, "Yeah, we don't preach in between songs like some Christian bands do.," he said. "We don't try to constantly push the words Jesus and God into our shows. Like we aren't ashamed of who we are, but we really just want to get to know people first.
"We feel it's more important to know who they are and really care for them, rather than simply push our beliefs on people. We just love to play music and have a fun time."
If you want to say that you knew these guys before they hit it big, or simply rock out for a night, Say You Will will be playing quite a few shows in the area before they hit the road hard this summer.
The closest local concert dates are when they will be visiting the Hideaway in Johnson City on April 14 at 8 p.m., the Elizabethton Armory on April 18 at 6 p.m. and at the Fire Escape in Kingsport on May 3 at 7:30 p.m.