In this interview, we talk with the guitarist from StrangeLand. He goes back a long way with Liberty n' Justice, and he even co-owns the studio where "Soundtrack Of A Soul" is being recorded. So sit back and learn, kids. Here is Kevin Grose.
Kevin, can you tell us what you've been up to and where can people go to find more about you?
The last several years my partner Mike and I have been pretty engrossed in getting our studio up and going. We bought a 3000 sqft. building in downtown Pekin and completely gutted it and started from scratch. The construction has been a long hard road, but its great to be up and going. You can check out what I've been up to at www.strange-band.com.
Back in the early 90's in Central, IL there were a ton of groups around (Violent Mercy, I-Witness, Second Chance, Lawman, Liberty n' Justice and a ton of others). Now, it's 14 years later. If you could have guessed back then which group would still be around, which would it have been?
In the early 90's we had a pretty hopping music scene around here with quite a few great bands. My personal favorite was Lawman with Scott Heberer and Lyndon Perry. Those guys brought massive talent to the table. They had great hearts and just plain rocked!
Kevin it is rumored that, back in 1991, Patrick Marchand and Justin Murr were just getting started in LNJ and on some of the dates you were the camera man. Can you give us any insight or any memories about those performances?
Well, the early days were pretty exciting and new. Here comes LNJ out of nowhere recording a full album in a great studio and playing a lot of gigs. For me the positive attitude and drive that you had was infectious. I was still very new to the whole music scene and was excited to be a part of what was going on.
As for particular memories from gigs there are some great ones. We were all still young and cutting our teeth on the whole gigging scene. We were willing to play for whoever, whenever. There were some fun gigs at children's homes and nursing homes. I have some very fond memories of a young Justin Murr singing and dancing his heart out for some folks in a nursing home. You were running around, sliding across the floor, doing the Elvis moves. I think it's safe to say that was also their first taste of rap music.
You were the guitar player when Violent Mercy was signed to Glory Rock Records in 1992 and did a 5-song EP. What was the recording process like? Any regrets or anything you wish you could have changed?
Now that I own a studio I have a lot of things I would have done differently. The concept of pre-production was all but lost on our young excited minds. It's best to completely write your songs before tracking begins. Now if you have a big budget, go for it, but for most of us little guys, we need to get in and out.
Kevin, on the credits of the song "Heroes Never Die" on LNJ's "Big Guns" CD you co-wrote the song and played on it. The engineer for the album was Greg Clemons. What happened and why weren't you allowed to finish the guitar parts?
At the time we were going for that Bon Jovi acoustic rocker theme, but the song evolved into more of an Outlaws feel at the end and I was a bit out of my element. The guitar player in Greg's band came in and nailed it.
About 300 people attended your record release party. One of the opening acts was LNJ. We still have the video tape and on the tape there is a voice that says "I think they are lip-syncing." Modern technology and voice sampling have proven 100% that it is your voice! What did you mean by this comment? And why were there only 30 people left there after LNJ played?
I can neither confirm or deny that it was my voice on the tape, but I'm not willing to take a lie detector test either. In the early days there was the occasional lead backing track from time to time. Which works fine unless someone strays a bit and then a nice chorusing effect happens. Well LNJ were a bit ahead of their time. Back then (at least around Peoria) CCM bands weren't doing many secular cover tunes. You got in hot water with some of the locals by opening your show with a cover of "Rock and Roll Fantasy" complete with dancers in sparkly outfits. So there was a bit of grumbling in the crowd and the mass exodus began. They were not very forgiving back then.
Name the 3 highest points and the 3 lowest points of your musical career to date.
The best moments that I have ever had playing music would have to be doing mission work with No Greater Love Ministries. On a trip to New Orleans during Mardi Gras we played on street corners with small battery powered amps and just let the spirit flow. At times we would play for 4 to 6 hours straight. Playing the music that God gives you and touching people's lives is an indescribable gift from above. God is so good and so willing to pour out His spirit if we just get out of the way and give it all to him. As far as low points, not making the finally cuts on American Idol was pretty hard to take, but most nights I only cry a little before falling asleep.
As a Christian musician do you care more about the music or the ministry?
Music is such a wonderful gift from God. It is a gift from Him that we are to use to praise Him and lift His name before all the world. To take music and place it before ministry would be to place music before God. If we get about our Father's business on this earth He will take care of the music far better than we could ever hope to.
Have your heard any of the new Liberty n' Justice album? What can we expect?
Yup. I'm very excited about this whole album. The group of singers that have been assembled is outstanding. It's a pretty rocking CD with everything from rock to metal.
Many people were upset because of the rap on "Welcome To The Revolution." You have been around LNJ off and on since the beginning. How much rap has been involved with LNJ?
Rap has been with LNJ from the very begining. You have always had very eclectic tastes in music and never let yourself get pigeon-holed with regards to musical style.
Justin Murr has been called the most untalented talented person. What does that mean?
Well you don't play an instrument, per se. You love to write lyrics and can hear the music in your head. From there you just explain your ideas and the songs come to life.
How involved are you in your local church, and what do you believe?
I've been on my chuch's worship team for 6 years and have loved every minute of it. I think this sums it up better than I ever could.
John 3:16 For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.
John 3:17 For God sent not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him might be saved.
John 3:18 He that believeth on him is not condemned: but he that believeth not is condemned already, because he hath not believed in the name of the only begotten Son of God.
John 3:19 And this is the condemnation, that light is come into the world, and men loved darkness rather than light, because their deeds were evil.
John 3:20 For every one that doeth evil hateth the light, neither cometh to the light, lest his deeds should be reproved.
John 3:21 But he that doeth truth cometh to the light, that his deeds may be made manifest, that they are wrought in God.
We want you to choose which you like better and why:
Mullets or shaved heads
Shaved heads all the way. The Mister Clean look is timeless.
Guitar or bass
GUITAR, of course! I started out playing bass and still love to thump around on one from time to time, but nothing beats mashing down on the tiny strings way up high meedly meedly meedly meedly MEEEE!
"Armed With The Cross" or "Big Guns"
I'll have to go with "Big Guns." The music was more cohesive and the album cover rocked. Plus, you let me play on it.
Jamie or Mick Rowe
Now this isnt fair because I think both the Rowe boys are very talented. They were great together in Tempest. I'm going to have to go with Jamie though because I'm a huge Guardian fan. I know I've seen them at least 10 times. We just did a show with Mick Rowe's band Nineteen88 and those guys rocked.
Wayne or Wes Watson
Wes Watson, of course. He's the man that holds down the bottom in StrangeLand.
Metal or rap
Well because I can't seem to choose which one, I'll take the opportunity to plug one of my favorite guitar players, Thomas Blug. Check him out at www.guitarplayer.de
Violent Mercy or Strangeland
I'm going to have to go with StrangeLand. Violent Mercy was a great band. I loved every minute of it. But StrangeLand is what I'm called to now and God has blessed us in some pretty cool ways.
What is your biggest music related check?
$1,000,000.00 check from Glory Rock Records that Justin asked me hold until Friday. Oddly enough Friday never came. No, really it's not that the bands never got paid sometimes, but it always went back into the ministry and we never paid ourselves. We all have day jobs and I'm sure it would be different it we were in it full time.
What bands have you opened up for over the years and do you have any stories?
We've opened up for One Bad Pig, Exalt, Bride, Nineteen88 and Liberty n' Justice. One Bad Pig with a kiddie pool full of silly string, ice cream and whipped cream. Dale Thompson hanging from the balcony of the Pekin High School Auditorium. That man has some serious pipes, I blew my car speakers up on Bride's "Live To Die" album.
Is it true your studio is breaking even every month because of your partner Mike Layne's hair products tab?
In the early days, his dry bleached folicles nearly put us under, but his sister is a hair stylist and came to our rescue with free samples. Now Mike's hair has a very full-bodied, healthy sheen to it.
How can someone get a hold of your studio to book time?
You can go online at http://www.thenoisegate.com, you can call us at (309 253-4218. Our address is The NoiseGate 521 Court Street Pekin, IL 61554.
One of your last gigs you opened up for nineteen88 how was Mick Rowe. What did you think of the group?
Mick Rowe and the guys did a great job. They drove 16 hours straight from Colorado came in put their stuff on stage and went for it. Check these guys out if you get a chance.
What are your goals for Strangeland? And why haven't you released any music yet since you own a studio?
StrangeLand is a band made up of 6 guys who have been good friends for along time. You can check us out at www.strange-band.com. We all share the common thread of love for our Lord and a passion for Heavy Metal music. We love dual guitar solos, finger tapping and soaring vocals with huge harmonies. We do have a three song demo that we include in our promo pack and a full length album will be coming in summer 2005. You'd think by owning a studio we could record at will, but the reality is that the paying customer get first dibs and we squeeze in when we can.
And finally a LNJ 4-ALL Word Association. We mention a name or thing, and you give us your thoughts.
Wade Helm (Drummer for Strangeland)
Wade's proper title Wade "Metal" Helm. Well you can't mention Wade without mentioning his wife Tammy too. Wade and Tammy have been great friends and mentors in Christ for almost 14 years. I love them dearly. Wade is the undisputed king of all things metal. If you have a metal related question or looking for something hard to find this man has it. He's also my favorite drummer in the world. You can reach him at wadeh@strange-band.com.
Dave Gardner (Former singer of Violent Mercy)
Dave is my best friend and fellow fan of all things melodic. Dave has a great voice and can write more songs in a day than you can shake a stick at. Dave has also been cowriting alot of songs on the new LNJ album. Look for a solo album in the near future.
Mike Layne (Producer)
A great friend and my partner in the studio. He's one of the most talented musicians that I know or have seen. He can play about any instrument that you throw in front of him. He's a great engineer and is also cowriting songs for the LNJ album.
Josh Kramer (Saint)
The band Saint was one of the first Christian metal bands that could go toe to toe with the big guys. Rippin' guitars and Josh's awesome melodic voice help set the standard for all us other guys to follow. Check out Saints new album and look for him on the LNJ album.
Leif Garrett (70's Teen Idol)
It was really cool having Leif in the studio. He's a great guy and was fun to work with. He really tore it up on his vocals.
Chuck Tate (Pastor at The Rock Church)
Chuck Tate or as we call him Pastor Chuck. Chuck and his wife Anette have been dear friends for along time. Chuck is also a fan of all things metal and is the Pastor of the Rock Church in downtown Peoria. The worship leader at the Rock Church is Lyndon Perry from the band Leaderdog. His new band 3 Flow is awesome and leads worship at the rock church. You can check them out at www.rockchurchonline.com.
Paul Q Pek (Guitarist for One Bad Pig)
The main thing i remember about Paul is that guitar with CD's glued all over it. Fun band to watch and definitely has a heart for ministry.
Justin Murr (Liberty n' Justice)
While its been fun digging up the old dirt on Justin and LNJ. He's got more drive and determination than almost anyone I know. God gave him a job years ago and He's trusted in the Lord, walked by faith when others said it couldn't be done and proved them wrong. Thanks for not giving up and showing us all the fruit of faithfulness.
Scott Wenzel (White Cross)
I'm also a big fan Whitecross. My band does several Whitecross covertunes. He's got a great voice and our singer Karl really has to belt it out to get those high notes. I met Scott at CornerStone years ago just walking down one of the roads. He stopped and talked for a long time. He's very humble and has a great heart. I must add that Rex Carrol is the man! If you've ever seen him live, WOW!
Robert Sliger (former member of Liberty n' Justice)
Just thinking his name brings a smile to my face. One of those guys with an awesome passion for the Lord. Robert helped us on vocals with the Violent Mercy project and sang lead on several LNJ songs.
Gary Manuel (Producer)
Gary is the owner of Mirror Image Studios in Peoria. The Violent Mercy album and several LNJ projects were recorded there. Gary did a great job of whipping us youngsters into shape. He was the first person to introduce us to the concept of a click track. And as I mentioned before, preproduction? What's that?!? Gary showed us the error of our ways. He was great to work with and is a world-class engineer.
Scott Heberer (singer)
If you've heard any LNJ projects then you've either heard Scott's singing, guitar playing or someone doing a song he wrote. Two of Scott's songs will also be on the new LNJ project. Scott's songs have personally touched me and challeged me to walk the line even staighter. I've been hooked on Scott's music from the first time I heard it. Scott has an incredible voice, shredder chopps and writes songs from his heart that will touch your life.
Thanks, Kevin, for those great answers and a lot of information from the past. Even though he brought up stuff from the past, you should still check out his two sites: his band and his studio.