Online interview with Kalel, bass player for Pillar
January 4, 2003

Dennis: Kalel, thanks so much for taking the time to allow us an interview with you guys. I know you are busy getting ready for the "See Spot Rock Tour" with the O.C. Supertones, John Rueben, Relient K and Sanctus Real. That should be an awesome tour! Speaking of tours, if you guys could tour with one band, past or present, who would it be?
Kalel: I think it would be rad to tour with Weird AL
Dennis: HAHA I wasn't expecting that as your answer.  So you guys released your first album in late 2000, how did Pillar actually begin as a band?
Kalel: We all met in college at Fort Hays State University in Hays, KS in 1998. The guys just wanted to get together and jam
Dennis: With over 100,000 copies of "Fireproof" selling, you guys are quickly becoming one of the more outspoken Christian bands in the public eye. What would you describe as the mission and ministry behind Pillar?
Kalel: To play the best music we can, then to use our platform to show love and let people know about the awesome things God has done in our lives.
Dennis: You guys really impressed me the first time you came to Poplar Bluff in April of 2001. You called and asked for me to find a youth minister to come and minister to you guys as a band. What do you guys do to maintain and grow your spiritual lives while on the road day in and day out?
Kalel: The best thing a band can do is have a road pastor. the last tour we were on had one. We would all meet for church everyday. Besides that just make time to pray and read your Bible. Everyone needs to do that though, not just bands on the road.
Dennis: You guys have been very open and honest about looking to tap into the secular market with a record deal while still promising to maintain that straight forward Christian edge. It seems many Christian bands once going in that direction tend to eventually start watering down their lyrics at times. What are your thoughts on Pillar or other bands doing that?
Kalel: Well we haven't officially announced this yet, but our contract was bought by a major label just recently. They are re-releasing our Fireproof album with lyrics unchanged to the mainstream market in early 2003. They are just remixing the music to make it sound better. Remember the mainstream market came to us so we plan to continue to be the Pillar you all know.
Dennis: A lot of discussion goes on in our site dealing with the issue of secular music. Our stance towards Christian teens has always been that they must weigh whether the music is a positive or negative influence in their life. Many of the harder bands that are of similar style to you choose to use a lot of offensive language. What are your thoughts on the influence of secular music on Christian teens?
Kalel: I think it depends on the person. I know that certain music just brings me down. if it does I don't listen to it. being in a professional band i listen to all types of music, but I wouldn't endorse all secular music. just pray about what God wants for you.
Dennis: I have promoted you guys twice now and seen you perform three other times beside that and your live performance gets better and better…except maybe your hair style hahaha…JK….what has been your most embarrassing or memorable moment on stage?
Kalel: Rob falling off the stage on our first song and breaking his foot. He finished the whole show limping around. There was a crowd of 10,000 watching and a rep from a major label.
Dennis: Well, it has been great chatting with you Kalel! Any chance of Pillar going on record and letting everyone know who one of their favorite promoters may be??? Haha
Kalel: Haha uuhh......hmm....let me see......I guess Dennis Minner.
Dennis: Wow, thanks man, that mean a lot haha. One last and final note, rumor has it that you guys stole my tattoo and used it as an early T-shirt design…well, maybe I stole it from your t-shirt..but either way, is there any chance you would get Wise Men Promotions or WMP tattooed on you? I would pay for it.
Kalel: I already have it tattooed on my rear. 
Dennis: Well, I will take your word for that then haha.  Kalel, thanks for the time and we look forward to seeing you guys again in the near future!