Email interview with Jeff Gilbert, Drummer for Kutless
May 4, 2006
 

After three full-length albums, several countries, hundreds of shows, thousands of miles and 1.6 million faces rocked, Portland, Oregon-based fivesome Kutless has decided it’s just as great to give as it is to receive. They are doing so this year with the forthcoming release of the band’s fourth full-length album, Hearts Of The Innocent. With tour dates ahead, Kutless looks to contribute its part in giving back to the world that has been so kind to them over the past six years. In fact, the rock act already started linking up with charities last year, performing a benefit concert for Hurricane Katrina victims and raising over $50,000 in one night. And, according to Kutless vocalist Jon Micah Sumrall, the Katrina benefit was just the start, as the band anticipates teaming up with other charities in the near future.

Dennis: I have met you guys in the past and you always seems to be jokesters. What has been the best prank you have played while on your current tour with Falling Up, Disciple and Stellar Kart?
Jeff: On the last night of the Hearts tour, all the band members who weren't in Disciple got on stage during their set and played some flag football, it was chaos.

Dennis: I know many bands hate this question but, how did you come up with the name Kutless?
Jeff: haha. Our name represents what we are since Jesus so perfectly became a sacrifice for us. When He took every whip, every punch, every nail, every excruciating moment on the cross, those things were meant for us as sinners. But since He took those cuts for us, we are thankfully Kutless.

Dennis: Congrats on another release, Hearts of the Innocent, with BEC/Tooth and Nail. How has the album been going over with your fans on your current tour?
Jeff: Thank you. Our fans have been amazing in support for this record. We are already seeing a ton of people singing our new songs live, and that is always a huge connection in a show.

Dennis: One thing that has been so impressive is that Kutless has remained centered on sharing their faith. Your latest release and first of the album, "Shut Me Out." So many Christian bands have used labels like Tooth and Nail and SolidState to get into a mainstream label to then forget about their Cristian messages. Why do you think this is becoming such a growing trend in music?
Jeff: I think it's not about these guys ditching a christian fan base or not wanting to be associated with the church, I think its the fact that they want to be represented as a legit band within any setting, not just the christian market. But sometimes it can be a problem, they end up associating themselves too much in the world without accountability and it will hurt them, you have to stay grounded. For Kutless, we are not closing ourselves to just one place or comfort zone, but we are willing for the Lord to do whatever it is possible to get the message of God's love and faithfulness out to those that are hurting. Like that Scrubs episode for example, they played our song unedited for almost two minutes and the song is about worshiping the Lord. If He opens doors, it's for us to walk through them.

Dennis: What keeps Kutless facing those some adversities but with a growing momentum in sharing that faith in Christ with fans?
Jeff: The hardest part of what we do is having to be away from our families for longer lengths of time. John Micah has a one in a half year old, and James has a newborn son. Even though the boy's wives come out, its not continually through the whole tour, so it gets hard on them. But it's so great to see what the Lord is doing out there, so that is purely our energy to keep going for months at a time.

Dennis: What was your turning point to Christ?
Jeff: When it was the only thing that made sense. The common questions of life and why. You can try everything else there is to try in this world and finally understand when you are sitting in the gutter, that Jesus can pull you out and make you new again.

Dennis: What are you guys listening to while you are out on the road?
Jeff: I personally listen to a lot of old jazz right now, guys from the 30's and 40's. I got a new record by a band called M83, its amazing, I also really like the new POD record, its fresh.

Dennis: I personally want to thank you for the song "Run" off your debut album. It has meant more to me than you will ever know. 
Jeff: We receive so many amazing comments on how the Lord has used our songs in individuals lives. Things from contemplating suicide and hearing Sea of Faces, and realizing this life is amazing and not meant to be taken away. Marriages healed because of strong tower and finding strength in the Lord. Those are just a few but we are so happy to hear from people who have been touched by the Lord.

Dennis: If you could tour with any band past or present, who would it be and why?
Jeff: Any band? How about U2, they seem to be able to sell a few tickets! haha, I love they're legacy in music and that would be monumental to tour with the biggest band in the world.

Dennis: Do you believe in the Easter Bunny?
Jeff: Absolutely!