Bio from www.echofrequency.com
Echo Frequency (EF), formerly Alabaster Box, is the modern rock band
making waves throughout the Midwest. Formed in the fall of 1997, Echo
Frequency
has undergone many line-up changes in order to get where they are.
Through each change, growth both spiritually and musically, EF has been
able to move
forward to develop their musical style and ability. From the strong
vocal abilities of Mike Smallwood (Potters’ House) and the strong bass
riffs of Eric Sallee (Jesse Tree/Elijah Cry), EF is poised to make an
impact on the Christian music scene. With deep guitar tunings, driving
lead guitar riffs and a solid rocking rhythm section, EF’s music is
making its mark. From songs
like “Move Me” to “Give it All”, the band and the listener, are
reminded of the deep desire to be moved by God and to give all they have
- since He gave all He had. The thought provoking lyrics of rock songs
like “Realize” all the way to the melodic ballad of “Breathe”,
EF is bringing reality rock to life. The melting and molding of these
individuals brings you the ultimate experience of seeing separate
individuals become one on stage. With strong radio and promoter support,
EF has fought to become a band that can stand out as
artists and ministers. EF continues to allow the foundation and reason
for their calling to grow by allowing their ministry to reach beyond the
local
church and to the masses. It is the heart of the EF Team, band members
and management, to mobilize today’s teens with today’s music. The
passion for
Christ is the driving force behind EF and the EF team. This world is our
mission field and we are the missionaries to today’s generation.
Dennis: How did Echo
frequency get where they are today as a band and tell us about the name?
Mike: Well over the last five
years we have had many line up changes, a name change, and tons of ups
and downs in both the life of the band and our personal lives. All
of these things have been the defining points of who we are today.
Our name Echo Frequency was derived from Revelation The beast was
repeating Holy Holy Holy is the Lord God Almighty, who is and was and is
to come. This constant cry of worship over and over is symbolic of
who we should be as Christians . So the statement that is repeated is
the Echo Frequency.
Dennis: Your debut CD is incredible. Has a very straight forward
message to teens and incredible hard/modern rock rips! What has
been the influence both musically and lyrically with the CD? By the way,
my favorite song is probably "Again."
Mike: Musically: We like to say
that we are totally original and whatever comes out comes out. But
I suppose that would mean that we were totally sheltered. To strip
down what creates our music would take forever. But I can tell you
this: we write music that both we and the listener can feel:
emotionally, physically, and even spiritually.
Lyrically: I write from my innermost feelings. I believe that life
experiences set the pace for our songs. We learn so much by
listening to others life experiences, so I try to convey mine to people
through our lyrics. Some times the tiny details are not what
matters just the idea that someone else might have experienced something
similar can encourage us in our own lives.
Dennis: I had a great time hanging out with you guys last month in
Fulton. Talking to you guys it was easy to hear the sincerity
about spreading Christ with your music and ministry. What would
you say is the mission of Echo Frequency and where do you hope to be as
a band in 5 years?
Mike: Thanks we had a blast too.
I think that there are several things that we embrace as a band.
First, we strive to encourage the saved and to evangelize the unsaved,
for this is the responsibility of ever person who calls themselves a
Christian. Second to take those a bit further though. We
believe that sometime the idea of relationship is forgotten in the rush
of society. To love others, encourage them, help them, confide in
them respect them, and the list could go on. To be selfless.
Every thing we do represents who we are in Christ and our relationship
with Him.
In Five years I have no idea. We would love to meet people and
encourage them by the thousands. I guess we would love to still be
rocking but to simply serve God where He has us.
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?
Mike: I agree that you must weigh
it intensely. Mama always said garbage in, garbage out. I
really think that this is totally true. So make your decisions
wisely. I hope teenagers would listen to our record because they
can understand that we care about them.
Dennis: It seems that
so many people are having such a loose and liberal definition for what a
true Christian is. Many bands that are themselves Christians seem
to run away from the christian label. Many teens I come in contact
don't find a problem with having sex, cussing or occasionally drinking.
What is your advice to people that seem to be following that line of
being lukewarm?
Mike: This all goes back to
experiences in life. You have to search out the convictions
you feel within. Defined who we are to others by our actions is
something I think that society forgets a lot. One thing I hate are
people who use being a Christian when they need it. I think
intentions are pure when they start out but they get caught between a
rock and a hard place and usually e choose whatever is easiest.
We are beginning start work with a ministry called "Open
Doors" They work to help the persecuted church. People
who die for their faith every day. I wish more people would fight for
Christ and take a stand rather than justify casual living so they are
accepted. That is enough of my soapbox!
Dennis: This seems to be a favorite question for many bands when I ask
this question and I have gotten some strange responses. If you
could tour with one band, past or present, who would it be and why?
Mike: That’s a great question.
I have a few answers to it though. First I would say Rich Mullins,
he was such a dynamic s songwriter, such a man of God and wise
well beyond his years. To be around that would be intense.
Second I think we would say GS Megaphone. These guys are
some of our best friends and any excuse to hang out with them would be
welcome. Finally the secular band would be Led Zeppelin.
They were so original in the original lineup and to see that energy live
would be mind blowing.
Dennis: I enjoy making people laugh and it is usually at my expense.
Have their been anytime that you wished you could have hidden on stage
from an embarrassing moment?
Mike: Last year in front of about
a thousand people I almost slipped on a big chunk of cake that had been
thrown in the face of the MC at this event. I did not fall but if
I had that would have been terrible. When I was stumbling keeping
my balance everyone just thought I was totally rocking out so it was
cool.
Dennis: Thanks so much
for taking the time to do this interview! Any last words, cd
plugs, website plugs...anything?
Mike: Shameless plugs. Our
first single comes out September first nationally. Our new CD "Move
Me" is finally out for purchase on our website.
Our new website is going up in the next two weeks at
www.echofrequency.com. Also anybody who would like to email me can
at mike@echofrequency.com.
Thanks for the interview and we hope to see and hear from everybody!