Forever
Changed
www.foreverchanged.net
Bio from www.foreverchanged.net
In 1998, three guys were in separate bands, didn't know each other, and
lived as much as one-thousand miles apart. By 2001, these same three
young men are together and have been touching lives for Christ by
sharing their music together with the world in the Christian band called
...loose change...
In
1999, Dan Cole moved to Tallahassee, Florida from Cincinnati, Ohio where
he once played guitar in the local-Cincy band, Simpleton. A sophomore in
high school, Dan met Ben O'Rear at a local church. They both shared
common interests in music, religion, and even pizza. With about a mile
distance between the two, they would meet up occasionally to play music
together. The meetings became so frequent, they wound up desiring to
start a Christian band, but no drummer or bassist was in their sights.
During the same time period, Nathan Lee was a frontman for the local
rap-core band Sonic Tsunami, but soon Nathan would drop the mic and pick
up the drumsticks and a new desire to seek Christ. In mid-1999, Dan met
Nathan in their 3rd hour Chemistry class as he was practicing drumbeats
on his desk. To make a long story short, Dan invited him over to his
house to jam with him and Ben. The three have been best friends ever
since that day, and they share no differences when it comes to making
music and serving the Lord, Jesus Christ.
Ever since
July of 2001, the band has tried to think of a new name. There were
always problems with the name loose change, and finally in January of
2002, the band changed their name to Forever Changed. In addition, they
picked up a new bassist, Cody Jordan. Cody has an amazing heart for God;
he brings a lot of new life to the band.
With
early live hits such as "Why Do You?" and "You Are the
Answer" to the ever-present "Distant Memory" and
"Said Than Done", Forever Changed has put God before any other
reason with their song writing. After the previous success of their
first record "Dear Jesus", the band has been focusing on their
newest record "Drifting Into Amazing" - which they are hoping
will come out in early 2002. So what's up with the future of 4EC? The
guys are hoping to tour this summer throughout the east to promote their
first full-length album. The four guys in Forever Changed have an
incredible passion for their music, and they hope to keep on playing
God's music for years to come - whether it be for a crowd of five or
five-thousand.
Interview with Dan Cole
Dennis: How did you guys become a band and what does the name mean?
Dan: About 3 years ago, Ben, Nathan, and I began
meeting at my house and jamming together. Without much structure,
mainly covering other bands songs, we started to feed off each other
musically. Within the first few months, we eventually started to
put original songs together. The name Forever Changed simply means
that since the four members of the group decided to live for and follow
the teachings of Jesus Christ, we have been forever changed.
Dennis: Let me admit, when I was told to check you guys out I was
very hesitant because I am not a big fan of emo core. BUT when I
listened to your CD I heard much more than that. I heard some metal
guitars, straight rock, modern rock and then emo. You guys have a very
unique sound that is very catchy and grabs a broad spectrum of musical
style. How would you describe the sound and what musically influenced
you guys?
Dan: I've
heard at least 5 different styles given to our band, most of which I
find laughable. I typically say that we are eclectic rock, meaning
we combine many forms of rock music. The sound that we go for
is generally driving and emotional; for us, dynamics are incredibly
important. And as far as influences, there are far too many to
list all of them...so I'll give you three: Radiohead, Van Halen,
Sunny Day Real Estate.
Dennis: YEAH VAN HALEN ROCKS! But anyway haha, our website
and office is based in Southeast MO and the weather sucks here. In
the winter it reaches 10 below and then during the summer it hits 110. I
noticed you guys are based in Florida, how would you describe the
Christian music scene in your area...and also, can I come stay at your
house for free in Florida? haha...You can stay at mine when you vacation
in MO!
Dan: First of all, you can definitely stay at our
place for free, in fact, we can visit Disney World while you are here
given that we live 15 minutes from it. As far as the Christian
scene in our area? The Christian scene is changing.
While we lived in Tallahassee the Christian music scene was explosive.
We would play festivals with only Christian bands, and many people would
attend. Orlando and the central Florida area is similar in the
sense that there are many churches and Christian venues trying to bring
bands in. But as I said earlier, the scene is changing...there are
more and more bands that like to play churches and like to play
Christian places, but fewer and fewer bands like to call themselves
Christians, or more importantly live the Christian life.
Dennis: I love your song, "Ask of You!" The song says,
"Break Me Down. Who am I to think I can do anything without
you?" So often as teens and adults we think we can live our life on
our own and forget that our life is given to us by
Christ. In college I completely left Jesus out of my life and placed
such a
negative influence on so many...what are some issues you guys would
admit that
are tough to deal with and how would you advise teens to totally place
their
trust in Christ and be broken down?
Dan: God is a
faithful God. He always has been, and He always will be. And
in issues such as going through a divorce, or moving away from your
family and friends--it is really east to try to take care of everything
on your own and leave God out of the picture. I mean we can see
Him...how do you know He is always there? That's when submission
comes into the picture. We must totally surrender our lives to the
Lord, because He wants carry our burden. In order to place your
trust in the Lord, a Christian has to be in prayer constantly, and
especially, has to be reading the Bible. If you read God's word
regularly, and speak with Him, and ask Him to increase your trust and
break you...believe me, He will. Before you know it, your eyes
will be opened, and your pride will be broken.
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. Some of
the more popular bands that are of similar style to you choose to use a
lot of
offensive language and topics. What are your thoughts on the influence
of
secular music like that on Christian teens?
Dan: The American media shapes the American
teen-age culture. I strongly believe that. Look at how the
artists or bands dress---that's how the listeners will dress.
Notice how the artist/bands talk---that's how the listeners will talk.
The list goes on. There is nothing wrong with a listener liking
how his/her favorite artist dresses, talks, sings, walks, etc.--as long
as the listener is continuing their walk in Christ, and putting Him
before everything else, including the music. It is no secret
that all music influences people. And it really makes me sad
and angry to see and hear the filth that the media puts before
us. And Christians need to make a stand for what is right,
and strive to be holy in this dark culture.
Dennis: If you could tour with any band, past or present, who would it
be and why?
Dan: Wow...good question. Well, my favorite
band is Radiohead, but that doesn't mean I would really want to tour
with them (we're unworthy to do so). Right now, I would love to
tour with the either the group the Appleseed Cast, or Switchfoot.
The Appleseed Cast because they are not only one of my favorite bands,
but they are one of the best bands anyone can see live. They
impact me in such a unique way, but I don't know where their
relationship with the Lord is. And I would consider it a pure joy
to be able to witness to them. I would love to tour with
Switchfoot because they write and play music for the exact same reasons
we do, and I know that we could learn a lot from them.
Dennis: How would you describe the mission of Forever Changed and
what do you hope to be doing in the next five years to accomplish that
mission?
Dan: Our
mission is simple: We want to glorify God through our lives and
our music. And touch as many people as possible through our lives
and music.
Dennis: Thanks for the time and God bless your band and the future
that He brings. You guys have your heads on straight for what I can see,
just remember to keep your eyes planted on Christ at every moment! So
here is your last chance to plug away for CD's and your website...or any
final thoughts....
Dan: Our website is http://www.foreverchanged.net
and you can buy our CD (Drifting Into Amazing) online, and you can hear
songs off of our album online at http://www.mp3.com/foreverchanged.
Be sure to check our journal and show dates, and we hope you can come
see us soon! Thank you.
Dennis: No prob! Thanks for taking the time and doing the interview with us. If you guys are ever coming through Mo give us a call!