Bio from www.go.to/outcry:
"We began with just Andrew, Cory, Justin, and Ryan in
September of 1998. We were just a small Christian group from Southern
Illinois. We never thought OutCry would be what it is today. It's
amazing to think that the lyrics and music we write to the Lord can witness to
so many lives in a personal way. The words that God gives us dig deep in
our souls and reveal our shortcomings and struggles. Everyone has similar
struggles but it's how you handle them that really matters. Playing this
music is almost a release or getaway from the everyday life that can pull you
down. God has provided in so many ways for the band. Micah is the
newest addition to the original 4 members. When we get together for
practices or shows, it gives us all a special time of fellowship just between
brothers in Christ. We're not sure how long He wants us to continue this
ministry but we just place it in His hands. After all, He put us together
in the first place. We look for His guidance and direction for the
band. Because without God, we are just empty vessels with no
purpose."
Dennis: How did you guys become Outcry and
where did you get the name?
Cory: We kind of just decided that it would be something
cool to do at the time. We had no idea that it would be what it is today.
When we first formed our band, we had a couple different ideas for names that
did not sound right. Finally, one day I was reading my Bible and I came
across the word "outcry" and it just stood out to me. I thought
it summed up the type of music that we play into one word. Our music is
our crying out to God to save us from ourselves.
Dennis: I have had you guys in concert and seen you perform a couple times other
than that. Let me just warn any of those people that dont like hardcore to
slowly step back...well maybe run as fast as you can haha. You guys have one of
the most intense hard live shows I have ever seen. Many people hear that and
say, "How can that be Christian?" What is your response to those
people?
Cory: This music is our praise and worship
to God. We feel complete playing this music to God. Besides, what
defines Christian music? Is it the music? I don't think so at all.
Our words are very focused on God and we make it quite evident that we are a
Christian band. Andy does a lot of talking between songs, none of which is
planned out. He explains that what we are doing is just pouring our hearts
out to God. We don't do anything for the show aspect of it. We just
let God lead us in what we say and do.
Dennis: One of the most impressive things
about you guys when you did your show in Poplar Bluff was the acoustic praise
and worship set. The response from the crowd was incredible. How do you guys
decide the ministry aspect of the show?
Cory: Like I said, nothing in our concert
is planned out. We simply let God have His way in us. I have a
praise and worship background and if God tells me that I should play praise and
worship by myself at the end, I will. It's not something that happens
everytime. God's presence was very heavy at the Poplar Bluff concert.
We enjoyed that so much!
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?
Cory: I agree with weighing it out.
You definitely have to be selective though. You should not compromise your
walk with God in it. If it is making you have thoughts that you don't want
to have, you should probably not listen to it. I think music can be a huge
influence on anyone. You have to let God take charge of your mind and
guard your heart.
Dennis: I have your first album and it
seems to be more mystical/gothic. It didnt seem to capture who Outcry is as a
band. Are you guys currently working on a new album?
Cory: I will agree with you on the first
album. We were at a totally different place in our lives when we wrote
that music. It is kind of outdated. We have recorded 3 new songs on
a cd and we will have them at our upcoming concerts. This CD does reflect
our music at the current time. We are an independent band and
unfortunately, we do not have the money to record a full length album right now.
We will see what God has in store for us in the future.
Dennis: One of the kids in our youth group
said he talked to one of you guys and asked about why you seemed so mad on stage
and where the intensity came from. He said one of you guys said it is like you
think about the stupid sins we commit and the pointlessness of not haveing a
full commitment to Christ. He was very touched by that and said he also found
himself getting mad at himself when he felt his spiritual walk falling. What
recomendations would you give to teens now facing the garbage of this modern day
world?
Cory: The things of this world will make
you fall. You will fail at things you never thought you would. There
are people that go through the same things as you. Don't think just
because we are in a band, we are free from sin. We struggle all the time
with the same things you guys do. God is always doing a work in us.
You have to start looking at your sin as something in the past and ask God
for forgiveness. Go from there. God has already forgotten about your
sin so if you have repented, so why should you think about it? Think of it
as a fresh start and seek to embrace God. Try to go deeper than the
surface level of your own understanding of God. Fall in love with God.
Dennis: If there was one band you could
tour with, past or present, who would it be and why?
Cory: Norma Jean all the way. They
have influenced us, not only musically but spiritually also. Their
words are so amazing! We admire them because they make you think about
life. We can't just listen to Norma Jean. It's an experience like no
other.
Dennis: So, you guys have an upcoming show
in our area on June 14 in Bernie, which is listed on our upcoming events page.
Tell the readers why they should attend a show by Outcry? What should they
expect?
Cory: You should come to the concert
because we will put our all into the concert. We always do. God is
doing something amazing in this band and we would like to be able to minister to
you guys. You will not see 5 guys on stage, acting like a band. We
just give everything we have to worship God for about 45 minutes. If you
are not familiar with our style of music, come with an open mind. Don't
shut it out just because it's called "hardcore". Come ready to
worship God in a new way.