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interview with Brad Longmate, shine like stars
August 22, 2003
"Shine Like Stars is a four piece act out of Bentonville, Arkansas. Though difficult to put a finger on who they sound like, Shine Like Stars would definitely fall into the genre of rock. While influences could fill a page, SLS would agree that they sound like a collision of The Cars meets Switchfoot. Expect a high energy, in-your-face rock show laced with a touch of gentle tones that can only be described as worshipful." www.shinelikestars.us
You never know when God will put someone in front of you! My wife and I were in Branson, don't ask, and we went to the IMAX theatre to see the opening night of "Hulk." The movie theatre was packed and my wife decides she wants a soda and popcorn so I realize I am going to have to bother the 50+ people in my row. I notice the guy sitting beside me also being nudged by his wife to go with me. Being the friendly weird person I am, I started asking the guy where they were from and stuff while we waited in the incredibly long line for snacks. He said Arkansas and I probably made some rude comment haha and then went onto the next basic adult question..."What do you do for a living?" He then said he was in a Christian band. It was so awesome and the bond instantly clicked as I realized I was meeting a fellow brother in Christ. He was shocked after I told him about Wise Men Promotions. We went back to our seats like we were great friends on a double date and our wives were cracking up. What I have since found out that this is a very talented and unique band that is from just a few hours away from us. Their hearts and minds are dedicated to serving Christ and reaching teens for his glory!
Dennis: Brad, thanks for taking the time and allowing
us to get to know shine like stars a little better. Tell us a little about
how you guys got together and about the name, shine like stars.
Brad: Yeah no problem . Thanks for wanting to
get to know us better. Tim and I met at work he had just moved from Dallas
. I invited him to my church one Sunday from that day on we had a huge
connection. I found out he was a singer /songwriter and he found out I had
just started messing with guitar. He just started writing some stuff and
we started jamming. Later we brought on Kendra and Casey to keep the low
end going and we have been at it ever since. The name actually comes from
Phillipians 2:14:15
14Do everything without complaining or arguing, 15so that you may become
blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved
generation, in which you SHINE LIKE STARS in the universe
Dennis: Now this is a very serious question...are you ready? Give us
your thoughts on "Hulk" the movie vs. "Hulk" the television
series. Also, lets not tell anyone that you really wanted to see Boxcar
Willie or Yakov Smirnof instead of the movie.
Brad: I have to say (and this is my personal
opinion) that when the Hulk started flying around I knew we were in
trouble. The Hulk cannot fly. I met some cool people at that film
though.
Dennis: Yeah the guy sitting beside me kinda smelled funny though haha.
The movie sucked in my opinion!
Dennis: I noticed you guys are from the home of Wal-Mart, Bentonville, AR.
That is the one common bond for almost everyone that reads this interview, is
that they have a Wal-Mart in their town. Another common bond for most of
the readers will be their desire to have a stronger walk with Christ. What
advice would you give to teens in the world today?
Brad: It would be to not be afraid to be passionate
about what you believe . Surround yourself with other believers that will
lift you up and hold you accountable. I think it is real important that if
you are struggling with a certain area in your life not to struggle alone
Dennis: You guys have a very interesting mix of music on your CD and
notice that your website notes a similarity to even the Cars to Switchfoot.
How would you label your music style and what have been your other influences?
Brad: Ahhh yes "the question" Music
Labels. Everyone loves that . Rock definitely but that's never good
enough for anyone. We call it a post-punk Rock explosion . But that
never really satisfies either. You really have to experience it for
yourself. We are really proud of this record . But the live show is
really where it all makes since. Lately we are totally into Wilco and the
new Ted Leo and the Pharmacist CD. We have been influenced by a ton of
bands that we have stumbled upon or had the chance to play with .
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. What
are your thoughts on the influence of secular music on Christian teens?
Brad: This is the heavy. You'll notice our
list of influences you don' t see too many Christian acts. There can
certainly be an appreciation of the art without necessarily knowing the belief
of the artist. But it is the content that's the issue. What is
filling the space between your ears ? That is extremely important .
Today's culture and in particularly the media is selling to today's youth a
bunch of junk. But there is good music out there made by secular and
Christian artist. I've listened to some things before and made a choice to
shut it off. That was conviction. We have to make that choice with
everything the world hands us.
Dennis: What are the goals of shine like stars in the upcoming years?
Brad: Hopefully Play a WISE MEN promoted show !!!
Keep writing hopefully good material , build the fan base toward world
domination . Make more records and hopefully be able to do this full time
and still be able to eat.
Dennis: HAHA, thanks for the plug. We
are actually working with a church in Poplar Bluff that is opening up a club in
the middle of town so I am sure we will be calling you guys before long!
Dennis: What has been the most meaningful song on your current album?
My favorite is probably, Apology Accepted, because of the incredible straight
forward message telling us to always share about Christ and to never apologize
for doing it.
Brad: That' s cool that you have a favorite.
Thanks . One track that means a whole lot to us is "Heavenly
Dad" . Everyone knows some one that came from or they
themselves have come from a house where the father is gone. It is trying
to show people that the loss is great but that there is a father in heaven that
knew them before they were born and loves them more than they know. It
gives me chills just thinking about that.
Dennis: This is one question I ask in every interview and sometimes find the
answer very interesting. Pillar even said Weird Al so I never know what to
think. If you could pick a band past and present to tour with, who would
it be and why?
Brad: Ok don't laugh ... Past would be Guns N
Roses . Now granted they are not a positive influence at all . But
Slash is the whole reason that the guitar was picked up by me and my boy .
Present ... Probably anyone who was touring and had a cool bus.
Dennis: Hey I was a child of the 80's, I can
appreciate the music quality there!
Dennis: I didn't notice on your website where people can order your CD.
If someone is interested, which they better be, how can they get your CD?
Brad: WWW.CDbaby.com,
WWW.Towerrecords.com. Come out to a
show , Shoot us a mail . We will get it in your hands .
Dennis: Well this is it, your last chance for any shameless plugs, words
of wisdom or rumors about Wal-Mart. I have actually heard that Wal-Mart is
a secret cult that worships those little annoying smiling faces, ok maybe not.
So let us all have it....
Brad: WAL-MART good . . . . Must go to
WAL-MART... Have special prices...
Dennis: Well, Brad, thanks so much for taking
the time with this interview...I suddenly feel the urge to go to Wal-Mart...BYE!