Isaac, who is in the band Braveheart, has been helping us out here at HXC Christian.com and put together this interview with Beyond Our Strength. The band is a 4 piece with a classic hardcore style, their sound is reminisce of the old school hardcore bands of days gone by, and their lyrics hit home. I think this is a band to keep your eyes on, so read about Beyond our Strength and find out what these up-and-comers are up to. Be sure to support the band and go to their shows!
Band Name: Beyond Our Strength
Genre: Hardcore
Location: Coachella Valley, CA
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/beyondourstrength
Q: How long has Beyond Our Strength been playing together, how did you get together?
A: We first got together in March when Jed and Jimmy had been talking about starting a band. Francis and Jed are brothers and Jed called Torin to ask if he wanted to collaborate one day and that’s how it got started.
Q: Where did the name Beyond Our Strength come from?
A: I Corinthians 10:13 “No temptation has seized you except what is common to man. And God is faithful; he will not let you be tempted beyond what you can bear. But when you are tempted, he will also provide a way out so that you can stand up under it.”
Q: What does everyone in the band do when they are not playing?
A: We all go to school, Jed and Torin work and Francis has wrestling now (he’s also trying to get through high school).
Q: What are some of the bands and things that influence Beyond Our Strength, and what usually goes into the writing process?
A: Of course Jesus Christ but also bands like Verse, Have Heart, xAll Your Mightx, and If Tomorrow Never Comes. Writing really just comes from the heart and knowledge of the bible. I know a lot of Christian bands will get into the bible and write a song on a specific verse or something but I mean I just feel more comfortable going off of what I already know.
Q: What part does faith and the Word play in your music? Do you consider yourselves just a Christian band, or more ministry?
A: Well the Word is displayed in our lyrics and when we play a show we’re there to have fun but I mean off stage we consider ourselves more of a ministry and reflection of our own faith.
Q: Anyone ever give the band a hard time for being Christian, whether from in, or outside of the church? I know personally that sometimes people in the church can be the harshest critics when it comes to heavier, Christian music.
A: We actually haven’t really gotten anything about being a Christian band.
Q: What messages do you try to convey through your music?
A: That no matter where you are in your life, there are people, and a God who care about you.
Q: What are some of the other bands that Beyond Our Strength has played with?
A: Grave Maker, Call To Preserve, Braveheart, The Great Commission, A Better Hope Foundation, Time For Change, OnexChoice, Every Second Counts, Desisions, xAll Your Mightx and If Tomorrow Never Comes are a few to name.
Q: What have been some of the most memorable and influential moments as a band?
A: Hanging out with all our friends at a Del Taco or something after a show.
Q: What are future plans for the band? Any plans on a new CD or tour?
A: Well….We’re going to be on a compilation disc from Quickstar Productions called Unified By Grace and we hope to be able to go on a summer tour.
Q: You guys have a pretty solid scene in your area. I know when we played out there everyone seemed really posi and there was a sense of togetherness. What are your thoughts on the hardcore scene today, especially the Christian scene?
A: The hardcore scene today is like no other, it kind of seems to be on a roller coaster ride but it’s always a lot of fun. Christian hardcore bands are a rarity but it seems more are coming around lately.
Q: If you could give the scene one message, what would it be?
A: “The only time you look down on someone is when you’re picking them up” -Leo…XXX (xAll Your Mightx)
Q: Anything you want to add, or random thoughts, or anything?
A: Visit www.tomsshoes.com, and we’re stepping out on one foot and need some support so hit us up for shows if you need another band or want a good reason to spend four bones on a demo.
Thanks a ton Isaac! Great job with the interview! God bless everyone for reading this blog! He has blessed me and can bless you to!
