Band Name: Gaining Ground
Music Style: Punk
Location (Home Base): Lakeland, GA
Myspace: www.myspace.com/gaininggroundhc

Q: When did Gaining Ground form as a band? When and how did the band form?

A: Gaining Ground formed about 6 months ago, myself (Cobie) and Lucas our bassist had been in a band previous to this, and wanted to start something new and fun, we had a hard time getting everything going because we were really wanting to have members with the same vision, and we wanted sincerity in our band, having everyone be sold out to Christ, but God is faithful and he has really started moving in our ministry.

Q: What is the significance of the name Gaining Ground?

A: I came up with the name Gaining Ground when I was really going through a lot in my life. I really started seeking the Lord out, and just seeking His will for my life. I began to just realize when I put my entire trust in the hands of Christ, He really started working in me and through me, He allowed me to gain a lot of ground (lol) when I just focused on Him completely.

Q: What does everyone in the band do when they are not playing?

A: Nick and Lucas go to school at local colleges, and I work at a cabinet shop in town.

Q: Gaining Ground is out of Lakeland (Florida I am assuming), how is the punk/hardcore scene there?

A: haha, were actually in a town called Lakeland GA. You know where Atlanta is I’m sure…well it’s nowhere near that lol.
We’re in the deep South, right above the Florida line, but anyways the scene around here is growing, all the shows are usually in a town like 15 minutes away called Valdosta. I would say the scene is pretty young but it’s positive.

Q: What bands have influenced Gaining Ground’s sound?

A: I would say a lot of different things. I personally listen to stuff like H2O, The Red Baron, New Found Glory, The Glorious Unseen, Explosions In The Sky. Nick is really into stuff like Sleeping Giant, Minor Threat, Four Year Strong and Owl City and Lucas likes everything from Seventh Star to Norah Jones lol!

Q: What bands have Gaining Ground played with? Who are most enjoyable?

A: Like I said were fairly new, but we really enjoyed playing with a band from Cleveland GA called Thaddeus who were really fun and posi.

Q: I noticed that you guys have Blood & Ink Records in your top friends on your myspace page, are you signing with the label?

A: We would really love to, we are planning on sending them a package asap well keep you updated, but nothing as of yet.

Q: Do you have an album or EP out now? If not, any future plans to put out a full length album? How can someone get a hold of the material you currently have?

A: We’re actually finishing up our EP, its got 7 songs on it and it’ll be up for sale online very soon through paypal. We also have shirts that I printed that will be up for sale soon. :]

Q: Gaining Ground doesn’t hide the fact that it is a Christian punk band, anyone at shows or anywhere else ever give the band a hard time about that?

A: Somewhat, but nothing to harsh, we’ve had people make the comment that they enjoyed us minus the “preaching”
what I say to that is, that is what Gaining Ground is about period. Proclaiming the gospel of Christ is the most important part of our set and I will never let a show go by without me giving Christ all the honor and praise. Christ has called us to be salt and light (Matt 5:13-16) and that’s what this band wants to be.

Q: Ever had kids/people come to you after a show to discuss Jesus Christ?

A: I’ve had kids come up and say that what I said was encouraging to them and blessed them. That’s what it’s all about to us man. Lifting the name of Christ up, and lifting people up. I pray that my lyrics and the words I speak from the stage touch the hearts of those around.

Q: Where in the bible does the band draw most of its influence?

A: I’m really into Galatians and James.specifically 1 James. I try to live that out in my life, Matthew 5 for sure, and we’re all about Romans 1:16.

Q: Is Gaining Ground a ministry? If yes, why do you consider it a ministry?

A: YES! That’s what we’re all about, proclaiming Christ where ever we play, we are here for the sole purpose of telling people that freedom comes in Christ alone, we really long to connect with kids on and off the stage, we’re not a band that when we get off the stage, our lifestyles change. Our faith is the most important thing in the world to us and we want to show the love of Jesus Christ through not only our words but our actions as well.

Q: Does the band talk about Christ when playing live?

A: It’s our number 1 priority. If we ever stop proclaiming His name, then I don’t want to be a part of it. God has not called us to be silent. I honestly don’t think I could keep silent! God has done so much in me, things He has brought me through, things He has shown me, I want people to know that God is real, I know from experience and that He longs for a personal, and intimate relationship, He’s not some distant God, He will draw near to you.

Q: What are the future plans for the band?

A: We want to play as many shows as we can, and just be in the center of God’s will for us. We would love all the things such as a record deal etc, but we really are just here to make music that praises God and encourages people.

Q: Any chances we will see you on tour?

A: We’re praying and working on possibly a spring tour. April-ish we’re hoping :]

Q: If you could give a message to the punk/hardcore scene, what would it be?

A: Something that has been on my heart to talk about is all these different trends in the scene. Mainly the “God free trend,” the thing is, a lot of those kids who claim to be God free now use to claim Christ at one point or another. I want people to know that faith in Christ is not a trend. my faith is here to stay. I think so many people get stuck on labels whether it be edge, or God free or God filled or even things such as Baptist/Methodist/Catholic etc. When people see me or talk about me, I don’t want them to say hey, Cobie is a Baptist or Cobie is a Methodist or God filled etc. I want them to say that Cobie loves Jesus Christ with all his heart. That’s it. that would be my message to the scene, it’s not a trend.

Q: Any shout outs or anything else you want to share, feel free!

A: We just want to thank Christ for everything He has done, and will do, and we want to thank you brother for being interested in us.