Resurgence » God Worship Music Art Conferences Gospel

1. Has your style of music caused any opposition from the Christian world?

I've been called Satan by Christians (older people for the most part). They don't like my screaming voice, and I've also had plenty of Christians say that God would never work through a metal band because it sounds horrifying. Why can't metal not be used for Jesus? Music was created by God. A musical style doesn't have a soul so the style can't be "Christian" or "Satanic." Just because some people use music a certain way, doesn't mean that it can't be redeemed and used by God. I always tell people to read my lyrics and really look at my life. Bad trees bear bad fruit; good trees bear good fruit.

 

2. What's your favorite song off of your latest album Leveler and why?

I'd have to say the title track, "Leveler;" it's a song about forgiveness. A person who was really close in my life did painful and hurtful things to me and withheld the truth for years. If I hadn't found a relationship with God and been saved by Christ, I would have done the same back to them. God has shown me how to truly forgive this person because of the way he has already forgiven me. I needed to do this for my own heart and also let God love this person through me. I actually fought God about it for a bit. It took a while and it wasn't very easy, but forgiveness did happen.

God has shown me how to truly forgive this person because of the way he has already forgiven me.

 

3. How do you nurture your relationship with God on the road? 

I pray a lot, read the Bible, spend some quality time with my drummer who's also a Christian, listen to Pastor Mark's podcasts, and read a few good books as well. 

 

4. Explain the main temptations that arise while touring around the world and what you do to fight them.

The main temptations for me are alcohol and lust. I had a big problem with porn in the past and would have also considered myself an alcoholic at one point. Touring gives you plenty of both if you want it. Alcohol is all over the place; you can get it whenever you want and however much you want for free. Girls are also all over the place practically throwing themselves at band guys all the time. The band is a family, but the road isn't your friend. 

I have my drummer, Matt Greiner, to hold me accountable. We have some of the strongest accountability I know. He's a great guy and truly my best friend. We break things down and go into detail about what we are struggling with. We pray together, pray for one another, and talk about where we're at with our walks with Christ.

 

5. What other things are you involved with outside of August Burns Red?

I felt like God was calling me to start an online community where people can talk about certain issues that might be difficult to talk about. I also knew I wanted to strengthen and encourage these people. Out of that, my fiancée and I formed Heart Support which brings words of encouragement, hope, and the gospel to those who visit. It's a place to share your own testimonies and stories and hear of others overcoming struggles and addictions. We want to show everyone that we're all broken and have our own issues. With Christ as our foundation and cornerstone, we can speak of how much God loves us and how Jesus has saved and brought us true life. It's a place to have community and to be heard. 

Honestly if I hadn't found Christ, I'd be dead. I wanted to commit suicide before meeting Jesus.

 

6. How do you stay involved in your local church?

Whenever I'm home I go to church in Connecticut on Sundays, and then on Wednesday nights, I go to a youth thing called "Merge." We spend a lot of the time worshiping through music which restores and cleanses me when I get off the road. Unfortunately, it's hard having a real home church because I am constantly moving around. I have a home in South Carolina, my fiancée's in Connecticut, my band's in Pennsylvania, my dad's in North Carolina, and my sister's in Virginia. So I'm always moving around to all these different places. 

 

7. If you were not in August Burns Red, what would you be doing?

I have no idea... I met God when I was painting apartments in South Carolina, doing handyman work, drinking everyday, and partying. Honestly if I hadn't found Christ, I'd be dead. I wanted to commit suicide before meeting Jesus. Christ was my last resort; I thought if he didn't want me then it didn't matter if I killed myself. If there wasn't a Jesus, then there wasn't a hell. Praise God Jesus sought me.

 

 

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