On July 15th I conducted an interview with Adam Wood, so here it is! It's a bit long, but it's great so enjoy!
RAVE*N: So please state your name, age, and where you were born/raised so we can get the basics.
Adam: Adam Wood. I'm 16 years old. I was born in Danville, Illinois and raised in Hoopeston, llinois ... The Sweetcorn Capitol of the World!
RAVE*N: So what are your hobbies? Any intrests?
Adam: Hobbies ... wow ... that's a crazy question. Ya know ... I've never actually thought of anything I do as a hobby ... as weird as that sounds. I guess golf could possibly be one. Then there's always what I do
... the music thing. I'm singing most of the day anymore, and I've played drums since I was five years old ... and guitar for five years.
Adam: I also definately enjoy hangin' out with my buds in my spare time ... and going to church ... they're both so refreshing ...
RAVE*N: Wow! You do a lot more than I do! :-)
Adam: and they put your spirit in the right spot.
RAVE*N: That's always a good thing. My friends are just crazy. :-)
Adam: AND ...
Adam: I love doing interviews ... such as this one .. for the fine people at RAVE*N.
RAVE*N: Awwww, and we love interviewing sweet people like yourself for RAVE*N! :-)
RAVE*N: If you had to compare your music so someone, who would you compare it to?
Adam: *whipes a tear from his eye*
RAVE*N: *hands Adam a tissue*
Adam: thank you ...
RAVE*N: No problem. Just don't blow your nose on me. :-)
Adam: I'd definately compare my music to Geoff Moore (and the Distance)
Adam: I'll try to keep myself under control.
RAVE*N: Thank you. :-)
Adam: Anytime ..
RAVE*N: For the folks who don't know who Geoff Moore is, how would describe your sound?
Adam: Who doesn't know Geoff Moore? lol .. well, lets see ...
Adam: It's mostly acoustic based any more ..
RAVE*N: Is it more pop or more rock?
Adam: When I was with the band full time, it was more of a poppy .. rock kinda sound. With an occassional acoustic ballad.
Adam: I think at this point .. it's more of a pop
Adam: I'm experimenting with writing some more rock based music ... but right now, I'm going back to the ol' acoustic roots ...
RAVE*N: Awesome! You'll have to get me a sound clip for RAVE*N! :-)
Adam: I just want to do simple songs, to get my point across and share the gospel.
Adam: Definately ... the cd will be done within' the next couple months .. after 2 years in planning .. it's finally happening!
RAVE*N: Will the album be a solo project or with the band?
Adam: Ya know ... at this point ... I'm really not sure. I'm leaning more towards the solo thing ... just because there are more opportunities. Also, if I do the band thing .. I would have to take the band back out full time. People will just expect to hear them .. I just don't feel that's a necessity at this point.
RAVE*N: That's a good decision.
RAVE*N: So why did you want to start a band and when?
Adam: Gosh ... it's been, a few years actually. I think I was 11 ... I started getting into Christian music. That came about at such a weird time in my life, and it came about in a sense as to feel that it was natural .... it felt like it was a part of me. God was telling me "This is you ... now go." It was then that I started learning who I was ... and what I was. It's a great thing ... it still boggles me to think that God .. the person who created us all ... would chose someone like ME to do something for him.
I'm tremendously greatful for that and I praise him for it.
RAVE*N: Why wouldn't he pick you?
Adam: Well .. you know .. there are a lot of people in the world. Well ... yeah, more than 5 ... so that's alot. He could have chosen so many other people to do what I do .. but it was me. And to put me in a place
that seems so natural .. it's just all so amazing. He's allowed me to spread his word to others. I mean ... wow .. Jesus had that job! I don't
know ... it's just amazing
RAVE*N: He picked a good person.
Adam: Well, thanks! I just hope I meet his standards!
RAVE*N: I'm sure you've already gone above and beyond!
Adam: That would be a wonderful accomplishment.
RAVE*N: I'm sure he knows what you're capable of and that you are the kind of person he wants to carry out his will.
Adam: Yup ... he's got it all planned out!
RAVE*N: Definately! :-)
Adam: I hope you have LOTS more questions :)
RAVE*N: Nothing less for you! :-)
RAVE*N: So Adam, buddy, what made you go solo?
Adam: Well ... everything in my career ... in my life, for that matter ... is based on what I think God wants for me. I had about a year's experience at the beggining of my carrerr with me and my guitar. When I got the band .. everything went SO well at the beggining ... and it was all still going well ... but I felt a restlessness. I felt that God wanted me
to simplify my life .. somehow! I started taking walks, with my mind as well as my feet. And I started to pray about it. It felt like God was telling me that the band wasn't the right thing to do now ... that I didn't have enough time to devote to others ... so I could reach into their hearts and place the seed. So, I felt that I needed to let some things go .. step out of the so called "limelight" that I was in. So, I talked with the guys in Another Zone and said "ok ... God's talking ..." We all felt this was
the right decission ... and now I've got so many more opportunites ...
Adam: I can spend more time with the people at shows ... I can get to know them more ... instead of focusing on "ok ... this has to be a great show!" No .. that can't be how it is ... Now .. it's more than just the music ... it's more about the love of Jesus and God's call. I feel I'm able to fullfill that to a fuller extent now ... and I can hear God more clearly. ALSO ... (last thing, I promise) I have been doing some writing in book form now .. which is a really strange thing for me ... cause I can't stand
reading .. but hear I am ... tourchering people with literature .. anyway, yeah ... things are good at this point.
Adam: *tries to catch his breath*
RAVE*N: Wow, so we might be seeing a book from you?
Adam: That is A) If it's good enough ... and B) I can get a company that will publish it
Adam: BUT ... keep your eyes open!
RAVE*N: What kind of stuff are you writing about?
RAVE*N: I'll tape my eyelids open. :-)
Adam: It's basically some encouragement for others my age. It's tough to be a teen ... especially with so many friends ... and in this crazy world these days. (I'm not knocking the adults .. you guys go far beyond the call of duty) I just want teens to realize ... it's cool to be a Christian. It's not dull and dreary .. believe it or not ... Jesus was pretty cool.
Adam: And I want them to realize that you have to sometimes make a "fool" of yourself in front of the world to be able to fullfill God's wishes
Adam: Which takes a LOT of encouragement
RAVE*N: Oh amen to that brother! Preach it! I'm struggling through that myself. Being part of the "in crowd" or standing up for what you believe in. Send me a copy! But luckily some of the girls think that I'm cool just for standing up for myself. And it is not easy. I had to swallow my pride.
Adam: Yeah ... that happens all too often. Check out the book of 1 Corinthians. The whole book is great ... but the passage that caught my eye was chapter 3, verses 18-19. "Do not decieve yourselves. If any one of you thinks he is wise by the standards of this age ... he should become a 'fool' so that he may become wise. For the wisdom of the world is foolishness in God's sight." So get out there ... step out on a limb. If they laugh ... oh well, they'll get over it. If they're really your friends ... they won't laugh ... and you may be able to encourage THEM.
RAVE*N: Wow, thanks for the insight. I think that helped a lot of us. :-)Sometimes people are just following the flow of things and they are afraid to fight the current. And sometimes to build courrage you do have to become a fool. So thanks for that little lesson Adam! :-)
Adam: Anytime ... but, thank God for it ... it was HIS lesson ... :)
Adam: I've just put it in a simpler form
Adam: Sometimes ... *I* don't even understand that guy!
RAVE*N: Ha ha, that's the truth. But it's great when you can find people to explain it for you.
Adam: I agree ... It's sometimes weird ... people will explain stuff to me .. and I'm like ... how did you get THAT ... from THAT
RAVE*N: Just like me in math brother. :-)
RAVE*N: Okay, wow, back to the subject. :-) Do you have any musical inspirations?
Adam: I think a lot of the lessons in the Bible are simple ... but there's a good chunk of the Bible that is more difficult ... so people think they have to have perseptive thinking ... but it's so simple.
Adam: Musical inspirations ... you mean like Geoff Moore *grin*
Adam: yeah .. him, um, DC Talk, The Hollow (go cousin Rob!), and believe it or not, The Who, The Beatles, Tom Petty, and the more recent Elton John.
RAVE*N: Ha ha yeah. Why are they a musical nspiration? How have they impacted your life?
RAVE*N: *cheers for the hollow! Yeah!*
Adam: Well ... I've met Geoff several times ... I think we know each other pretty well by now. And he's been a real encouragement to me. Verbally, not just musically. He really lives the life. I think that great ... and he has a way of connecting with his audience on stage. I hope to be able to adopt that characteristic ..
Adam: As for the others ... it's just plain good music :)
Adam: Especially The Hollow *grin*
RAVE*N: Ha ha, cheers to that!
RAVE*N: It's always good to have someone like that to influence and support you. The Hollow's my musical inspiration in case you wanted to know. :-)
Adam: Yeah. I haven't actually known about the Hollow for too long. A couple months ..
RAVE*N: More than I have. Since march! :-) But they have written on so many blank pages in my book of life I could outrun the encyclopedia britanica people! :-)
Adam: I found out that Rob was going to marry my cousin. Then I learned what Robert did ... I was totally in shock ... so I had to hook up with him. The first time I met him was at his bachelor party the night before his wedding .. my family and I drove out to see it. (I won't say anything more about the party ... for Rob's sake *grin*) I just got back
from a visit to California. I played a few shows with The Hollow .. it was an amazing time. They're a great bunch of guys
Adam: Heh, I've only know about them since April :)
Adam: so ... you've known 'em longer than me :)
RAVE*N: Wow! That's funny! :-) I've known about them longer than you and you're the lead singer's cousin! :-) No offence. :-)
Adam: hehe ... I know ... I find it ammusing too!
Adam: of course ... I find a lot of things funny
RAVE*N: Let's all laugh! :-)
Adam: *shrug* I'm a weird guy!
Adam: HAHA
RAVE*N: HA HA! :-)
Adam: ok ... that was great
Adam: :)
RAVE*N: Okay that was fun. :-)
RAVE*N: Okay, so who are your personal inspirations? Or who do you look up to? *not musically*
Adam: All these people questions ... there are so many of them ... I look up to a lot of people ... my dad for one ... he's an amazing man. I know ... we disagree more times than none .. but he does what's right ... he's doing a great job. And then there's my brother ... what a great guy. We have a real brother relationship ... arguments and all haha. And of
course my mom ...one of the great females ... and she's accomplished something I never thought I'd see her do ... she works at a hardware store ... wow .. way to go mom!
RAVE*N: Ha ha! Wow! That's great that you're close with your family.
RAVE*N: *sorry for all the people questions, it's just the way it goes.* :-)
Adam: Hey, it's cool ... it just takes me a minute ... cause I hate to leave people out of "people lists"
Adam: That's why I'm dreading the "Thank You's" on the album
RAVE*N: Ha ha! Wait till you get the Grammy's! A minute to thank EVERYONE! :-) I'm gonna enjoy watching that! :-)
RAVE*N: And of course you can't forget me when you write those thank yous. :-) j/k
Adam: Wow ... the Grammy's ... that never even crossed my mind lol
Adam: of course not
RAVE*N: Well it's not totally out of the picture! :-)
RAVE*N: Aww, *sniff* I think I'm gonna cry! :-)
Adam: *hands you my used tissue*
Adam: It's all I've got near
RAVE*N: Ewww, it's all squishy! But it's the thought that counts. But I've got my own box right here. :-) Thanks anyway!
Adam: Anytime
Adam: Some people offer the shirt off their backs .... I offer used tissue
RAVE*N: Adam Wood ladies and gentlemen, always thoughful. :-)
Adam: haha
RAVE*N: What kind of music do you like to listen to you?
Adam: Well .. when I've got time to actully sit down and listen ... Christian rock is a good choice ... I've also been listening to a lot of classic rock.
RAVE*N: Really? Like who?
Adam: The Who, The Beatles (Go Ringo!) ... stuff like that. Great music!
RAVE*N: Awesome! hey, if you ever meet Skillet put in the good word for me! *and get me backstage passes! dude!*
Adam: haha .. I'll try :)
RAVE*N: Awesome. :-)
RAVE*N: Hee hee, now my favorite interview question!
Adam: oh boy ...
RAVE*N: If you were stranded on a desert island what 5 things would you bring aside from the normal food, water, tent necessities?
Adam: ouch ..
Adam: Well ... my guitar, my Bible, a telephone, a radio, and ... a computer hooked up to the internet.
RAVE*N: Why?
Adam: I'd be bored outta my mind!
RAVE*N: Ha ha, yeah me too. :-)
Adam: Fortunately ...
Adam: If I brought a telephone ... I wouldn't be stranded too long ... cause they could trace the call and find me!
RAVE*N: Whats the fun of that??
RAVE*N: Oh, and if that ever does happen, never read Lord of the Flies. *shudders* that book is creepy.
Adam: Fun... how fun can it be by yourself on an island haha
RAVE*N: I dunno. :-)
Adam: Before we end this ... I want to throw a little credit out to a couple people ...
RAVE*N: Go right ahead! :-)
Adam: Trent Lockhart first off, and most of all. There aren't many things I can say to describe my thanks buddy. You've been there ... you've
listened to me ... you've showed me how to get where I need to be. You're a great guy bro! Keep it up, and I'll see you soon.
Adam: And of course, Scott Oyer and his wonderful family. What great people. They've taken me in on several occassions to teach me many lessons. It's great to know such great people. Scott's been playing guitar for me for a little over a year ... he's a great guy and a wonderul man of God. Thanks man! I can't wait to see what lies in the long journey ahead.
RAVE*N: So do yo want to ask yourself any questions? :-)
Adam: Adam, What's it like to be you?
RAVE*N: Yes, inquiring minds want to know.
Adam: Well, Adam, it's often confusing ... I many times don't understand myself ... and the sudden outbursts of laughter and wackiness are, to say the least, pretty strange. Hey ... it's great to be you, Adam!
Adam: Yeah, Adam, it's great to be you too!
RAVE*N: But it's better to be me adam. :-)
Adam: wait .. now I'm confused ...
Adam: how's about you ask the ol' favorite color type questions ...
RAVE*N: Adam, I can't stand Adam, adam is not like adam, he's like Adam!
RAVE*N: Confused yet? j/k :-)
Adam: By the way .... I would just like to add ... that Sprite ... is the best drink in the world ... if anyone who is reading this would like to send me a case ... you can email our great interviewer and get an adress to send it to!
RAVE*N: Yeah, but send Coke too as payment to the interviewer. Or Starbuck's frappachinos. Then Adam has to give ME the address! :-)
Adam: oh ... right, right!
RAVE*N: Duh! :-)
RAVE*N: And a complimentary frappachino. :-)
Adam: hmm ... how about those other questions *grin*
RAVE*N: What's your favorite color?
RAVE*N: And why? Answer in paragraph form. :-)
Adam: Blue ... any shade really, preferably a lighter shade ... but if it's blue ... it's for you!
RAVE*N: I like pink. But as long as you're offering! :-)
Adam: What ... wait, hold on ... I just spaced out ... did I miss my interview? Are the people still listening and watching?
RAVE*N: Yeah, you're late, the show's over. They already won the million dollars and the live audiance went home. :-)
Adam: Aw, well .. ok, I guess. I can't believe I missed it!
RAVE*N: That's what happens when you throw your alarm clock out the window the day before! :-) No more sleeping in!
Adam: Yeah, I tell you what!
Adam: It's crazy I tell ya
RAVE*N: No kidding! :-)
Adam: OH... and I'd like a Superman shirt too people!
Adam: or Batman ... either one!
RAVE*N: I have one! It's black and the logo is siver! It's all sparkeldy and perdy! :-)
RAVE*N: Well thanks for coming and talking with us tonight! It was a blast!
Adam: Yeah! Thanks alot for having me. I had a lot of fun. I hope you guys enjoy the cd when it comes out ... it's taking a lot of work. God bless you guys! Thanks alot!
RAVE*N: Thanks Adam!
