The four young men who comprise the compelling new Christian modern rock group According to John seem like ordinary American youth. With the exception of an earring or two, standard gear for today's musicians, they somehow elude the status trappings of the typical rock ensemble. They are four guys from Georgia on a spiritual mission.
When the amplifiers are plugged in, they plug into their power - the spiritual power that drives these talented musicians on their mission to offer hope to a hopeless world. The results are intense: expressive, imagery-rich songs that provoke the mind, elevate the heart and stir the soul.
John Waller of Fayetteville, GA, is the lead singer and catalyst of the group. Jeff Biles, the drummer is also from Fayetteville. Ed Bunton, bassist, is from Lawrenceville, GA, and lead guitarist Jason Hoard of Griffin, GA, is the newest and youngest member.
According to John counts as its collective musical influences some of folk and rock music's most trend-setting acts. They present the skillful story telling lyrical artistry of Peter, Paul & Mary, the intensity of The Doors, the close harmonies of Crosby, Stills & Nash, and the rock edge of Tonic. They also consider Steven Curtis Chapman, Steve Camp, Russ Taff and PFR as early influences. Sound wild? It is, but if you're expecting a carbon copy of any of these artists, go somewhere else.
Waller, Biles, Bunton and Hoard each contribute to the music and the ministry in their own way, style and technique. The result is a synergistic, refreshingly original and penetrating message, wrapped in mood-enhancing arrangements and brilliant musicianship. On the group's KMG Records debut, A2J, they team up with producer Billy Smiley for a project that hits with the impact of a bolt of lightning.
"These songs are all about hope," explains Waller "Everlasting" is about hope for eternity. 'Marquee Graveyard' is for restoration. 'Remedy' celebrates hope for victory in the daily battle between the flesh and spirit. Jesus is hope. We are nothing without Him. No matter how good we think we are, we have no hope or purpose without Jesus."
While some lyrical contributions came from Biles,Waller and long time co-writer Scott Johnson account for most of the lyrics on this project. "The cool thing about the lyrics," says Biles, "is that John and Scott write about real things that they are learning and going through. They don't just dream up catchy hooks to try to crank out radio songs." Waller agrees, "We want the songs to always be 'life-stuff."' The critics agree that Waller is one of Christian music's most promising new writers. He is three-time winner of the Babbie Mason Regional Songwriting Competition, including a win of the Grand Prize - a trip to Estes Park where he won 1st Place in the contemporary rock category.
After years of performing as a solo artist, Waller began putting together a band, John came to my church to sing when I was in the youth group," recalls Biles of their first meeting. "That's right," Waller said, "I was singing in area churches, doing a solo thing. I met Jeff about seven years ago, and he started doing sound for me. He started playing the drums, and we began praying about putting a band together."
The pair auditioned for the First Baptist Church of Woodstock, GA, youth evangelism outreach program known as "Big House." "When we showed up," remembers Biles with an embarrassed grin, "there were about forty kids there. The guitars were out of tune, and we were really awful! But the student pastor, Jeff Chandler, saw our hearts and I guess some potential, and gave us a shot as the house band." For two years they spent Wednesday nights with the youth in Woodstock, then Sunday nights with the youth of the church they have since called home, New Hope Baptist Church in Fayetteville. They added Bunton during that time, developing material and perfecting their craft. It wasn’t long before they were in great demand throughout the entire southeast region.
About a year and a half ago, the final member, string virtuoso Jason Hoard (if it has strings, he can play it!), came on board, and According to John was complete. According to John was not a name chosen lightly. "John is the 'Gospel of Love,"' says Waller. "If we have a theme song on this project, it is 'Everlasting' John 3:16). I recorded it years ago, but wanted to have it on this album because it is about the intimacy that God desires to have with us all. We want to have, and communicate that it is possible to have, a close, authentic relationship with Jesus like John did. That's why we dive into the Gospel 'According to John."'
Waller sums it up. "It's about stewardship. There's a holy urgency and joy in just doing what God wants us to do with what He gives us." Once you hear According to John, you will agree that it is a mantle that fits them very well.
Discography
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