As we left the Smalltown Poets with the release of their self-titled debut album, the quartet comprised of frontman and rhythm guitarist Michael Johnston, bassist Miguel DeJesus, guitarist Kevin Breuner, and drummer Nate Blackstone, the band was "riding off, into the sunset..." The album went on to sell over 100,000 copies and was the fastest selling debut release in the history of ForeFront Records. It was a debut that would continue to bestow accolades upon the band, including a 1997 Billboard Music Video Award for "Best Video Clip by a New Christian Artist," a Grammy nomination for "Christian Rock Album of the Year" and three Dove nominations including "New Artist of the Year," "Modern Rock/Alternative Album," and "Short Form Music Video" for "Prophet, Priest and King." Today, a year and a half later, the Smalltown Poets ask for your ears once again as they present their follow up release, Listen Closely.
The tremendous success of their debut release left the band feeling "a bit overwhelmed, yet very gracious" to all who supported them. "The past year has been like an on-the-job training session: traveling, in-store appearances, building relationships with folks who have supported us from television outlets to radio stations to merchandisers to the fans. It was an absolutely incredible experience," says lead singer Michael Johnston.
In preparing for Listen Closely, the band decided to try something different - they chose a collaborative effort for writing their music. Previously, Michael had been the poetic core of the band, the writer of the musical poetry. "It became obvious early in the writing process that we as a band had really grown a lot over the past year and a half," says Johnston. Agrees Breuner, "We wrote more as a band this time around and found the process more challenging. Learning to compromise, to step back, to stick to your guns, and to be open to input or feedback - there's a joy in the wisdom of knowing things could be better and that it takes time to strike a balance."
While determining the necessary elements for their newfound creative process, the Smalltown Poets along with producer John Hampton (Gin Blossoms, Audio Adrenaline), developed a lyrical recipe, drawing from experience, emotion and the love of being a Christian. The purity within their songwriting paves the way for true lyrical representations filled with superb imagery, bringing to life their ever-impressive hooks.
Throughout Listen Closely are lyrics in which everyone can relate. "Hold It Up To The Light" provides guidance and comfort to those looking for answers to the questions of their purpose, while "48 States" toys with rich images and experiences of life on the road, "Garland of Grace" enables one to understand the wisdom that comes to those who truly listen, and "There Is Only You" acknowledges the temptations we face and reminds us of the obedience we adhere to in being Christians. Influences from a variety of pop, rock, and alternative musicians, as well as fellow Contemporary Christian artists are evident. From the infectious, rhythmic grooves of Toad the Wet Sprocket on "Call Me Christian" to the very Beatle-esque feel of the chorus on "There Is Only You" to the Gin Blossoms' sound on "Gloria" to the slower, more soothing pace of strings on "Long, Long Way," Listen Closely is a musical spectrum of well-crafted poetry.
In the true essence of a great poet, the band has been able to touch people in many ways; lyrically, inspirationally and personally. World Vision is a relief organization that the Smalltown Poets are quite passionate about. They are incredibly proud of their partnership with the organization that has afforded them the opportunity to try and help those in need. "Children’s issues are so close to our hearts, and World Vision believes in child advocacy a great deal. Working with them allows us to act as servants, to do what Christ asked us, and that is to love others. When you’re providing for underprivileged kids, you can’t help but know that those efforts are making a difference somewhere, if not everywhere, in the world," says DeJesus. The album artwork for Listen Closely drives home the significant impact that the hopes and needs of children has had on the band. The images within the album package are actual pictures of young orphan boys from the Tolly Gunge Boys Home, an Assembly of God project, in Calcutta, India. The Poets hope the imaging will provoke thought, bring awareness and reach out to others.
A continuing priority for the Smalltown Poets is to tour with a vengeance, playing to more people in the coming year and exceeding the 76,335 miles they have already logged. In support of their new album comes the 160-city "Listen Closely World Tour," kicking off in mid-January of 1999, covering over 20 countries in fourteen months.
"Listen Closely is a natural progression for us, both musically and spiritually. From the beginning, we felt God put this music into our hearts and that His intention is for us to reach as many people outside of our comfort zone as we can with our music," concludes Johnston.
Discography
Go to Smalltown Poets' website
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