The members of new Ardent/ForeFront band Satellite Soul grew up along Tornado Alley, that swath of prairie land where fierce twisters annually convert mobile home parks into scrap metal. But these guys are Midwesterners, Kansans, and Christians. It takes a lot more than a funnel cloud to darken their spirits, as can easily be heard on the band's sunny self-titled Ardent/ForeFront debut album. In its ten tracks, Satellite Soul weaves a highly melodic rootsy sound with a cutting edge message of hope and deliverance, pointing to a new direction in American rock. For the record, let it be said that, despite lingering myths about Kansas, the members of Satellite Soul are not overall-wearin', tractor-drivin', wheat-farmin' hayseeds. Lead singer/songwriter Tim Suttle was, until fairly recently, a graduate student in Microbiology at Kansas State University, while lead guitarist/songwriter Rustin Smith was a promising classical guitar master-turned-seminarian with an eye on a church pulpit. All that changed when Tim and Rustin met two years ago at a church concert. That day cemented not only an enduring friendship, but a musical partnership that gave rise to Satellite Soul.
Recorded at the famed Ardent Studios in Memphis, the band's new album was a true labor of love. Co-producers Skidd Mills (Gin Blossoms, ZZ Top) and Paul Ebersold (Sister Hazel) captured with apparent ease Satellite Soul's expansive musical vision, thanks in part to Ardent's treasure trove of gear. "It was like the promised land down there," remembers Rustin. "Vintage amps, instruments, effects, a huge arsenal of components to make real quality sounds. We were like kids in a candy store." That explains the band's meticulous listing of instruments and other equipment used on each track in the album's liner notes.
Of course, all the hardware in the world means nothing without good songs, and that's what Satellite Soul is all about. Some observers may compare them to the Byrds, the Wallflowers, or Neil Young, but Satellite Soul have fashioned their own approach in terms of both music and message. "We say, 'Stop playing games and start being what you're supposed to be in this world,'" says Tim. "The people we identify with are those messed up with sin. In a way, that's a great place to be because if you can be honest about your own sin, you can begin to be honest with those around you and have an impact on them."
That kind of insight laces the new album with a feel for God's grace and sovereignty. Songs like "He Can" (which takes the point of view of a contemporary of Christ, wondering just what this remarkable man is all about), the upbeat "Fool," and the acoustic-flavored waltz "Pieces" all address the need to be obedient to God, to appreciate His blessings, and to find a place in His plan. Says Rustin, "The song 'Fool' comes from 1 Corinthians, where it says it's OK to be seen as a fool in the eyes of the world for the sake of the Gospel." The taut rocker "Wash My Fears Away" was written directly to young listeners who may be hurting. "You may feel afraid and confused about life," says Tim, "but knowing you have the love of God can make everything OK. Sometimes, that's all you've got."
"Never," with its Rickenbacker guitar obligato, reminds us that faith relieves a crushing emptiness, while the upbeat rocker "Say I Am," with its irresistible "Hang On Sloopy"-like guitar part, offers surrender to God's healing power. "Maybe" depicts a dark night of the soul, looking heavenward for strength, while "Eaual To The Fall" celebrates God's abundant majesty n the natural world. Throughout, Satellite Soul decorate their tracks with lovely musical brushstrokes, drawing on harmonica, hammer dulcimer, Hammond B3 organ, and mandolin to do the trick. The album ends with "Interstate Travel," a lilting, almost hymn-like snapshot of life on the road and the longing for a place of permanence.
Ironically, the member of Satellite Soul have always known where they belong: smack in the middle of the Jayhawk state. Tim Suttle, a native of Salina, KS, grew up in a musical home with a piano teacher for a mother. He developed an acute ear for music, playing piano, guitar, and whatever else he could get his hand on. At age 15, he heard the late Rich Mullins' first album, and something profound clicked within. "I heard his music and decided I wanted to do that," recalls Tim. "By 17, I was playing for small youth groups and writing songs, none of which will ever see the light of day, if I have any say so."
Soon enough, college beckoned, and Tim embarked on a long academic and postgraduate career in microbiology. "I stopped playing music," he says, "and was working in a pathology lab. But I was miserable. I just wasn't where I needed to be." Tim finally chucked the white lab coat, and started writing songs again. With his revived musical ambitions, Tim felt he'd found what he was looking for. In 1995, he crossed paths with Rustin Smith. A native of Troy, KS, Rustin had excelled in classical guitar, so much so he taught the instrument. Realizing that to be a world-class guitarist was not his true ambition in life, Rustin returned to school to study for the ministry. It was at a church concert that he saw Tim perform the first time. There and then he realized, "I think I could work with this guy."
The two began collaborating on songs, performing as a duo throughout the state. With the addition of bassist Tyler Simpson and drummer Ryan Green, Satellite Soul began touring in earnest, playing clubs, churches, and youth gatherings all around the midwest. It wasn't long before they began drawing the attention of record companies, and eventually, Ardent/ForeFront won the band's trust.
For Tim, the band's rise in popularity coincided with some searing personal insights. "I realized that it doesn't get any better than this," he notes. "I stopped acting like what I thought a Christian was supposed to be. I had no more illusions about my faith, and started being honest about my real sin and about God's grace. That was a huge step for me."
For now, the band looks forward to expanding their base and sharing their music with the widest possible audience, Christian and non-Christian alike. But they will always return to their beloved midwest. "I was driving back from New York City once," recalls Tim, "and I knew I was home when a waitress asked me, 'How may I help you?' We love it here. There's a lot less concrete."
Meanwhile, uppermost in the band member's minds is not selling millions of records, but living lives pleasing to God. "We just want to take care of our personal walk with Christ," adds Tim. "Take care of family and church, and trusting that those things will spill over into the music. That way we can have an impact on the world around us."
Given the brilliance of Satellite Soul's debut album, that impact should be felt for many years to come.
Discography
Go to Satellite Soul's Website
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