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Forefront recording artist, Bleach
is a new modern rock group who debuted in 1996, along with Skillet, with their release, Space in October.
Bleach is cleaning up the music scene with a fresh sound & can be heard on all Christian rock
stations across the nation! Their bassist, Todd Kirby graciously lent some time to
answer some questions.
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Jesus freak Hideout: Why did you choose the name "Bleach"?
Todd Kirby: We chose the name "Bleach" because it signifies the way
Jesus' blood cleanses and purifies us. People need to know
that even if they have messed up in life, if they accept the
gift of Jesus, nothing they've done is "uncleanable".
JFH: How did the band get started?
Todd: We started at Christian College. Sam and Matt got
together early our Freshman year, and I joined at the
end of our Freshman year. It was just for fun and a
weekend ministry at first. Dave joined our Sophomore
year and Brad at Christmas our Junior year. Barry Blair
(of Audio Adrenaline) taught Brad guitar, so when we
decided to do a demo we asked Barry to produce it.
He did, and passed it on to Forefront. The rest is history.
JFH: How would you describe your sound & why did you select it for Bleach?
Todd: It's hard to describe our sound, other than just good
old rock-n-roll. We didn't so much select it as it just
sort of took shape. When we write new stuff now, we
can see an obvious "Bleach" sound that we try not to
stray too far from, while at the same time trying to be
different enough to stay fresh. Sometimes we just cut
loose and jam - stereotypes be darned!
JFH: What bands have influenced your sound?
Todd: Although we all have different influences with very
eclectic styles, some bands we like have been known
to peek through. Most of us like Starflyer 59 and the
Smashing Pumpkins. Most of us are into a lot of the
current modern rock groups, but our individual influences
range from punk to arena rock to thrash and beyond.
JFH: Why did you choose to do Christian music as opposed to mainstream or secular music??
Todd: We didn't really choose Christian music, I don't know
that it was even an option. We were all Christians when
we met. We listened to Christian music and went to a
Christian college. Christianity was just everything we were
into. I've never been with another group whose world is
so permeated with Jesus.
JFH: Where do you get the ideas for writing your songs?
Todd: Song ideas tend to come from whatever we're dealing
with in our personal lives. Girlfriends, unsaved friends,
overwhelming joy in a loving God, whatever gets us so
worked up that we have to write it down on paper to
deal with it.
JFH: Did you have any goals set for your album before you released it last year?
Todd: No. Our first album was very laid back. I think Eddie
DeGarmo just wanted to see where we would settle in
the industry. Our second album will be much more goal
oriented and planned. Now that we know more about
what we are doing, we have a better idea of where we
can go. Of course, ultimately, you go where God leads
you. I just hope we meet His goals for us.
JFH: What or Who inspired the song, "Wonderful"?
Todd: Dave and I wrote the words to "Wonderful", I can't
remember who wrote the music. For me, it was my
fiancee Kim who inspired the lyrics. I'm sure it was
Dave's wife Jennifer who inspired him. There is just
such an intense emotional love when your better
half is a Christian too. When you realize that God
has given you not only the awesome gift of salvation,
but someone so beautiful to share all your dreams
and challenges with... it's wonderful. I can't even look
at Kim now when we play that song, it still gets to me.
JFH: What's the meaning behind, "Cold & Turning Blue"?
Todd: "Cold and Turning Blue" is about having unsaved
friends and you never tell them about Jesus. Every
day we see people who don't know Christ, and we
talk to them and work with them and play with them,
but we never tell them about salvation. Can't you
see? They're cold and turning blue.
JFH: How important do you think it is for fans of Christian music
to attend Christian concerts?
Todd: I don't think you can truly know a band unless
you've seen them in concert. The music may rock,
but how do they treat their fans? Obviously it would
be good for fans to support bands by attending a
concert (that's where we make our lunch money),
but I think it's just as beneficial to the fans as it is
for the bands. The energy is so high and the emotions
so intense when it's live. We've even seen Marilyn
Manson fans come to know Jesus at a concert.
JFH: Are you guys working on any new material for your next album? (Any word on a possible release soon?)
Todd: Yes, we are currently playing three new songs in
our set. We are supposed to take most of November
and December off to write and most of January and
February to record, which would put a new release at
about June first. However, some politics have recently
entered the picture which may bump the release up a
month or two. We'll know more by the first of the year.
JFH: What's your favorite movie?
Todd: Dave & Sam like the Star Wars Trilogy.
Brad liked Raising Arizona.
Matt likes UHF
I'm a big Tim Allen: Rewired fan
JFH: The Jesus freak Hideout site was started out of appreciation
for good Christian music. We've set a goal to try to use the site to
spread Christian music, as well as God's Word, & show others how great
Christian music can be. Do you listen to Christian music? If so, what
bands?
Todd: Yes, we listen to a lot of Christian music. Some
individual favorites are Starflyer 59, Supertones, Plumb,
Skillet Morella's Forest, and 9 Volt Velvet.
JFH: I really appreciate your taking the time out of your busy schedule to
answer some questions for us. Are there any last comments you'd like to make?
Todd: God bless your ministry, I hope we can work
together again sometime. Thanks.
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