Alex O'Brien: I was listening on Spotify to a lot of Christian Rock Music that I had loved and listened to hundreds of times, and then the algorithm came to this song, "I want a dog". I loved the style, there was a beautiful acoustic intro, paired with a violin, and then it goes into a rock anthem about being emotional about something as small and mundane as wishing he bought a dog instead of cat. The earnestness of being so emotional about something so simple, along with the change in tempo as well as the guitar solo. I thought, It's been a while since I've played the guitar, I think I want to play that song!

Alex: I have always loved music, specifically rock music. I'm a rocker at heart. I grew up most of my life listening only to main stream Christian contemporary music like Michael W. Smith, Steven Curtis Chapman and Casting Crowns. But when I heard "Alive" by P.O.D. and "Meant to Live" by Switchfoot everything changed. The older I've gotten, I've gone back to listen to classic artists like Queen, Simon and Garfunkel, The Police, Van Halen, Bob Marley. If you give music a chance, even if you don't like it the first time, many times you form an appreciation for it and eventually a love. So anything that has a good beat, great melodies, witty and thoughtful lyrics that are wholesome inspires me.

Alex: I've played on church worship teams I've had small sessions playing for gatherings when I was growing up.

Alex: The only way to describe my music is "eclectic rock". I usually let the music come to me instead of forcing it. So if I think up a melody, I just go with it. If it is best fit with a bluegrass style, I'll chase that. If it fits better as a punk rock vibe, I going to follow whatever the melody fits best stylistically. I also have the luxury of music being a hobby. Many artists have to cater to an audience that wants something the same stylistically. I do music first and foremost as an outlet and make something I would personally enjoy.

Alex: My son first asked me if he could make a song, humming out what would be the now 12-string guitar lead intro. Originally, this was going to be a Symphonic metal song, because I was drawn to the release of raw emotion and distortion of the guitars mirroring how are hearts are just dirty and need God's help cleaning. But when I had someone play the cello and violin for me with the intro, with out the ringing of guitars, it was more of hauntingly beautiful sound. I loved both sounds, and many times artists have to decide which version would be what pleases their audience most. I thought, why not have multiple versions to listen to. I also share my music with a wide range of individuals, most of which do not like the heavier, metal or rockier versions and the message of the song is one that many still need to hear. The need for Christ while dealing with battle of self and old vices.

Alex: Man, a dream collaboration would be with Jon Foreman from Switchfoot and/or Matthew Thiessen from Relient K. Jon's lyrics are so deep, earnest, and honest. He also sings about what he wrestles with and what truly matters in life and puts into words what is difficult. Where Matt is so witty with his lyrics and adds a fun quirky/awkward element that always displays what many of us actually feel inside, and being comfortable within our own skin. He also has a deep touching songs.

Alex: Music has a way of bringing people together that under normal circumstances these individuals wouldn't have anything in common and wouldn't be in the same room. Music is a way of sharing messages on life, love and Christ that a lecture or a sermon could never do.

I want to collaborate with artists to make music and create and deepen relationships, as well as share what matters in life and make the Christian walk experience be real. I feel like there is a section of some Christian culture that's putting up fronts for people to look good and make appearances of everything being perfect. I want my music to discuss the real anxieties, problems, and situations that we all face, and make those emotions ok, but more importantly share Christ-like responses to them.

I want to speak into people's lives that don't know Christ, without being too "preachy". I also want to share a legacy that my kids and friends can enjoy long after I am gone, and see all the things that a life living in Christ can be. I can be wonderful, but show the realistic struggles and how to wrestle with them at the same time. A sort of time capsule of my thoughts on many subjects.

Alex: They can check out the "Meeting of the Mimes" Facebook page, Instagram and email: meetingofthemimes[at]gmail.com

Alex: I have always loved to play music, but was always self conscious about being criticized or people not liking what I had created. But the beauty is you fail at every attempt you don't try. No matter what, give whatever you do with all your heart, soul, mind and strength. And if it fails in man's eyes, at least God sees it all being for his glory. So why not Carpe Diem? It's the best way to live, giving it all you got with no regrets.