Adam Michael: Thank you. I knew I wanted the "band color" to be orange, so I researched different objects that represented that color. I liked "carnelian" both as an object and name, so I brainstormed ways that a carnelian could be symbolic of what I wanted to accomplish. I connected it to the building of memorials in ancient Israel, to give thanks and remember important events. I added "Shimmering" to describe the sounds I wanted to use.

Adam: In relation to the atmospheric sounds, I drew heavily on faith-oriented bands like Hillsong United and U2, as well as ambient music by secular artists like Brian Eno and Aphex Twin. Adding ambient effects, even if they are not part of the main riff, can change how a song feels, and how the words impact the listener.

Adam: At some point, I decided to release EPs with 3-5 songs each, that have consistency lyrically and sonically. The three songs on Rise were initially written as separate singles, but after deciding to release songs through EPs, I realized they naturally formed a cohesive unit. Even though only two of the songs have lyrics, they sequentially form a narrative with an introduction, struggle, and solution.

Adam: I used the visual art of the Impressionist, Post-Impressionist, and Psychedelic Art periods as inspiration. The color I associate with reverb effects is a navy blue-ish hue, like you can see at night. I searched for this color on a rainy night in Ohio. I found a light post that made a pretty scene through my car window, with the rain streaming down the glass, and the dark blue sky in the background. It seemed like a good fit for what I imagined while listening to the reverb swells on Rise.

Adam: "New Life" captured a feeling from a time in life that I found hard to express without music, so I felt that was an accomplishment. On "Rise" (the title track), I was glad that I was able to include many different instruments and sounds in what started as an ambient track, especially the swells, piano, and distorted guitars.

Adam: Right now, I am just doing covers during open mic nights. My wife and I are travelling around the country, so I try to find places wherever we stay. I record the covers and post them online. It is a lot easier to reach people through social media, than try to get booked for a show and just hope for the best.

Adam: On "New Life," Genesis 2:24 describing a man and a woman joining as one flesh was particularly important, since it indicates that the marital relationship is not to be torn apart. On "Rise," I referenced Psalm 6:7 for "my eyes waste away", John 10:10 for "the thief destroys", and 1 Peter 5:8 for 'a devouring lion".