In February 1998, we caught up with Paul Eckberg, the drummer from the band Eager for a feature interview. Unfortunately, the interview never made it to the site because it was unfinished. Paul couldn't answer the questions pertaining to the songs, and forwarded those on to the other guys in the band, who unfortunately never responded. The interview eventually made it to a special section of the site later, but was once again lost from the content of the site. The band has since folded but here it is once again, the "lost" Eager interview...
This interview took place on: 2/11/98  

Jesus freak Hideout: Can you tell us who came up with the name "Eager" and why?

Paul Eckberg: While Patrick and Greg were in Europe on a PFR tour, they came by a store window that had a cool look to it, and it said, "Eager Design". It described the type of music they wanted to play, as well as the feelings on wanting to start this new band. Our band Scripture is Titus 2:11-14.

JFH: How did the band get started?

Paul: Patrick had always wanted to start a side band, and when PFR decided to break up, that became a catalyst in finding players for this new band. He heard a demo of Greg Pope's and liked his writing, so Greg moved to Minnesota to start writing with Patrick. They took me on as drummer, and following the Summer of 1996, the three of us moved to Nashville. Shortly after, Mark Kloos joined us as another guitar player.

JFH: How would you describe your sound?

Paul: Our sound is pop and rock.

JFH: What bands have influenced your sound?

Paul: Some of the groups that have influenced the way I play have been Phil Collins, Rush, All Star United, Peter Gabriel, Rich Mullins, DC Talk, Third Eye Blind, Steven Chapman, Toad the Wet Sprocket. I am also influenced by several Nashville players.

JFH: Would you compare yourselves at all to PfR?

Paul: There is ultimately going to be a bit of a PFR sound, because Patrick was part of the writing and singing in PFR. Compared to PFR, we are a little more heavy at times. Greg Pope's writing and vocals are a great compliment to Patrick.

JFH: Do you guys have any goals for Eager?

Paul: I believe we would like to make quality music which points people to Jesus Christ.

JFH: What is your favorite Eager song and why?

Paul: One of my favorite eager songs is "The Hand That Can" because the music is great, the groove is cool, and the lyrics ring true.

JFH: Are you going to be doing any touring soon? If so, with who?

Paul: We are currently doing shows this Spring with Skillet.

JFH: What is your favorite movie?

Paul: I would say Ishtar, Tommy Boy, and I look forward to seeing Waiting for Guffman, which Patrick and another friend have suggested.

JFH: Jesusfreakhideout.com 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?

Paul: All Star United - Thoughtful lyrics, cool rock, great show. ROCK
Carolyn Arends - Great songs. AC/CHR
Susan Ashton - "A Distant Call" is a great album. AC
Audio Adrenaline - Hard rock, a great band, a winner tour.
Bob Bennett - Acoustic guitar-oriented folk. I usually group Rich Mullins, Billy Crockett, and him together in the respect that they have great writing with honest lyrics...Bob is VERY honest in his lyrics.
Big Tent Revival - Cool pop music.
Brent Bourgeois - "Come Join the Living World" is one of the most underrated albums. Keyboard-oriented pop. CHR
Steven Curtis Chapman - a classic CCM choice, "Signs of Life" is great. CHR
Billy Crockett - Great writing, honest lyrics, acoustic guitar-oriented. My favorites are "The Basic Stuff" (Urgent Records), and "Red Bird Blue Sky" (Walking Angel Records - www.walking-angel.com). Get his stuff.
DC Talk - "Jesus Freak" and their live album are well done.
Dogs of Peace - Great rock, great musicians, great writing, mighty fine mighty fine. CHR/ROCK
eager - I would recommend you pick this one up immediately.
Jars of Clay - Two cool albums--I really took a liking to the new one. Matt never puts his dishes away.
Wes King - All of his stuff is good--good writing. Guitar-oriented AC/CHR
Grover Levy - Good tunes, man.
Sara Masen - I saw her perform for the first time recently. She has great songs and has a cool voice. I'm excited about getting her music in the very near future.
Rich Mullins - Great writing, honest lyrics, he was a great man. "The World as Best as I Remember It: Volume 2" is a favorite. AC/CHR
My Friend Stephanie - Just got the "Makeover" album last night--I'm really liking it. ROCK
PFR - Cool albums, great writing. Those guys were great. Anyone know what they're doing now?
Reality Check - Well-produced album, they really get the crowd going in concert.
Chris Rice - You've gotta get that album. Honest, mellow-out music.
Michael W. Smith - a CCM classic choice, great pop writing, keyboard-oriented. "I'll Lead You Home" was one of the best albums, very honest at heart, yet didn't sell very well...go figure.
Switchfoot - fun music, great producer
Zilch - Great hyper music, killer groove. Get it. ROCK

JFH: I really appreciate you taking out the time in your busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Are there any last comments you'd like to make?

Paul: Seize the day.