Thursday, June 16, 2011

INTERVIEW: The Great Commission

GENRE: Heavy Worship
LOCATION: Riverside California
LABEL: ANGR/Century Media
BIO: The Great Commission formed in the fall of 2007 by Angela and Justin (ex EM4H) to bring something new and inventive to the scene. Mixing the dynamics of older, heavy, hardcore, and a new school brutality, they have formed a new genre of music that is winning fans on both sides.
Matthew 28:19

SOUNDS LIKE: Sleeping Giant, Earth From Above, In The Midst Of Lions, Onward To Olympas


(interview questions answered by Angela)

How did you guys get started?
-The Great Commission started as a result of myself (Angela) and Justin (The Vocalist) having a sudden change in our spiritual beliefs. We had been in hardcore bands since we were in high school playing mostly in a secular band called Every Man For Himself. After recording an album and touring nonstop we began to go down a road we eventually realized we didn't want to go down. Justin was the first to be "saved" and then a few months later, I was saved as well. We were both convicted to no longer pursue Every Man For Himself so we announced our change in faith and then ended the band. After a year of growing in our relationships with God we started The Great Commission (2008) and have been playing shows ever since.
Can you describe The Great Commission's sound?
-The Great Commission's sound can best be described as "Heavy Worship". That is honestly the only way to describe it. We want to show the rest of the world that there are other styles of worship music. And even though our "Heavy Style" is uncommon, it is still just as meaningful to God and this is the style or worship that our generation is relating to. 
Are their any bands/musicians that have inspired your music?
-There are a lot of bands that have inspired The Great Commission to start up. We are blessed to be a part of the Christian Southern California scene where the doors have been opened by Point of Recognition, No Innocent Victim, Sleeping Giant and Impending Doom, so there is a lot of spiritual support from home. Musically we draw a lot of random influences, anywhere from Demon Hunter to A Day To Remember. 

Do you have a favorite song to play at shows?
-Our set list changes with every tour, so with each tour you will enjoy different songs more than others. I always love playing "I Dub City" at our hometown shows and recently I have really loved playing some of our new material on the road such as "Draw The Line" and "When It Rains It Pours."
What has been your favorite band to tour with so far?
-We can't really pinpoint a particular band that has been our favorite band to tour with. With every tour you always make incredible friends with every band so each tour is meaningful...and it's always hard to say good-bye to your friends when you've been with them for over a month.
If you could go on tour with any band, who would it be, and why?
-If I (Angela) could go on tour with any band I would personally have to say Metallica since they will always be my favorite band of all time. As a band we would love to tour with Demon Hunter or Skillet. We were blessed enough to play a few shows with Demon Hunter and it was insane, and I can't imagine what it would be like every night with Skillet. We have a few members that are big fans of that band. 
Do any band members have random pet-peeves while on tour?
-We all pretty much get along, it's like taking a long road trip with your friends. I (Angela) probably have the most pet-peeves out of the band. I cant stand when the guys trash the van, but nothing too strange.

This question is for Angela: What is it like touring with a bunch of guys all the time? 
-It can get a little tiring after a few weeks. But it ends up being worth the stress when I can play on stage in a different city every night. As long as I am consistent in my spiritual relationship with God it is very easy. I am very blessed to be able to tour and I wouldn't change it for anything. But to describe it perfectly I would have to say that its like touring with 5 Children haha. 
What is the craziest thing that has happened at one of your shows?
-Nothing too crazy has ever happened during our shows. We have had our fair share of fights breaking out which can happen when people come to shows with the wrong attitudes and try to mosh. We've had people jump on stage and stay on stage during our set. The funniest thing that has happened was when we were on tour with our friends in War of Ages. The pranked us pretty bad when they played "Its raining down in Africa" over the PA system right before our biggest breakdown. Haha but it was all in good fun, they are good friends of ours. 
What can you tell us about the new record? 
-Most importantly our new record will have the same spiritual intensity as our first album. Justin still carry's our bold message through his lyrics and we will still have our heavy edge. We have put a lot of effort into our next album and we are praying that it has the same spiritual effect on fans that our last album had. We have added another element of singing to our choruses but we are very proud to be stepping into a slightly different direction musically. 
If you could give a message to the hardcore scene, what would it be? 
-Don't waste your time trying to find fulfillment in this world or in what you are dedicating your time to if its not going to make you a better person. We have been where you are right now and have felt what you are feeling. Your anger, depression, anxiety, and fear are all emotions that were not meant to take over your lives. You are not alone in what you are going through. And there is hope in your situation and his name is Jesus Christ. Your life was meant for so much more then you can imagine and you possess a destiny through God that no one else in this world can fulfill. 

And lastly, if you guys could thank anybody for your success who would it be, and why?
-First and foremost Jesus for blessing us with our talents and the ability to praise him through our music. Our families and churches for all of their emotional and spiritual support. All of the bands that helped us get our start (you know who you are) and definitely are fans for all of their support. We wouldn't be able to play anywhere if it weren't for you. We have so much planned for 2011 so please keep us in your prayers and we will see you on the road soon!
Members:
Justin- Vocals (On Twitter - @TheGreatCommish)
Angela-Rhythm Guitar/Vocals (On Twitter - @AngeCommish)
Billy- Lead Guitar
Victor- Guitar (On Twitter - @VictorCommish)
Solomon- Bass (On Twitter - @SolomonCommish)
Alonso- Drums

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