Sacred Heart Radio Network recently had a chance to chat with the Catholic band RISE.
Sacred Heart Radio Network: It’s been over three years since you released your first CD, Through the Son and now the new CD is finally finished, how was the experience of recording Stand the Line?
RISE: It took us quite a while since we are all regular guys with careers and families, but we stuck with it and we are really happy with the final result. The time during which we recorded Stand the Line was full of some extreme highs and some lows as well. We’ve been through a lot these past few years and the entire world has too. The tone of the record really comes from the trials and tribulations we’ve faced as well as the blessings and joy.
Sacred Heart Radio Network: Where did the title Stand the Line come from?
RISE: It can be easy in this world to lose hope sometimes. Steve’s struggle with cancer a few years ago really rocked us all to our foundation. It’s about holding on to our faith and trusting that God has a plan for each one of us. This is what the title track is all about and we thought it was the most appropriate title for the CD too.
Sacred Heart Radio Network: What message do you hope is delivered by the new CD?
RISE: Well, of course we want people to be entertained by the music, but on a deeper level we want people to feel a message of hope. That, even in what may seem like the bleakest times, God is with us and wants us to feel His love.
Sacred Heart Radio Network: How important is your Catholic faith in creating such a powerful CD?
RISE: Our faith is everything. The music is really secondary to our testimony about our conversions when we perform live. Those stories, our life experiences and our love for our faith is what we hope comes through in the music.
Sacred Heart Radio Network: Your website offers your visitors much more than just a place to buy your CD. What’s with the new section Fan Zone?
RISE: When we re-designed the site, we didn’t want it to come across as all about selling CD’s, because that is not our main mission. The important thing is the message, so we wanted to provide some things like videos, our story and free MP3’s to keep people interested.
Sacred Heart Radio Network: I was totally blown away by the song “Cancers Creation.” Can you tell us more about how that song came to life?
RISE: Steve presented this song to us one night and we were all nearly brought to tears. He really opened up his soul to write this deeply touching song about his struggle with cancer. Steve didn’t intend for it to be on the CD, but we as a band demanded it. We thought that the song might help give strength and comfort to those facing the same struggle and move people in the way we were moved when we first heard it.
Sacred Heart Radio Network: Doesn’t RISE have an adopted child through World Vision?
RISE: Early on we made a commitment to use any money we make from our music to support the ministry and to support other charitable causes. About 4 years ago we committed to sponsoring a beautiful little girl from the Philippines through World Vision ministries. It has been a wonderful experience watching her thrive and grow.
Sacred Heart Radio Network: Last August RISE flew to Germany for World Youth Day, how was that experience?
RISE: Absolutely incredible! We recognized our invitation to perform during World Youth Day as the chance of a lifetime and we jumped right on it. We really bonded as a group during this adventure and the whole experience really strengthened our faith.
Sacred Heart Radio Network: Where can RISE fans catch you guys live?
RISE: The best way to find out where we are performing is to check our Tour page on our website, which we update frequently. Subscribing to our newsletter from the website is also a great way to keep up with the latest RISE happenings.
Sacred Heart Radio Network: I want to thank you guys for taking the time to chat with us and we pray that the people that you reach will be opened to the Holy Spirit and inspired by your music.
The CD is called Stand the Line by the Catholic band RISE and I think this is one CD you’re going to want to add to your music library! Find out more about the guys and the music visit their website at www.risefan.com.
Interview by SacredHeartRadio.net.
