By: Jessica G.
T4JYM: What kind of equipment do you use?
SP: Lots of equipment…Micah plays PRS guitars and uses a Peavey Classic 50 amp. Ben plays Taylor, and Gibson acoustics. We have all kinds of cool vintage equipment as well.
T4JYM: What is the main focus in your ministry? Teens? The lost? The hurting? Why did you decide up on this as a focus?
SP: Our focus isn’t on any specific grouping of people. I think we realized shortly after we formed the band that our music had broad appeal. Whether that be for the lost, hurting, Christian or Non-Christian etc… So in return we are seeking to utilize the platform God has given to us. We work very hard to make sure that everyone knows that we stand for love and acceptance for every person. We strive to be real people with real problems, who ultimately seek a real God and his truth.
T4JYM: What does your groups name mean?
SP: Sidewalk Prophets can/has been taken many different ways. Basically if you look up prophet in the dictionary you will get a few definitions. I thought all of these definitions depicted our message really well.
1) A leader of a movement
2)Someone who speaks the truth
3)Someone who discerns God’s will
Those are all things we believe our music and lives embody…so the name works out well.
T4JYM: Where did you come up with it?
SP: Dave took part of a Jars of Clay song to come up with the Sidewalk part of the name. Sidewalk basically refers to being normal guys who you could run into anywhere. Prophets came from us brainstorming what our name should be. It look a lot of sitting around and talking til we finally settled on our name. It has suited us well.
T4JYM: Where do you see the band in five years? Ten? The future?
SP: Well…we have been together for nearly 3 years now…and recently have all committed to full-time. We are learning how to work with each other on a more professional basis which has been a learning experience.
Before…we all just had a great time but did it all for fun. After a while you begin to realize that if you want to be a good band with a purpose – you really do have to work at it. We have been maturing as a band – Especially over the past 6 months. In five years – I hope we have a strong fan base that really supports us and our vision. I think we want to be able to do this for a long time and support of families and help to change peoples lives. In ten years – that will hopefully be our same goal!
T4JYM: Do you ever worry about getting caught up in the world of show biz? That success will change your group?
SP: I think that is a legitimate worry that not a lot of bands take seriously.
We have played a lot of shows and have seen a lot of musicians who are aspiring to be rock stars. We tend to let the foundation of our lives be the foundation of our music. It can be hard to keep your head on straight but the minute fall victim to success can be the very same moment you lose your purpose and we don’t desire to do that.
T4JYM: What kind of relationship do you maintain with your audiences? Do you fellowship with them? Or do you remain distant as the performer?
SP: We have the best fans ever! We have a group of true fans called the Fat Kids…they keep in touch by using the forum on our website www.sidewalkprophets.com – we get lots of great emails and messages. We really count on our fans to get the word out about the band. By having such good fans and friends it makes being on the road a lot easier.
T4JYM: How would you describe your music style?
SP: We always have to laugh at this question. Our style is pretty eclectic and if you ever have seen or do see us in concert you will realize that pretty quick. Our album is pretty laid back but we are definitely upbeat and excited when we’re performing. I would say our style is like Classic – Acousticlicious Rock… if that doesn’t make sense… come see a show.
T4JYM: Who, or what, are your biggest musical influences?
SP: I’ll try to name as many as I can think of – Beatles, Counting Crows, Verve Pipe, Jars of Clay, Mickey Mouse, Mariah Carey, Nickle Creek, Blues Traveler, and many many others.
T4JYM: Are you involved in any other ministries?
SP: We have just formed a relationship with World Vision. They are a great organization that provides relief for Children in areas where poverty runs rampant. I would advise getting involved with them – http://www.worldvision.com
T4JYM: How much time do you spend practicing as a group? How much time do you practice individually?
SP: This really varies. We are still getting the kinks in our schedule worked out. Once all is said and done we will be practicing once a week for about 8 hours. Given the distance everyone has to travel that is the best we can work out at the current time.
T4JYM: Does the group come together for prayer at times other than concerts and ministry opportunities?
SP: We pray before we do everything( eating, practice, life situations)- Prayer helps us keep our minds focused.
T4JYM: Have you always had a desire to be in a group like this?
SP: Yes. I think the neatest part of all of this is spending your whole life dreaming of being in a band and then out of the blue meeting 4 other guys who share that same dream with you and then chasing it.
T4JYM: What is the latest news on your group? Any new CD’s to be released soon?
SP: We’re gonna be on tour with Sky Harbor and Our Hearts Hero – March 10 / May 2nd – Check out website for details http://www.sidewalkprophets.com
We’ve started writing for our new album. Right now we’re in the beginning phases of everything. We are aiming to write 30 new songs and so far we have about 5. It’s a lot of fun writing together again.
T4JYM: What’s the weirdest thing that’s ever happened at one of your concerts?
SP: I don’t know if I would call it weird – but one time in PA one of our speakers caught on fire. That was pretty rad.
T4JYM: What’s a band could you not live without?
SP: I will speak for the band when I say – the Counting Crows.
T4JYM: Do you have any advice for the youth of today?
SP: Get involved! Do something, and let your friends know what you stand for. Be an example for your friends and family!
T4JYM: What’s one tv show you can’t live without?
SP: WGN’s coverage of Chicago Cubs baseball! We’re all pretty big fans.
T4JYM: If you were stranded on an island, and could only have five things, what would they be?
SP: 1. A basketball hoop/ball
2. Broadband internet
3. a toilet
4. toothpicks
5. a guitar or some other stringed instrument
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