Kutless (Interview)

Kutless drummer Jeffery Gilbert was kind enough to answer a few questions from Christian Music Zine writer Emily Kjonaas, take a look at what he had to say about their upcoming album “Believer”, set to hit stores on February 28th, 2012 via BEC Recordings!

CMZ: Thank you for taking the time to answer a few questions for us, are you excited to start playing songs from your new album, “Believer”?

JG: Thank you for spreading the word on our band and our music! Collectively, we are all really excited to play this new music. We have been having a lot of conversations about our upcoming live show and how it will change. We’re gearing up for a lot of rehearsal time, which is exciting because we want to completely revamp our live show to be based around quite a few of our new songs and the heart of the record. Hopefully when you leave one of our concerts, the only thing you will think about is why you are a believer in Jesus.

CMZ: I know you guys are getting a lot of questions about if “Believer” is going to be rock & roll or if it’s going to be a worship record and you guys are replying by saying “yes” to both. How do you feel Kutless has evolved as a band over the past 10 years?

JG: We’re not trying to be mysterious or goofy with that answer, but I think the reason we go back to that answer is because, personally, I believe that if you are going to categorize and turn the word “Christian” into a genre, the first thing that comes to my [mind] is worship. If you are labeled a “Christian music artist”, then you would think that their music is worshipful. So, yes, we are worshipers individually as a band and personally as individuals so our music is going to be inspired by the heart of worship. And yes, we love big beats, big guitars, and loud music so there is some heavier music and melodies as a vehicle for our hearts to worship Jesus. I think that the band has grown by evolving and carrying on as original members have left. Since Nick joined 5 years ago, I have seen God take this specific group of guys on a journey that has had high highs and low lows, and we have all stuck through it. We believe in each other and as God keeps growing us individually and we have consistent walks with the Lord individually, then our music can keep evolving and carrying on because our main focus and priority is Jesus.

CMZ: When you guys were thinking about making “Believer”, what was your inspiration – what was it that you guys wanted this record to be about?

JG: This time around, most of us had been consistently writing since “It Is Well” was completed so we had about 40 demos to sift through when it came time to start the recording process. As we listened through, we kept what we liked and what we wanted to keep working on and naturally, the songs we chose were ultimately the best songs in the pot. As we were considering the lyrics to all the completed songs, we were really seeing a familiar topic, and that was just the life and journey of being in a relationship with Jesus and believing in Jesus and what that journey looks like.

CMZ: Why was “Believer” chosen as the title for this album?

JG: We kicked around a couple ideas and we just asked each other, how can you [sum] up this record, and going back to what I just just referring to, it just made sense.

CMZ: What made you choose to have “Carry Me To The Cross” to be the first single off of “Believer”?

JG: Thankfully our label thinks there are a lot more singles to be heard on this album, but the problem is in what order do you release those songs? Our label has a way of determining singles and they test songs to the public to see which one connects the fasted to the people listening. Carry Me To The Cross was an all around favorite for a lot of our team and we felt it would show what we are doing with this record. We also released a song to Rock Radio called “Need”, so we have 2 singles floating in rotation right out the gate which is exciting.

CMZ:I’m also reviewing the record, and because it has to be my favorite off of “Believer”, could you please explain “Carry On”?

JG: Jon Micah and our Producer, Dave Lubben wrote that song as we were making “It Is Well”. We almost put it on the record but it was only a demo version so [we] decided to wait. We put it back on the table when we came in to start work on Believer and rearranged some things and knew that our decision to wait was right, it goes along with this record so well and we are really happy how it turned out. The song is really about how in Matthew 11 Jesus describes his yoke as being easy and light. The song talks about how I know that I am weak and I know that HE is strong and that His strength is what can help me carry on and get through the trials and discouragements that this world brings.

CMZ: What are your touring plans for 2012? Will you be headlining your own tours?

JG: There will most likely be a headlining tour for us. This spring, we are going to be playing some shows but primarily working on our set for the summer. There will be some announcements for shows and tours coming shortly.

CMZ: What runs through your mind before your shows?

JG: I just try to stop and be quiet for a little bit. Clear my head and focus on what God wants to do through our band. I really love playing the drums and I always try to be warmed up and loosened up before I play.

CMZ: What is your favorite thing about being in Kutless?

JG: I honestly think my favorite part is how much time that we have put into this thing together. We have sadly seen so many bands come and go through our career but for some reason, we’re still around. We really care about the bigger picture and it’s helpful when everybody in the band and crew have the same heartbeat.

CMZ: Is there anything else you want to mention?

JG: You can stay in touch with us by going to Kutless.com, Facebook.com/Kutless, Twitter.com/kutless. And if you happen to read this before Feb. 28th, you can pre-order the new record for only $5 and that will enter you into a drawing to win a trip to Hawaii for 2. I would go ahead and pre-order it .