| Friday, December 21, 2007 |
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Barry Blaze Interview 1 of 4
Posted @ 9:30 AM :: 246 Views ::
0 Comments :: Soul Music
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 YouthRoots
Code of Ethics will be returning to the Christian music scene with a new album in Spring 2008. What do you think will be interesting to younger audiences in the music of COE?
Barry Blaze
I’m starting to see a swing in music back to electronic instruments infused with guitars, and it’s pretty cool. Some of the bands that I’ve seen have definitely gone back and done the research on bands from the 80s and early 90s. It’s really encouraging!
I want to go back and recreate musically some of the things that I’ve lost control of. What I mean by that is that early on in Code of Ethics I really did the music production just by myself. And later on I worked with some producers who were such a huge help, but everytime I worked with somebody, their influence comes through on the track.
I’ve had a lot of people tell me that I need to get back to the original type of sound which was in some ways a little bit darker. But I’m going to try to rediscover my roots a little bit and sort of where I came from and get the music back to where that is. I’m going to let God work through me and be really creative. I’m sure that I’ll collaborate with some friends on the new album.
YouthRoots
So the ministerial part is really important to your message?
Barry Blaze
Oh yeah, extremely. That’s what it’s all about for me. I spent 11 years in music, and I’ve seen a lot of bands come and go. At the time I felt like I had done everything that I could musically, and I was becoming not so inspired. And ministry wise, I was becoming burned out by being on the road so much and by giving so much of myself away.
So I needed a time to step out and see what God had next for me. That’s really what triggered the response in me to stop. I ended up moving into church ministry. It’s really revitalized me as to what I want to do and why.
YouthRoots
What kind of concerts are you lining up in 2008? Are you looking for headlining spots at the major Christian music festivals, or are you also open to playing at a church or a youth group?
Barry Blaze
When I was touring in the past, Code of Ethics would play everything. One night we could play in a coliseum with a lot of people there, and then the very next night we could be at a church for a youth group of 200, and it was just as much fun. It has a way of keeping you humble and at the same time keeping you excited about what you do. When I got back into this I told God that what ever You open up, I’ll play. And it really doesn’t matter to me if it’s a side stage, main stage, youth group, church or club.
There is a guy I’m working with down in Orlando who is a programmer with his own worship ministry. He does an electronica worship called Synthesis. I was talking to him about touring, and he put it out there to me that God may very well open up regular mainstream venues to play at as well. If you can play at a church and the very next day be in a club, that’s a great way to be a light in the darkness. Somebody there came to the show because God definitely allowed that to happen, and so we need to be there and go wherever it is.
YouthRoots
I’ve read from bigger bands that said they don’t want to be asked to play at a youth group because with such a big production, they can’t play youth groups. If you’re willing to play an arena and a church, what kind of equipment are you going to put those places with different sound requirements?
Barry Blaze
I’m hoping with this go around with Code of Ethics to keep it small. I’m going to try to use visual all the time. Instead of bringing in a lighting rig and a lot of players and staging, I’m going to keep it simple with just maybe me and a keyboard player and drummer. Behind us will be a visual screen. That’s going to really help us when we move toward worship because seeing the images and lyrics will provide an experience for people. But still be able to play at a smaller venue like a church stage.
In part 2 of the interview, Barry Blaze will discuss the early formation of his musical journey as a kid growing up in Michigan and playing in Basement Bands.
Click HERE to read the article about Barry Blaze that tells about the accident that he suffered in 2004 that nearly ended his life. |
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