Portland-based Christian rock band The Wrecking has just started its “Not For Sale” tour, and just shot an episode of the Showtime hit series “The Big C” that will air in April.
It’s a band that colors way outside the lines of what you think you know about Christian music. In fact, the first thing you’ll see upon visiting Thewrecking.net is its fantastic performance of Adele’s “Set Fire to the Rain” recorded at Halo Studios in Westbrook.
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The Wrecking consists of Douglas Elder on lead vocals and guitar; Karl Anderson on bass, keyboard and vocals; Chris James on lead guitar and vocals; and Darren Elder on drums. GO caught up with Darren Elder for an enlightening chat about the band’s music and mission.
First off, who writes the songs?
Songwriting is very much a collaborative experience for us. We all write on an individual level, but Doug and I tend to be quite lyrically driven, and Karl is a very gifted writer who can steward over the big picture in respect to how the arrangement and melody become a song. Chris brings a ton of identity and individuality into the mix. On our upcoming sophomore record, “So Much For Love,” we were blessed to co-write with Dustin Burnett, who brought a great deal of passion and clarity to the mix as well.
It says on the band’s Facebook page that “The Wrecking has the ability to navigate between Christian and mainstream venues with instant credibility and success.” Can you talk about this a little?
We have been fortunate in the sense that by setting out to chase down the sounds and musical colors that speak to us, it has created common ground for us with many different types of listeners seeking the same thing. Everybody sings about what they love and are inspired by. Everyone sings about what moves them or what touches them or what makes them get out of bed in the morning.
People are all hurt and broken by similar experiences. We all break the same, so to speak. We find purpose and healing in Christ that hopefully helps us see our commonality with all people.
The band is deeply concerned about the issue of modern-day slavery. How did that first come about?
We were playing at a great festival called Soulfest, where we were blessed to meet an amazing organization called International Justice Mission. They educated us on the harsh reality of modern-day slavery. We were horrified to discover that there are an estimated 27 (to) 30 million slaves in the world today, more than ever in history. If that wasn’t bad enough, they explained that about 45 percent of these are children/minors trapped in the sex trade. To say that this left us both saddened and enraged is an understatement.
This is the sort of discovery that changes you such that once you become aware of these atrocities, it is impossible not to take action. Whatever platform we have, we want to be a voice for the voiceless. Hopefully, this is a vehicle for change that raises awareness and funds for the work of the amazing organizations we are blessed to stand with, such as the Not For Sale Campaign, International Justice Mission, Love 146 and Childvoice International.
What’s the new song “View From the Top” about?
“View From the Top” is a song of hope and longing for getting above whatever is bearing down on you. It’s about finding and keeping a right perspective on life, recognizing that maybe everything really does happen for a reason.
What do you think is one of the most common misconceptions people have about Christian music?
Great question. I am not certain there is a clear definition as to what makes one song Christian and another song not. Is U2 a Christian band? I don’t know, but I will say that their music has meant more to my faith in Christ than any other band. I think it comes down to how a listener is moved and not how a marketing campaign is defined. The same things that make great songs or bad songs exist across all perceived genres.
Does it ever get tricky with booking shows and getting people to pay attention to your music because they might have preconceived notions about Christian music? Also, do you play strictly Christian-related venues (i.e., churches) or also rock clubs? How does that all work?
We play all sorts of venues clubs, churches, festivals. Our mindset is that if our show is compelling, it should translate to whoever will listen, even if we don’t share the same exact worldview.
What are some of the short-term and long-term goals of the band?
To write, record, perform the best possible music we can to afflict the comfortable and comfort the afflicted in the fight against human trafficking. To love Christ with our craft and with our lives, and to inspire others to do the same.
Does the name “The Wrecking” refer to anything specific?
Our name is rooted in the belief that oftentimes, we are broken before we are built. Struggle has a purpose, and the trials that we overcome can ultimately result in beautiful things.
Where’s the best place online for people to hear your music? Also, where can your music be purchased?
Thewrecking.net, iTunes, Amazon and Rhapsody.
Staff Writer Aimsel Ponti can be contacted at 791-6455 or at:
aponti@pressherald.com
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