Secularity is growing ever-more popular amongst some music scenes. Thanks to some bands who have verbalized their beliefs on stage in an insufficient manner, it has almost become “uncool” to be open with fans about beliefs, religious or other. Not to name any names, but there are some very outspoken musicians, particularly in the punk scene (and who have been around for some 25 years…and who are Fat Mike of NOFX) who publicly detest bands (like Underoath) who profess their religious beliefs on stage. Having seen Underoath perform live, I attest, they do tend to push “the guiding light” on their audience; although, I doubt that is their intention.
Amidst dancey pop beats and high-pitched vocals, a multi-faceted musician remains, and his name is Bryce Avary. Avary is the brain and brawn heart behind The Rocket Summer. He also loves Christ; although, this may not always show through to listeners. Recently, I had a chance to probe Bryce on his Christian disposition, and more specifically, how it influences him creatively.
PopZap!: It seems as if fewer popular musicians are infusing their lyrics and music with personal religious and/or political agendas. It’s near impossible to properly convey a religious or political opinion to a crowd that retains the artists’ integrity, while simultaneously offering an opinion with substance that isn’t as shorthanded as say, “George Dubya is a dick man.”
What are your opinions on an artist who actually takes that endeavor on: trying to write songs that are lined with political or religious themes while retaining an “accessible” sound?
Bryce Avary: As far as the political side of it, I’m pretty far from that. As far as the spiritual side, to be completely honest, that is the bottom line behind The Rocket Summer; that is definitely a massive part of my life. What that is, is me knowing Christ -- his love, his being -- but not wanting to be shoving that down anyone’s throat. All I’m trying to do is just show them love, nothing other than love. That’s it. I’ve been through a lot of horrible things in my life and I feel like God really pulled me out of some certain death situations. I feel like the only thing I want to do is sing about how awesome God is. That is a big part of what I do. At the same time, I also write other songs. We’re not even a “Christian band” as much as it is a huge part of my life. I really want people to know that so people can experience what I’ve experienced. So as far as “it” being impossible to convey or making it harder for people to jump on board because of “it”? I don’t really think that’s true. I have seen a lot of positive.
The Rocket Summer has found popularity in the pop-rock scene in the United States. More interestingly though, are Avary’s careful words on the Christian music scene:
BA: It is a really big part of my music, even though we stay away from being publicized as a “Christian Band,” just because it’s a completely different thing. It’s not because we don’t think it isn’t cool or anything. It’s just the Christian music business…I’m not really involved with that. Knowing Christ and being loved by him is what I am involved in. That’s the “religious” side of The Rocket Summer.
Along with writing, composing, and playing, every piece of music in the studio, 24 year young Avary samples on all of said instruments during the live show. However, unlike Vishnu, Bryce Avary only has two arms, and this restricts him from playing every instrument at the same time.
PZ!: You have had considerable exposure across the U.S., and you’re at such a young age where the possibilities look promising for you. You guys have lots of potential. You “guys” plural. You mentioned that you were looking into solidifying the positions for your live performances and your current accompaniment?
BA: The guys in the band are some of my really good friends. It’s fairly permanent as far as the touring band line up goes. As far as If I am going to keep making records on my own, playing all of the instruments and stuff? I don’t know… I just finished this one and I’m kind of far away from making another one.
PZ!: Well you have been going non-stop since you were sixteen or some ridiculously young age, no?”
BA: I’m really not as young as everyone thinks I am. I am 24 years old!
PZ!: I knew that!
BA: Oh you did?! Some interviewers think that I‘m like 17, haha.
Having witnessed gospel choirs, Born-Again rockers, and Walt Disney’s “Fantasia” over 666 times, one thing stands out: the quality of talent and subject matter are congruent. Sure, the driving themes may go over the heads of some, but the musical ability is what should be important and it is present in all of the aforementioned genres. Might it be that it isn’t so much the subject matter as it is the mode of expression? Regardless of your beliefs, it is hard to deny that Bryce Avary has found his mode of expression.
Be sure to catch The Rocket Summer on their current US tour with The Academy Is… and pick up their latest record Do You Feel out now on Island Records.
