INTERVIEW WITH MUSICIAN EDDIE KROSS

Eddie Kross (left) at Kingdom Come Festival 2024 with Cole Plumley (drums) and Shawn Short (bass) 

It's a pleasure to interview Eddie Kross. He's part of the prayer group where we pray for Christian artists (musicians and novelists and the like). He has a concert in Lansing, MI coming up - I've got a poster for it at the bottom of this blog.  

JR: Welcome to the blog! I’ll start by asking how you came to Christ.

EK: I came from an abusive home and was in foster homes, juvy and other behavioral "placements" as a young teen... eventually ending up on the streets.  

One day when I was looking for a certain someone at their brother's house, I was met by three ladies having a prayer meeting.  God introduced himself to me at that meeting... and I ended up on my face before a Holy God that knew everything I had ever been through, and knew me by name.  Through His spiritual gifts at work through those Christian ladies, God said to me that He saw the times I had wept on my bed, crying stains on my pillow... that He knew what each tear stain had been and said that He had stationed an angel by my bedside to bring my every petition to Him.  

He went on to tell me: "This will be the covenant between you and Me: I will be your God, and you will be my son.  Over the next three seasons and I will make your ways My ways.  And I will make your music, My music.  And you will play My music to the masses." After that I immediately got off the streets and began to devour the Bible, finding myself in every verse.  I learned to work hard and went forward and upward with God, in life.  In 1994 I Got married and started a family.

JR: When did you start getting interested in music, and what led you to get into Christian music?

EK: I loved the sound of overdriven guitars from the time I first heard them (That, and synthesizers!)  Laying on my bed listening to the heavy metal greats of the 80's on my Walkman while looking at the artwork and reading the lyrics on the backs of the album covers was a humongous part of my growing up.

At some point I realized I wanted to be playing music like that.  So I saved money from a summer job and bought myself a nice Yamaha electric guitar and an amp (Peavey Envoy, I think?)  I was about 15 years old.

Fast forward to the time when God caught ahold of me at 19 and I started to seek "His music."  I had long since lost my Peavey and stuff.  Someone had given me an acoustic guitar, though.  

As I began writing lyrics and chord progressions while praying and worshiping God, I really felt like He was giving me the words.  And I was reading verses in the Bible like where Jesus is telling His disciples: "Don't worry before hand what you will say when you are brought before nations, The Holy Spirit will give you the words to say."  Plus, the words of the songs I was writing were riddled with stories and verses from the Bible... so in a way they were literally His Words.  I really believed he was giving me His music.

As I would go on to play these songs as a guest at churches, at backyard BBQs and really everywhere I could get the chance, I began to see God move on people's hearts.  Things would happen.  One time while playing a song called "Broken Hearts" the entire congregation began spontaneously weeping and people just began huddling together and praying together... It was amazing to see God move!

Eventually I would be in some Christian bands and over the years I have played everything from blues, jazz, alternative, country rock, reggae, metal...

JR: I enjoyed listening to your music, especially “Me Again.” Would you like to tell us about that song and also your most recent project?

EK: After I came back from fighting in Iraq with the US Army in 2005 I spent about a decade running away from God... in the bottle... smokin' dope and other sins I'm ashamed of. In 2014 I returned to God and He delivered me from all those addictions cold turkey (March 3rd, 2014!).

Shortly after that I developed some pretty serious medical problems and I didn't think I would ever be able to sing again.  I stopped playing music altogether for a while. Then I thought, well maybe I can record an instrumental album.  I worked on that for a while but then I cried out to God: "Please God, I don't want to be in exile any longer... Please Lord, let me sing Your praises once again!"  I vowed that if He would let me sing again I would sing every single note for Him! Wouldn't you know it, he gave me back my voice and I began writing Christian hard rock/metal songs.

Sometimes Satan works pretty hard at reminding me of my wayward choices during that falling away period I went through and also the brokenness I experienced as a child. And I think a lot of times people get these labels attached to ourselves... It's like we hear voices from the past saying: 

   "You're not good enough."

    "You're a failure."

    "You never had any friends."

    "You're a drunk."

    "You ARE the sins you've committed!"

"ME AGAIN" is sung from the perspective of someone questioning those (demonic) voices and reflecting on choices that they've made.  And ultimately longing for peace in their life... and to be set free from the past and hoping for a bright future.

Upcoming projects? Well, right now I'm busting my keister getting ready for this show we are putting on September 21st in Lansing, MI! We're actually throwing the concert so I have been programming lights and doing a lot of promo, organizing volunteers, etc, etc.

JR: If I remember correctly, you were at the Kingdom Come Festival this year. What was that like? I was there, but I was helping at the welcome station when you were on.

EK: It was awesome.  Man, Chris Bousum and the folks that put on that show really know how to take care of the artists and bands!  That was our 2nd stop on our little REBORN tour and believe me, it was the highlight of the summer.  I think because we're new on the scene this year we were a surprise to folks at the show, too.  We played a great set and the response afterward was overwhelming (All Glory To God).  Plus, it was awesome to get to see and meet other great Christian metal bands that were there.

JR: For years, I’ve had the impression that Christian rock is on the front lines of spiritual warfare, with attacks coming from satan, from the world, and from the church. Would you agree? If so, what does this look like, and how has Christ and other brothers and sisters come and helped fight with you?

EK: Let me tell ya, it has been one constant setback after another ever since we put our hands to the plow. Cancelled flights, sickness, drummer got bit by a deadly spider, people you're counting on just drop off at the last second, misunderstandings and conflict, people being quick to get offended and worrying over penny-anny stuff.... I'll tell ya.  Don't get into Christian metal, if your "metal" hasn't been tested.  Because it's not for the weak.

There are some really great servants of the Lord who are out there though... people who are specifically praying for and supporting Christian rock and metal bands in any way they can.  Thank God for you guys!

JR: Thank you for your time. Do you have any web-pages to keep up with what you’re doing? Anything interesting coming up? And anything else you’d like to share?

EK: Hey, thanks Jeffrey!  It's been fun.

Here are some links, including one for our upcoming show! We are really asking people to listen EDDIE KROSS REBORN on Spotify and to please add those three songs to their playlists.

Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/album/0jOU3OuKuf9JRAk8kT6wRT

Webpage: https://eddiekross.com/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/EddieKrossOfficial

YouTube https://www.youtube.com/@eddiekross2130

Underground Christian Rock Show! (Facebook event) https://www.facebook.com/share/J7zkKqfC1G5WxR5q/

After this last show of the tour season we're gonna focus on releasing all the video footage we've accumulated from the shows this summer.  Including our first official Music video. And focus on increasing our social media, Spotify viewership, etc. 
...and we have some new music to release this fall and winter!

BOOK REVIEW - STONES THAT CRY: GOD'S PRECIOUS METAL BY GLENN REMSENl

 

Is heavy metal "the Devil's music? Is it possible for an omnipotent God to use Christian metal - or for that matter secular metal - for His glory?

"Stones That Cry: God's Precious Metal" by Glenn Remsen (with illustrations by Samuel Remsen) is a thought out book dealing with these issues. More importantly, it challenges making assumptions on face value.

Remsen suggests that God is responsible for all genres, and that it is giving the devil too much credit to say he, a created being, is able to create anything. Both God and the devil can use any genre for their purposes. 

The author is built up by "wholesome lyrics of honesty." Not all honesty is positive, after all. Remsen gives examples of metal music that has comforted him when dealing with traumatic situations, such as a brain tumor. He distinguishes between metal that is honest, that which is intentionally blasphemous.

The last chapter (not counting the conclusion chapter) focuses on Christian metal. He states that there is nothing wrong with Christian metal if it is honest. He has problems with Christian artists that try to sound like a popular secular artist. (He mentions the same things about authors who use their first and middle initials because A.W. Tozer and C.S. Lewis do so.)

Which secular and Christian metal bands should we listen to, and which should we avoid? Remsen refuses to answer those questions. He encourages Christians to listen to the music and then determine which is being used by the Spirit and which doesn't. 

Finally, the clearest message in this book is to not judge according to appearance, but to love those who are not like us, who don't fit in to our sanitized church environments. 

I highly recommend this book. I also recommend Lithoscry, a weekly podcast Remsen hosts.

MEMORIES OF NORTHSIDE BAPTIST'S 60TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION AND ALSO OF MY DAD.

 

 I've been a part of other anniversary celebrations for churches (though, amusingly, none before we moved to Indianapolis). I was there for the 40th, 50th, and 60th anniversary of Arlington Avenue Baptist Church. But each of those were a one day celebration. It took a whole month to celebrate Northside's 60th.

One thing they did was focus on the eras - '63-77 the first week, the '80's the next week, the 90's for week #3, and the 2000s today. Before each week, they mentioned the fads of that period in case you wanted to dress that style. I debated doing that by investing into 4 new shirts - a 2nd Chapter of Acts T-shirt, a Daniel Band T-shirt, a Beracah T-shirt, and - you guessed it - a Divine Martyr T-shirt. They did mention for the first week gloves and buttons. And me unable to find my Thurmon Munson catcher's mitt and my "Carter for President" button!

Picnic, Northside Baptist Church, Indy

Each week, the worship consisted of songs we'd sing from that era. Nobody mentioned it, but it did show a reflection of the hymn vs. chorus debate. The first week we sang hymns ("My Tribute" and "Sweet, Sweet Spirit" being the more contemporary ones for that time. The next week, we sang choruses, three of which we sang through twice. Interestingly, contemporary worship songs have more verses again, and often a bridge! Bottom line - each era has God honoring songs.

We also had greetings from several individuals, such as missionaries, that were shown on the video.

Pastor Jeremy Couture started a series on the book of James the first week, but the anniversary colored this week's sermon, based on the vision of dry bones in Ezekiel 37. He also presented his vision for us to reach 500 people the next 3 years through Evangelism, Worship, Family Ministry, and Leadership.

Yesterday, we had a church picnic. It included one person playing the #1 songs of each year up till '80 and then Christian songs after prayer. Hey, any day I get to hear both "Sugar Sugar" (the Archies) and "Beyond Belief" (Petra) is a good day! 

KVIO, Cottonwood, AZ; not my dad in picture.

During the first part, we got candy if we knew the song and artist. When he announced the year '76, I was already on the way, because I knew it was "Silly Love Songs" (Wings). It helped having a father who was a DJ during that era, and listening to the songs on KVIO, 1600am, Cottonwood, Arizona.

Picture of Dad and Becky.

I'll admit - I was starting to get emotional during that point. The day before (Sept. 22), I saw a memory post from 9 years ago, where a high school friend posted a picture of the radio station and mentioned my Dad working there. The following day, the memory posts included one I did mentioning my Dad's passing. I realized the station picture was originally posted 5 years and 1 day before Dad went to heaven. Then, hearing the songs Dad played on the radio...

A lot of fond memories from this past month.

 

HOLDING UP THE ARMS OF CHRISTIAN ARTISTS GROUP - AN UPDATE AND INVITATION

 

"Holding Up The Arms of Christian Artists", original art

Years ago, I was involved in a pair of groups. One was called "Jesus Music 1969-1989," and is a large group where the focus is on positive memories of Jesus Music and CCM. To keep it positive, there are topics that are taboo on that group, such as any controversies about artists. The second group, "Discussion Board for Jesus Music 1969-1989" was formed to allow discussion of the issues that weren't allowed in the first group.

During that time, I decided to start a group focused on praying for artists. I forget the exact first name, but I called it a prayer board for Jesus Music 1969-1989, focused on praying for the artists of that era. Years later, I took off the time focus and made it for all Christian musicians, regardless of genre or time frame.

Well, I just recently decided to try to get it more active. A couple of days later, one of my novelist friends wasn't feeling well, so I decided to post prayer for her. This inspired me to extend the focus to include novelists, visual artists, cartoonists, etc. This was accompanied with another name change, and the group is now "Holding Up The Arms of Christian Artists." 

One thing that hasn't changed - the artwork I did for the group, which you see above. You may be familiar with the battle with Amalek in Exodus 17, where Joshua led the children of Israel against their enemies who attacked the rear ranks after they escaped Pharaoh and crossed the red sea. Moses, accompanied with his brother Aaron and Hur (some think he's Miriam's husband) to the mountain top. When Moses raised his arms with the rod, Israel prevailed, but when his arms lowered, the bad guys had the upper hand. So Aaron and Hur got a rock, had Moses sit on it, and they held Moses' arms up until the Amalekites were defeated.

If you don't know I have a heart for Christians in the arts, you haven't been paying attention to my reviews and interviews. This Facebook group is dedicated to praying for artists.

Would you like to join me? The link for the group is below.

https://www.facebook.com/groups/1906415342732790

"SHOULD I BE A CHAPLAIN FOR CHRISTIAN ROCK BANDS WHEN I RETIRE?" AND OTHER NON-ROCKING-CHAIR THOUGHTS.

Map hanging on our dining room wall, a gift from a missionary friend. The white circles (on North America and Russia) comprise of L X II, shorthand for Luke 10:2 - "The harvest is indeed plentiful, but the laborers are few; therefore, pray the Lord of the Harvest to send laborers into His harvest."

A good friend of mine (who's a Pastor) tells people that if they're able to retire, then retire while they're able to enjoy it.

I may not look it, and I'm sure I don't act it, but I'm getting to that age. For me, there's an additional factor - I'm a few years younger than Becky, so I not only want to retire while I can enjoy my retirement, but so she  can enjoy my retirement.

So the next question is what should I do when I retire? There are better things to do than sit around and watch TV; in fact, no TV station I know of has earned my viewing. Or I can find some fellow retirees and sit at the coffee shop and solve the world's problems (sorry, but our Government doesn't seem up to the task). And as I'm typing this, I'm listening to an ad suggesting a new career - can you picture me as a truck driver? I can't.

So, leaving the Twilight Zone, there are a few other options. Becky and I have thought about doing a short-term mission trip (up to a couple of years). Or I can get involved with a refugee ministry, something I've had off and on interest since I was in college. Maybe I can get back to writing and see about getting some books published. Far less likely, I can get revive my dormant musical/lyrical talents and start a symphonic rock band or a Southern Gospel quartet. Far less likely, and besides, there are enough good musical groups out there.

Which leads me to something Becky mentioned a couple of times - a chaplain for musicians. After all, I've liked hanging around and encouraging musicians all my life, especially those who are using their skills for the Kingdom. Am I already practicing filling that role?

Currently, I am praying for a list of musicians at least once a week. Some are Southern Gospel vocalists. Some are rockers. Some are favorites for a decade or four. Some are young enough to be my kids. (Should I be their Godfather? I could make them a deal they can't refuse. And yes, I've heard of that movie but haven't watched it).

Of course, I should finish this blog and get to bed so I can be ready for an exciting day at work tomorrow - the number of years I'll continue working may be in the single digits, but it still is years in the plural.
 

 

INTERVIEW WITH GOSPEL SINGER AND PODCAST HOST DEVIN CUNNINGHAM

 

I faced a tough decision one Saturday, late September. Do I travel an hour and hear some good Christian rock 'n' roll, including Reclaim The Day (click here to see my interview with their lead vocalist Becca Sugg) or drive a few minutes to my home church and hear my friend Eric Shaw of His Voice Through Us, Victorious Trio, Divinity Trio, and Devin Cunningham? I don't believe there was a wrong choice, but I was blessed when I stayed close to home. I also was blessed to meet and interview Devin Cunningham.

JR: Let me start with the most important question. How did you come to faith in Jesus Christ? How is He at work in you? What has He been teaching you recently? And who has God been using to show what following Jesus looks like (e.g Preachers, authors, musicians, family/friends)?

DC: First off, thank for asking me to share a bit of my testimony.

I more or less have grown up in church my entire life. Even though I didn’t go routinely until I was 11 my grandparents made sure I always made it to the house of God every weekend I was with them, which was quite often. I would not be saved today it wasn’t for their witness in my life.

God is constantly working on me. LOL. Lately I have felt so burdened to encourage and remind The Body that God still knows exactly what is happening, He is still God and our faith in His love will see us through. My Pastor Rev. Josh Carson, recently preached and reminded me, “This world is dark, but we know the answer.” If we will remember who God is then we, through Jesus and overcome. If you have the knowledge of the power of the name of Jesus then you have all you need. “When we speak His name (Jesus) we invoke mercy.”- Rev. Josh Carson

JR: Your education journey took you from a private Christian School to a public High School to studying music performance at University of Indianapolis. How has the difference in the schools made an impact on your life, both in ways of challenges and blessings?

DC: Though I did end up graduating from a private institution I actually was in public school quite a bit growing up as well. Academically I have never been a great student, socially I had a well rounded education. LOL.

My time in a public high school changed the trajectory of my life. It was during that time I realized I love to sing and that it was what I wanted to do for the rest of my life. It wasn’t until I returned to Calvary Christian School that I accepted my call to minister in song.

I taught myself how to sing up until I attended the University of Indianapolis. What I learned there has carried me to this day.

JR: I had the honor of hearing you do a solo set at an Indiana Music Festival event last September 25. Besides being a soloist and evangelist, you also are credited of singing with the AQUA (Apostolic Quartet United Association) Quartet and with the Master's Legacy Quartet. I could be a smart aleck and ask what you do in your free time, but instead I'll ask this: How do the two different quartets and your solo ministry compare with each other?

DC: Well AQUA doesn’t really travel anymore. Sadly we are just too spread apart.

The difference between my solo ministry and Master’s Legacy is style and presentation. The material during my solo presentation is more eclectic. It has a bit of everything. MLQ, although versatile, is still mainly southern gospel.

JR: Actually, I think I know what you do with at least some of your free time: Could you tell us about the To Be Determined podcast?

DC: Like most things in my life, TBD was birthed from a burden. I felt called to capture the incredible testimonies I have around me. the Bible says the we overcome by the blood of the Lamb and the word of our testimony. How will someone overcome by the blood until they hear about it. Everybody has a story and everyone needs to hear. So stayed tune because new episodes are coming out after the first of the year.

JR: We're living in interesting times, between COVID, the political division, the drastic changes in our culture. What concerns do you have, and what should the Church's response be?

DC: I know I’m repeating myself, but remember your resource. Don’t let the the failures of your past hold you back from today’s blessings. If you are reading this then you are alive and that means that God has given you another opportunity to to overcome through Him. Acts 2:38

JR: Thank you for your time. What is on the calendar for your solo ministry, your quartet, and for the Indiana Gospel Music Festival? Am I correct that you have a new solo music project out as well? How can we keep up to date with your activities?

DC: Thank you again for having me. You can follow me on Facebook and all other social media outlets to keep up with posts and upcoming dates.

Master’s Legacy is sadly disbanding but a new trio is forming out of it called Faithful First. It made up of myself on Tenor, Adam Faulkner on Lead, and Matt Denney on Baritone. We will have new music out next year so stay plugged in.

I did release a new project, "Light Up The World," which is available on Apple Music and Spotify. Hard copies available at every live concert event.

The Indiana Gospel Music Festival is scheduled to happen next summer.

INTERVIEW WITH LUKE JONES, WORSHIP LEADER AT CASTLETON COMMUNITY CHURCH, INDIANAPOLIS

 

Castleton Community Church

JR: Let's start with the important issues. How did you come to faith in Christ, and when did you get interested in music?

LJ: I came to faith in Christ through going to a summer youth retreat when I was 13. I grew up in a Christian family and knew the gospel from a young age but had not been born again. At the youth retreat, the Holy Spirit convicted me of the way I had been living for myself and showed me that the only path to true life is in Christ alone. It was shortly after that when I began playing guitar. My dad is a musician and so is my brother. I would have them show me things on guitar and I would practice every day after school. I then started helping lead worship for our church youth group and this proved to be a great training ground for me to grow in my abilities and gifts.

JR: Who would you consider influencers in your life both in faith and in music (e.g. author, musicians, family, current and previous pastors)?

LJ: My youth pastor was highly influential in my life. If God had not placed him in my life, I would not be where I am today. He really pursued a relationship with me and discipled me well. My previous pastor at Walnut Grove Chapel, Randy Worland, was another huge influence on my life, particularly with regard to theological matters. He helped me grow in my understanding of God’s sovereignty and a theology/philosophy of worship. Some musical artists that have influenced me are Shane and Shane, Phil Wickham, All Sons and Daughters, Tenth Avenue North, Matt Boswell, Bob Kauflin, and many more.

JR: I know a pastor's week includes sermon prep, visitation, and counseling, as well as other things. What does a worship leader's week look like?

LJ: It’s probably different for every worship leader depending on what their responsibilities include. For me, I am responsible for planning our Sunday morning worship services. I spend a good block of time planning out the songs and different worship elements that go into a Sunday morning service. I lead both the volunteer teams for the worship team and the tech team so this requires a lot of time scheduling and communicating with volunteers. I am over both worship and tech so if any technical issues arise with our audio, video or lighting, that falls on me to figure out. I set the stage each week for the team and make sure I am prepared to lead the team through rehearsal on Thursday nights. I also plan out our prayer and praise nights which happen once a month. These are times for the congregation to gather for prayer and singing. Outside of the music sphere of ministry, I also oversee our Global Outreach, Prayer, Facilities, and IT at the church. So when I’m not doing something worship arts related, there is no shortage of things for me to do : )

JR: What do you consider when selecting songs for worship on Sundays?

LJ: Colossians 3:16 tells us to “Let the message of Christ dwell in us richly, singing psalms, hymns and spiritual songs…” The gospel of Jesus dwells in us richly when we sing various types of songs together in the church. So first and foremost, I want to make sure we are singing songs that are full of gospel truth. That does not mean every song needs to have lyrics about the life, death, and resurrection of Christ. But I would hope that at some point during a Sunday, we sing about those things. We need the gospel every day, it is not the starting point of our faith, it is the main point that we need daily! Some other things I think about when selecting songs is singing songs that are more God-centered than man-centered. We want the balance to be singing more about who God is and what He has done rather than what we are going to do for God. Another thing I think about is trying to sing a variety of both hymns and contemporary. We value singing songs from the Church throughout the ages, this communicates that we are a part of something much bigger than ourselves.

JR: In interviews, I often ask how the interviewee is doing in a time when things look like they can be difficult for Christians. But allow me to take a different angle. The coming storm is a motivation for Christians to unify and encourage one another. Yet one of the issues that often causes division in a local church is music. How can the music ministry contribute to building unity in the church?

LJ: Church music can often be divisive in church, this is sad reality. But at the same time, it has the potential to be one of the most unifying things that a congregation does! When we sing together, we are confessing together what we believe to be true. Hearing the congregation’s one voice lifted up, proclaiming the truth of the gospel and professing our love and devotion to God, is something that draws our hearts together as one. No matter what is going on in our lives or in the world around us, we can unite around the core truths we are singing together and find encouragement.

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