Crossway has been around for a while now and finding some good success for your efforts. When you started off back in Walnut, Mississippi, with four young guys just out of school, did you ever dream that you would be the success that you are today?
We never imagined our pursuit of a dream would lead this far after 10 years. We were just four, young guys doing what we loved. Each of us had a passion for that rich harmony of Southern Gospel. Also, the lyrics were unlike anything playing on any other format. When we would hang out, we would sing the songs we loved. We thought after a lot of practice, we would buy a van, hit the road and share the message.. We were just four good old boys from Mississippi who just knew they loved to sing about Jesus, but didn't know anything about road life. Thank goodness there were lots of people who took us in and helped us get started. It was especially the support of our families that encouraged us to keep going that kept us on the road. I will have to say that we learned a lot of lessons along the way, and the memories will last a lifetime.
I remember when I first saw you guys and you were singing cover songs of the popular quartets of the day. From that you have grown into a very polished, mature group with a modern country sound. How did this metamorphosis come about?
Crossway has always had amazing producers that have challenged us in the studio to break our own barriers and push into a new realm of music. We all generally like the country feel with the vocals at the forefront of the recording in order to keep those harmonies. When we listen to demos for a new project, we choose those songs with a message first of all that we want to represent, but next songs that reflect a country feel. Honestly, time has progressed us as well. You can't help but mature when you are on the road 150 days a year singing. Our audience loves that sound and with each recording we take it to a new level.
Introduce us to the group as it is today. How's the oldest? Is everybody married? Do the wives and kids often go on the bus with you? Who's the prankster on the road trips?
Matt McFarland sings lead for Crossway. He is a family man. He loves being home with his wife and little girl in Chattanooga, TN. Matt would definitly be the prankster on the bus. He is always looking for something to get into. Matt LOVES to fish. Matt also spends time writing songs. Scott Rogers comes from Birmingham, AL. Scott is married with two little girls who are his world. He loves to hunt and he loves to talk about hunting. He has an amazing talent to impersonate people and animals. Scott keeps us all laughing on the bus. I (Paul Smith) sing baritone for Crossway. Everyone calls me the geek because I love technology and gadgets. Yes, I was the one in line for the new iPhone. I am from Walnut, MS and have been with Crossway the entire journey.
I notice that you have decided to go independent as far as your record label goes. What went into that decision? Would you recommend that for up and coming artists? Do you have any advice for artists who are looking up to you today?
We feel there is a time and a place for a record label. Crossway learned so much and experienced events and opportunities along with professional guidance from Springhill. Friends we made there will be our friends for the rest of our lives and we still seek their advice. We would not have reached our present level without help from Scott Chancy, Phil Johnson and Celeste Winstead and other artists who became almost like family. However, in this day and time with all the digital downloading technology, it is better for us to produce our own recordings. I have mixed feelings about suggesting this route for an up and coming artist because I do feel we experienced a lot at a label, but it is nice to have the freedom of choice when it comes to every aspect of a new recording. I think it just depends on the group and what their needs are at that time.
Your new CD, Beautiful Thing is getting rave reviews from everybody. Tell us a little about what went into the making of this project. How is this different from what you have done in the past?
Beautiful Thing was an amazing adventure to record. We pulled songs from anywhere and everywhere to reflect the message we wanted to get across. Matt also wrote a couple of songs on the project. We had a lot of great songs and it was hard to narrow the selection down, but I feel we picked the best of the best. Each song has a different message that touches people in our concert according to individual needs. David Ponder, who produced the project, went beyond our expectations of what we wanted the record to sound like. He took our ideas and combined them with his own and his amazing talent to produce a project we are extremely proud of. The success of the project is already reflecting on radio. The first single quickly climbed the chart and our new single, "Took It All Away," which features the vocal and songwriting of Annie McRae is going to be a great follow-up.
I noticed someone made a comment on one of your CD reviews about the way you dress. You are definitely NOT dressing in the traditional SG style. I don't have a problem at all with artists not dressing like they still live in the 60s, but what is your thinking on the way you now dress when you sing?
We know there has been a lot of controversy over clothing and what singers should wear on stage. We honestly wear what makes the audience feel comfortable. Some nights we dress up and others times we wear jeans and button up shirts. We want listeners to hear the message and not worry if we are dressed up or dressed down. We also don't go to a venue to intimidate people. We are there for one purpose and that's the purpose of presenting the Gospel through music. So whatever way the audience feels most comfortable in receiving it, that's the way we will dress. Like I said before, we are just good ole boys from the south. So, we enjoy our jeans. However, we are just as willing to stand on stage in suits.
Matt seems to really be developing as a songwriter. Is there anything
that really seems to inspire him to write? Are there any other song writers in the group? When you are recording, who picks out the material you are about to record?
Matt generally writes whatever is on his heart. Sometimes he is inspired by an event that happens in his life, sometimes a message we have heard along the way and sometimes by something he reads straight from the Bible. You never know when an idea or hook is going to hit him. When we sit down to pick songs for a new recording, we all do it together with an open mind. Each one states their opinion and we decide as a group what we want the project and group to say. It is a long process to find just the right combination and we are constantly changing our mind, but we want it to be a group effort.
Author: AGM
| Author's Website: http://absolutelygospel.com/
Written: 07/15/2007
| 
Category: Feature Articles
Comments: 9
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Love the project, love these guys!
Becky
Psalm 136:26
Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!
For His mercy endures forever.
I am a die-hard CrossWay fan, one of their cds is almost always playing in my house and van!
Love these guys.
Best sound around--getting better every project. Nothing else in my player!
A Crossway concert is an event. Their songs transport you to a place where you can find strength, peace, hope, and joy.
Who is that really short guy in the group that looks like a 2nd grader?
I would assume you are speaking of Scott Rogers. .
I can assure you a whole lot of voice comes from this man. He has one of the smoothest voices I have ever heard.
I'm not sure if your comment was aimed at humor or rudeness. Scott has a beautiful family and a heart after the Lord, as well as a great sense of humor; therefore, I hope it is humor you were aiming for.
Becky
Psalm 136:26
Oh, give thanks to the God of heaven!
For His mercy endures forever.
A tremendous album. IMO - it's music like this WILL grow the SG fan base. Great job!
Rock on for Jesus Crossway!!! I have been blessed to meet and listen to these wonderful young true christan men!! They are in it for Him!!!
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