Its only fitting that the group made a terrific impact at the 2005 Rock Summit, an industry event drawing national attention and also featuring performances by Stryper, Casting Pearls and Sanctus Real. Though the guys had been refining their sound on the road since 1998, performing everything from covers in club settings (with a heavy leaning towards Hootie and the Blowfish) to worship selections in more ministry-focused environments, DecembeRadios sheer grit and passion absolutely entranced those gathered.
"We kind of went into the Rock Summit like everything else we do, mostly because we had not done much industry stuff other than a few showcases," explains the groups guitarist Eric Miker. "So that gave us the advantage of not being nervous and not really even knowing who was going to be there, but we got the attention of a lot of DJs and the industry in general to name us 'Buzz Band of the Year'."
Perhaps it was the groups incredibly entertaining live spectacle or maybe it was the members down to earth approach on stage that earned them this illustrious honor, along with a spot a few months later on BILLBOARDMagazines Faces to Watch cover story as the scales tipped towards 2006. Rather than going in with the intention to impress, the troupe tore into its regularly scheduled program of cutting edge musical expressions with a sincere and mature commitment to ministry not often found in a group of twentysomethings.
"There's definitely a lot in the set for musicians or any rock n roll fan to like- the energy, the guitar solos and the drum solos," notes lead guitarist Brian Bunn. "But we also try to react to the audience on a deeper level and with a more spiritual mindset. We have a set of worship that brings all that into focusone of the guys shares a message, and we have a time of prayer. Then we celebrate again at the end and really rock out."
Considering the players tightly sealed cohesion and unbreakable chemistry on stage, DecembeRadio never had a problem catching its ambitious sound in the studio through a string of independent releases. But its recent partnership with Slanted has opened the doors to an all-new method of recording - one that teams them with acclaimed producer Scotty Wilbanks (Third Day, Overflow, NewSong) and a trip to Southern Tracks in Atlanta (allowing them to use the same gear as many of their heroes).
The results have yielded a full-length record packed with a slew of single-ready, hook-heavy, infectious jams that unfold as a natural extension of the mind-blowing concert experience. Considering DecembeRadio has its influence pool rooted in the most lauded acts of yesterday while simultaneously keeping its pulse on the alternative sounds of today, the quartet has an obvious appeal to mainstream audiences and is likely to introduce the Christian marketplace to a whole new pedigree of power.
"That's kind of what were hoping for-to be attractive to the unsaved, along with believers who don't typically listen to Christian music," explains drummer Boone Daughdrill. "Sometimes Christian music cant satisfy the needs of someone in their late 20s or early 30s who grew up on the hard rockin' stuff and finds that attractive, but also experiences a spiritual level through the music. People always say to us you dont sound like what I usually hear in Christian music, and that's what were praying for- to have the Lord use what were creating to touch their hearts."
"We're not out to try to be rock stars, we're just a bunch of southern boys who want to hang out, have a good time and inspire others," sums up Bunn. "But were not trying to play it safe musically or spiritually. Were not interested in selling out to the industry to be famous and were passionate about being technically on top of our game. We realize each day that without God were nothing, and its our mission to spread His message through music. Without that, we'd be unhappy and lonely. You're never going to be happy, find peace or comfort without the fulfillment of Christ in your life."
Alright My Friend
DecembeRadio Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
Fading to nothing
Complacency is killing you slowly
Taking you over
Is there something I can say?
I pray for you, I pray for you
I couldn't help but notice that you're all alone, all alone
I'm reaching out my hand
And hoping that one day you will understand
Love will lead you home
Silently I hear you crying
There's no use in fighting
No promises that fade like the sunset
With nothing but regret
Is there something I can say?
I pray for you, I pray for you
Are you alright my friend?
I couldn't help but notice that you're all alone, all alone
I'm reaching out my hand
And hoping that one day you will understand
Love will lead you home
Stand up and dry your eyes
Do not be ashamed there's better days ahead
Sorrow will pass away
There's hope for you and me written in the red
Are you alright my friend?
I couldn't help but notice that you're all alone, all alone
I'm reaching out my hand
And hoping that one day you will understand
Love will lead you
Are you alright my friend?
I couldn't help but notice that you're all alone, all alone
I'm reaching out my hand
And hoping that one day you will understand
Love will lead you home
Love will lead you home
The song "Alright My Friend" by DecembeRadio is a moving and emotional tribute to a friend who is struggling and feeling lost. The lyrics express empathy for the friend's situation and feelings of helplessness in trying to reach out and make a difference. The theme of the song is one of hope and the belief that love will ultimately triumph and lead the friend home.
The lines "All your dreams are fading to nothing, Fading to nothing, Complacency is killing you slowly, Taking you over" indicate that the friend is feeling disillusioned and has lost their sense of purpose. The singer, however, acknowledges their struggles and is willing to support them in any way possible. The chorus of the song, "Are you alright my friend? I couldn't help but notice that you're all alone, all alone, I'm reaching out my hand, And hoping that one day you will understand, Love will lead you home," emphasizes the message of the song that love, patience, and support can lead to healing and hope.
The verse "Sorrow will pass away, There's hope for you and me written in the red" is a powerful reference to the biblical teachings of forgiveness and salvation through Christ's blood (written in red in some versions of the Bible). It also alludes to the idea that the current struggles of the friend are temporary and that they are capable of overcoming them.
Overall, "Alright My Friend" is a poignant and heartwarming song about helping a friend in need, even when it feels like there is nothing you can do. The song's message of hope and perseverance is inspirational and can resonate with anyone who has experienced a difficult time in their life.
Line by Line Meaning
All your dreams are fading to nothing
Your aspirations and desires are dwindling without any progress or growth.
Complacency is killing you slowly
Your lack of action and contentment with where you are in life is causing your decline over time.
Taking you over
Your behavior and mindset are being consumed by a lack of motivation and drive.
Is there something I can say?
I'm wondering if I can offer any words of encouragement or advice to assist you.
I pray for you, I pray for you
I'm hoping and wishing the best for you through my thoughts and faith.
Are you alright my friend?
I'm questioning and expressing concern about your well-being and emotional state.
I couldn't help but notice that you're all alone, all alone
I observed that you don't seem to have any companionship or support around you.
I'm reaching out my hand
I'm extending an offer of help or assistance to you.
And hoping that one day you will understand
I'm optimistic that you will eventually comprehend and realize the value of my aid.
Love will lead you home
Compassion and affection will guide you towards the place where you belong.
Silently I hear you crying
I'm able to sense that you're experiencing pain or distress without any vocalization of it.
There's no use in fighting
Trying to resist or combat your inner turmoil is futile and ineffective.
No promises that fade like the sunset
There are no guarantees that gradually disappear or lose their impact over time.
With nothing but regret
All that remains in the aftermath is a feeling of disappointment and sorrow.
Stand up and dry your eyes
Get up and stop crying, take control of your emotions and situation.
Do not be ashamed there's better days ahead
Don't feel embarrassed about your current struggles, the future holds opportunities and positive outcomes for you.
Sorrow will pass away
Your sadness and distress will eventually fade and disappear.
There's hope for you and me written in the red
There is a future where both you and I can find hope and purpose, which has already been determined or assured.
Contributed by Maya W. Suggest a correction in the comments below.