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."
Can't Hide
DecembeRadio Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
It's so controlling that it makes you sick
You've got no one to blame but yourself
For all the pain that you inflict
And oh, you've gotta turn from what you've done
To find what you've been hiding from
You can't run from your Maker
You'll meet Him sooner or later
You can't hide from your Creator
How long will you keep chasing tomorrow
The false illusion that you'll be okay
You're not to far away from knowing
The choice is yours don't be afraid
And oh, you've gotta turn from what you've done
To find what you've been hiding from
You can't hide from your Creator
You can't run from your Maker
You'll meet Him sooner or later
You can't hide from your Creator
No, no
And oh, you've gotta turn from what you've done
To find what you've been hiding from
You can't hide from your Creator
You can't run from your Maker
You'll meet Him sooner or later
You can't hide from your Creator
Your Creator
"Cant Hide" by DecembeRadio is a powerful track that speaks directly to those who have struggled with addiction. The song starts with the singer watching someone "crawl back" to their addiction, which is "controlling" and "makes you sick". The lyrics suggest that this person is causing their own pain and is responsible for the damage they are inflicting on themselves. The chorus is a warning, that no matter how hard someone tries to hide from their problems, they cannot hide from their Creator. They cannot run from their Maker and will meet Him sooner or later. The bridge encourages the person to stop chasing tomorrow and see that the choice is theirs, and they need not be afraid.
The song speaks to the universal human struggle of trying to hide from our problems and deny our flaws, but ultimately this is impossible. We must confront our issues and seek solutions, which often requires reaching out for help.
One interesting fact about "Can't Hide" is that it was used in the soundtrack for the popular video game NHL 09. The song was also featured on the album "Satisfied" by DecembeRadio, which was nominated for a Grammy Award in 2009.
Another interesting fact about the song is that it was written by the band's lead vocalist, Joshua Reedy, who himself struggled with addiction. Reedy has stated that writing and performing the song has been a cathartic experience for him that has helped him heal and move forward in his recovery.
Line by Line Meaning
I watched you crawl back to your addiction
I observed you struggle with your addiction and witnessed how it controls your life to the point of making you physically ill.
It's so controlling that it makes you sick
The addiction you are experiencing is so dictatorial and dominant that it has a negative effect on your health, causing physical and emotional illness.
You've got no one to blame but yourself
The responsibility for the hurt and pain you cause lies entirely within you, and external factors or other people are not to be blamed.
For all the pain that you inflict
You are the cause of the pain, hurt, and damage that your addiction inflicts on yourself and those around you.
And oh, you've gotta turn from what you've done
It's essential to change your path and behavior from the destructive path you are on to positively impact your life and others around you.
To find what you've been hiding from
To discover the underlying issues and causes of your addiction, you need to confront them and work on finding solutions.
You can't hide from your Creator
Regardless of what you do or how hard you try, you cannot escape your accountability to God, who created you and holds you responsible for your choices, actions, and consequences.
You can't run from your Maker
No matter where you go, God is always present, and you can't avoid your responsibility towards Him, your Creator.
You'll meet Him sooner or later
At some point in time, you will have to face the consequences of your actions and meet God, who will hold you accountable for your life's choices and decisions.
How long will you keep chasing tomorrow
How long will you keep putting off dealing with your addiction? When will you start taking action to change your life for the better?
The false illusion that you'll be okay
The idea that you can continue living with your addiction without facing any consequences is a false perception that prevents you from taking action to address the problem fully.
You're not too far away from knowing
You have enough knowledge and insight to recognize that you need help to overcome your addiction and improve your life.
The choice is yours don't be afraid
The decision to change your life and improve your situation is yours to make, and you should not be afraid to take the necessary steps to make positive changes and confront your addiction.
No, no
An interjection used to emphasize the seriousness of the situation and the importance of taking action to address the problem.
Contributed by Cooper A. Suggest a correction in the comments below.