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."
Table
DecembeRadio Lyrics
Jump to: Overall Meaning ↴ Line by Line Meaning ↴
The lyrics to DecembeRadio's song "Table" speak to the concept of living one's life without any true direction or sense of purpose. The song cautions against living purely for oneself and emphasizes the importance of honesty, accountability, and authenticity. The imagery of being laid out on a table suggests a vulnerability and exposure to scrutiny, and the chorus asks whether one's life will ultimately be considered a waste of time or if they will find a sense of fulfillment and satisfaction.
The first verse sets the tone for the song, encouraging individuals to live their lives without concern for external factors or the opinions of others. However, the singer warns that this approach will ultimately lead to a lack of peace and sanity. The chorus poses the question of what will be left when everything is stripped away and there is nothing left to hide. Will one's life be viewed as a waste of time or will they have lived with purpose and meaning?
The second verse explores the idea of growing numb to pain and being driven insane by lies. The refrain of "there'll be no one to blame, there'll be no one to shame but you" reinforces the importance of taking responsibility for one's actions and decisions. Ultimately, the song asks the listener to consider what they want to be remembered for and to live their life accordingly.
Line by Line Meaning
Go ahead live your life, live your life anyway you please
Do whatever you want with your life, but it won't bring you peace or sanity.
you'll never find peace of mind never find any sanity
No matter how you live, you won't find inner peace or sanity.
there'll be no one to blame, there'll be no one to shame but you
You can't blame or shame anyone for the state of your life, it's only up to you.
there'll be no other way you're gonna have to face truth
You have to confront the truth about your life, there's no other option.
when all you are is laid out on the table
When all your flaws and mistakes are exposed for everyone to see.
and you no longer hide the things inside
When you can no longer keep your secrets and inner demons hidden.
when everything is stripped away
When all the superficial things in life are taken away, leaving only what truly matters.
will your life be just a waste of time
If your life ends up being meaningless, without purpose or impact, was it a waste of time?
or will you be fine
Will you have made the most of your life and be content with the legacy you leave behind?
in the blink of an eye everything's gonna fade away
Life is fleeting and can be taken away at any moment.
you're growing numb to the pain are the lies driving you insane
If you're constantly surrounded by pain and lies, you may become desensitized or even lose your sanity.
when all you are is laid out on the table
The idea of facing the unvarnished truth about one's self and one's life.
and you no longer hide the things inside
The idea of being exposed and vulnerable, no longer hiding one's flaws and failings.
when everything is stripped away
The idea that everything will eventually fade away and only what truly matters will remain.
will your life be just a waste when all you are is laid out on the table
The idea that one's life may not have had any true meaning or significance when it is laid bare for all to see.
and you no longer hide the things inside
The idea that we all have things we want to keep hidden, but eventually everything comes to light.
when everything is stripped away
The idea that life is often boiled down to its essence when everything else is stripped away.
will your life be just a waste of time or will you be fine
The ultimate question posed by the song: will your life be a waste or will you make the most of it?
Contributed by Isaiah T. Suggest a correction in the comments below.