| Wakeup Sleeper, named to reflect Ephesians 5:14, is comprised of James Chester (guitars, vocals), Jesse Loux (drums), Evan Smith (bass), and Phil Marsalona (guitars).
For years, vocalist, James Chester, had been crafting songs to express truth about the character of God. His first collection of songs for the church, Increase the Decrease, was released in 2006 under the James Chester Band.
Believing he was called to lead worship and continue in writing songs for fellow worshippers, James asked God to provide local musicians with a like-minded heart. A chance meeting at a local church with drummer, Jesse Loux, answered what James had been praying for. Just months later, the current lineup had established a common vision and a strong bond.
In July 2007, Wakeup Sleeper cut a three song EP at Milkboy Recording Studio. The songs prove that four guys with distinctly different musical influences ranging from Damien Rice to Radiohead to mewithoutYou, are a strong team that attempts to shift the musical boundaries of what the traditional church considers worship.
Similar to other postmodern worship bands, Wakeup Sleeper hopes to be relevant to culture, lift up the role of art in the church, and reshape the sometimes-misconstrued views on worship. At its core, the group desires to explore what it truly means to live a life that overflows with worship of Christ. This goal is reflected in their rhythmic anthem, 'Let Everything,' which vows devotion to God in every aspect of life. It's a reminder to the church of what the role of a worshipper is - turning your life over to God in adoration. "Worship for me isn't just about giving back to God what he has given me. It's about living your life in a way that brings honor and glory to His name all the time," explains bassist, Evan Smith.
"The somber dissonance of 'Glory' is by no means unintentional. It's a song that came out of my thoughts from a study on the book of Hebrews," says James. The music conveys a very thick and solemn reality of being in the presence of God- the very God who changed the course of history by sending His son. "The song writing process for me," says James, "is an outpouring of what God is teaching me at the current time. I try to write about more than just how great God is. He is eternally great – that is true- but his words to us are deep, and the things we have to say back to him are about much more than just rejoicing. I want to give those things a voice for us as worshippers."
"The Turning EP," is currently being sold on itunes and more information is available through the merch page. 'Proskuneo', the Greek word for worship, which means 'to turn and kiss,' inspired the title to this latest project. It's a statement Wakeup Sleeper wants the church to hear above all the music: worship requires turning away from ourselves and towards God. |
