Crossed Out
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Crossed Out

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The best kept secret in music

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"AREA BAND PASSIONATE ABOUT MESSAGE BEHIND THE TUNES"

AREA BAND PASSIONATE ABOUT MESSAGE BEHIND THE TUNES by Angela Patterson

When you sit down and talk to them, they seem like average, everyday teens, cracking jokes and quoting movie quips from Will Ferrell and Ben Stiller.

But when they start to talk about the music, it's obvious that the five guys who compose the Christian rock band Crossed Out take it very seriously. Their music is their ministry.

"(Our music) is about realizing how God works through the good and the bad," bass player Tyler Hays said. "Thingscan get hard, and you have to overcome them. It's about recognizing Him in the pitfalls as well as the good times."

Lead guitarist Ryan Berner, rhythm guitarist Zack Roskop, drummer Matt Malone and Hays played together in a praise-and-worship band at Middlebrook Pike United Methodist Church, but the band wasn't born until January 2005, when lead vocalist Lance Whitehead was brought on to sing. The band members characterize their music as " a little rock, a little pop, a little alternative," but when it's time to step on stage, their style resembles a rock concert more than anything else.

"We really like to entertain, and we try to bring the energy to a high level," Roskop said. "We want to make it so it's hard to just stand there and watch."

The music is set to appeal to a teenage/young adult audience, with lyrics speaking to real-life issues people of that age face.

"(The songs we write) are about stuff we've dealt with or stuff we've seen our friends deal with," Roskop said. "We see an issue, and we think,'What do we want to say about that?'"

Hays added: "When you get personal with yourself and write a song (about those feelings), you think that no one will understand. But then you perform the song, and someone says: 'I know exactly what you're saying. I can relate.' That's the cool part of it."

The band has had to opportunity to play with a number of Christian rock performers, namely Jars of Clay. The members of Crossed Out are grateful for the performances they've been about to do, and for the people they've been able to work with. Now, they're looking forward to recording their first demo, with the hopes of reaching more people with their music.

All the members feel that this band is their passion, and they will continue to play as long as God wants them to.

"God is really smiling down upon what we're doing for Him," Whitehead said. "We've been really successful in a short amount of time, and I don't see God (changing His plans for us)."

Hays added: "At the end of the day, we're doing what we love to do. A bad day with the band is better than a good day anywhere else."

Check out the band at www.myspace.com/crossedoutband.

Angela Patterson may be reached at 865-342-6369

- Angela Patterson


Discography

Novemeber 2006- EP "Let Loose But Don't Lose It"

Photos

Feeling a bit camera shy

Bio

What does it mean to be relevant in this world? No one has it all figured out. Many of today’s generations are looking for answers without asking the questions. Crossed Out strives with every note to make an impact and break free of the status-quo that most would staple on young adults. Life, faith, hope, happiness, and depression are issues that are tackled head-on in many Crossed Out songs; all with the ultimate goal to be in the world...but not of it.

For the past couple of years, Crossed Out has constantly been honing their craft; sharing the stage with Jars of Clay, Skillet, Kyrstal Meyers, Big Daddy Weave, and more. Many show were played, many friends were made, and many lives were changed. Bassist Tyler Hays says, “Getting to actually talk to the kids after shows and hear how our music touches them makes all the difference.” During a live Crossed Out show, expect enough creativity and exciting energy to fill any venue. On the contrary, don’t expect Crossed Out to be your run-of-the-mill rock band. Underneath all the drums, guitar riffs, and low-end bass lie a positive message that someone of any age can appreciate. In Dec. 2006, Crossed Out’s self-produced debut EP was released, titled, “Let Loose But Don’t Lose It.”

With only each other to rely on, these five Tennessee natives have built everything from the ground up. Starting when all the bandmates were in high school, Crossed Out knew they had something special. After winning a talent festival, Crossed Out’s second performance of all time was in front of 8,000 youth. “It was an awesome experience, and we were inspired to take things more seriously,” says guitarist Zack Roskop.” At the time, we weren't the best instrumentalists, but there was definitely a raw energy that attracted people to us.” With an ever-growing fan base, Crossed Out continues to work harder than you would ever expect from 17-20 year-olds. They have done all of their own writing, producing, promotion, and booking. “When we write a song, we are always seeking truth to make sense of the world around us. We are the same age as most of our crowds, so there is always a common feeling that they know exactly where we’re coming from.” The music industry is ever-changing, and Crossed Out is always looking for a new way to be innovative and creative. They truly believe in their ability to make a difference and change the world.

“As cliché as it may sound, a bad day with the band is better than a good day anywhere else. I have a true love and passion for what we are doing. Music is something that can reach the un-reachable, and a song can mean something different to each person. But in the end, it’s not about us or the CDs . . . We are a part of something bigger than ourselves. It’s a movement, and I will never forget the experiences we’ve had.” - Tyler Hays