Interview: The Neverclaim
Portland based band The Neverclaim have just released their new album 'The Joy'. LTTM caught up with the group to find out more about the fan-driven, PledgeMusic funded release, and a little more about what makes them tick.
Tell us a little bit about your new album 'The Joy' and what the inspiration behind it was?
Our new record marks a fresh season for us as a band. We are now a 4 piece and we used to be a six piece. We have had the amazing privilege of working with Ian Eskelin as a producer and we really believe the core message of this record is going to touch a lot of lives. The inspiration of this record really comes from Romans 8:31 that says, “If Christ is for us, who can be against us?”
The themes of each of these songs flow from this truth. When we stand on it, there is victory, hope, joy, peace and so much more that gives us strength for our lives.
Which is your favourite track on the album and why?
We really love all of them but for now we’ll say the song “Jesus Is”. We love this song because it declares the transformational power of Christ and how Jesus isn’t a has been or a mere historical character, but he is alive and well today transforming lives all across the World.
Do you prefer playing live or working in the studio?
I think there are exciting things about both. When we play live there is so much more energy and we get to see Jesus working in and through our music up close and personal. In the studio we just have a blast creating new music. There is something very special about having an idea in your head and then making that idea a reality by recording it then seeing it impact people.
If you could work with any song writer, who would it be and why?
We have had the honor to work with some of the best, like Ian Eskelin, Jason Ingram, Tony Wood and Mia Fields just to name a few. I think it would be amazing to work with Matt Mahar or Jeremy Riddle. We love and respect both of those guys big time.
How would you define success in your career as an artist?
Well I think that there are two sides of success as a Christian artist. The first and most important definition is that your music is bringing people into a deeper relationship with Jesus. In the band we call this the “real paycheck.” But the other side of success that we hope for and work hard at is being able to make a living doing it. If we’re unable to take care of our families doing this, then we can’t really do it at the capacity that we feel called to.
How would you describe your style of music and what are your influences?
Our music is fun but also serious. We have such a deep passion for God’s Kingdom to move so we take our lyric writing and how we present those in songs seriously. Sonically, we really try to give our lyrics the best home - so some of our songs are more aggressive alternative rock while others are pop infused electronic rock. The whole band is probably influenced by almost every genre out there. All of us have different tastes in music.
That’s an impossible question to ask musicians. I think the best we can do is name a few that I know some of us love.
Incubus- “Morning view”
John Mark McMillan- All of them
Living Sacrifice- “Reborn”
Adel- “21”
Third Day- “Lead Us Back”
Walk The Moon- “Talking Is Hard
What advice would you give to any aspiring young bands/artists out there?
Serve your church, practice hard and use your gifting for the sake of Christ and his kingdom alone. It’s really lonely when it’s only for yourself. Be patient, and if God has a plan to give you a bigger platform with your music, then the right doors will open for you.
You're stuck on an island, it's hot, you only have enough battery life left to listen to one song on your mp3 player. What track is it?
The Barney theme song J/K
Probably a classic hymn like “When I Survey The Wonderous Cross” or “How Great Thou Art”
What does the next year hold for The Neverclaim?
Our new record comes out July 17th. We have a tour with 7th Time Down and Manic Drive this fall, then I think we might be recording a live worship record. I’m also expecting Jesus to seriously rock a lot of peoples’ lives.
Find out more at theneverclaim.com
