Interview with Dave Baysinger and Sam Barnhart from Bleach

Jeeves: "To start off, every night, when you guys go on stage, what's the one main thing that, if you get anything else across, what's the main point you want to make?"

Dave: "It's, I mean, yeah, I guess it just really depends night after night, but, I guess just a generic thing is really just the hope; the hope of Christ. The hope that we have. That's what we wanna share. It's not like we have, we definitely don't have much as people, to give, but, if we do have anything, it's that."

Jeeves: "Yeah, that's cool. I know that, definitely, being on the road is a tough thing sometimes. Are there any major life lessons that you guys have..."

(Dave and Sam laugh)

Dave: "All of 'em!"

Sam: "You name it, man!"

Dave: "Every single one."

Sam: "We're still learning them! Yeah, definitely, I think one thing we've learned is that we really have to trust in Jesus, and...I mean, as generic and cliche as that sounds, there's probably a reason why it's been so overused...because that's really the only way that you can make it out here, man, is to do that. Umm...we've learned a lot of hard lessons in the past couple of years, and, even the past year. And we've really learned how to, uhh...for me, man, I just really learned how to discern what's God's voice and what is my desires, that aren't always in line with Him, ya know? That's a hard lesson to learn."

Dave: "That's a hard one to figure out, even now, I mean...you know, even for me, that's one that I still deal with. I think another thing is just being real...you know?"

Jeeves: "Yeah...and I know it's hard to get to church every Sunday, being on the road and stuff like that, so, what do you guys do to hold each other accountable? Is there anything you do to keep in the Word; to keep yourselves strong, while you're on the road?"

Sam: "We, as a tour, as much as we can, get together before shows and, sometimes do a Bible study, but more than that just worship together, and then kinda get prepared to worship. And once in a while, somebody will have a scripture to share and stuff...and we definitely share scripture with each other as we're just rollin' down the road. I mean there's not necessarily a specific time that we call church, but...definitely, I would say at least at some point in almost every day we pray together and come together, in some form or fashion."

Jeeves: "Is there, to wrap it up, is there anything you'd say for anyone who's beginning to follow their calling, ya know...music, or whatever it may be? Is there any advice you have?"

Sam: "I'd say just...go with your heart, man. But, soak it in a lot of prayer and really seek God on that. You know what I mean? 'Cuz that's a lesson I learned the hard way is just, like I said. What's me and what's God and...what are my human, sinful desires, and what are God's good and holy desires for me. They seem so obvious to discern, but sometimes it's hard, because sometimes they're similar, ya know?"

Dave: "Ya know, too, it's, I mean, this is gonna sound probably hypocritical, but some people's call is not to be in front of thousands and thousands of people. I know you see DC Talk, or whatever...these big bands; you've got the Newsboys and God's using them in front of thousands of people every night, and, it's like, some people's call...sometimes you're called, if you're into music, your call might just be to a local club, or, it might even be to worship in some other country as a missionary. I think in all things, like Sam said, man, if you're in God's will and you're discerning between your will and His will; if you're really in His will, then, you're gonna have joy and you're gonna know it. You're gonna have peace and satisfaction in what you do."

Jeeves: "That's cool. Good stuff!"

Sam: "Cool, man."

Jeeves: "Just one last question. Is there any question you guys wish somebody would ask you, but you never get asked?"

Sam: "Well, I'll tell you a question that, you'd think after four years people would stop asking and that's 'How did you get your name?!?...What does your name mean?!?'. (We all share a small chuckle) That's probably the most common question, so, thank you for not asking that!"

Jeeves: "No problem!"

Sam: "I'm just kidding, man, I'm kiddin'. I don't care, 'cuz a lot of people are still learning about us and stuff, so. That is a very common one...I dunno, what a question you wanna...(asking Dave)"

Dave: "Umm...I don't know. Pretty much all of 'em have been asked, I think."

Sam: "Yeah."

Jeeves: "That's cool."

Dave: "Not many people ask me about bass fishing. I don't mind if somebody asked me about that."

Jeeves: "Bass fishing! You like bass fishing?"

Dave: "I do man, I love it! (sounds of Sam laughing)"

Jeeves: "That's cool. Everybody needs some good hobbies."

Sam: "That's right, man."

Jeeves: "Alright, thanks guys!"

Sam: "No problem. We appreciate it, man."

Dave: "Nice seeing you here, man."

Jeeves: "It's been a great show, and I'll see you guys next time you roll through!"

Sam: "That's a neat lunchbox."

Jeeves: "Thank you."

Check out Bleach's self-titled release now! Go to www.Bleached.com for more information.

-soulblaze