Hailing from Syracuse, NY comes a Christian pop/rock band called Beautiful Mess. The just recently released their debut EP Words Getting Around, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to ask the band a few questions about the EP and how they got started. My questions are in white, Tim Ehrhart's answers are in yellow.
Can you give us a little background history on how you got started doing music?
It started about 5 years ago. My dad, uncle and myself were dabbling in music separately and in our own ways. I was quickly learning to play the guitar and develop melodies. Uncle Chris was singing in his church and my Dad was writing lyrics for no particular reason. Just for fun, we worked together on our first 5 song EP. We received a lot of good feedback and we loved the process. It has grown from a little hobby to something more meaningful.
How would you describe your sound musically, and who are some of your influences?
We have a pop rock sound with very strong acoustic guitar and vocal work. Our music is contemporary and culturally relevant. Some of our influences are Big Daddy Weave, MercyMe and folks like Philip Phillips and even the GooGoo Dolls. Anything with contemporary use of an acoustic guitar and rich vocal delivery.
What would you say is the main message that you are trying to convey to listeners through your music?
Our main message is that our Christian faith is meaningful everyday and demonstrated through living connected lives. We are meant to be connected, in community and in harmony. It is through these connections that God's love moves. It is in these personal connections where hope lives. It is not as crazy as we think and how we are expected to live.
You just recently released your debut EP Words Getting Around, what can you tell us about it?
It is our 4th 5 song EP in about 5 years. Compared to anything else we've done it more consistently captures the message of living connected lives and challenges the things that prevent us from living this way. Reviewers have said some things that are really important to us. One said we deliver a clear Christian message without being "preachy". Another said the music is strong enough to be appealing to folks that just like music and could do without the Christian faith message. This is what we are after. Our message is clearly based in Christian faith, but even people that are questioning God or Jesus, or uncomfortable in church, would live our music.
Do you have a favorite song on the EP? If so, what is it?
You know how it goes. Each song is like a child so its hard to play favorites. With that said, the title track "Words Getting Around" is my favorite. It's funky and upbeat, and captures a person that is in the middle of a transition on how they view their priorities. This could be so many of us.
Where do you get your inspiration for writing music?
We're just looking at the world, eyes wide open. We envy songwriters gifted to write about things they can imagine and have not experienced. We are not there. Our songs are about, people we've met and things we've seen.
What is something you feel that God has been trying to teach/show you recently?
It's all about relationships. Period. Said another way, love the ones your with, wherever you are.
Who would you absolutely LOVE to collaborate with?
Great question. Of course, I have to ask living or dead. Living: Bruno Mars. He is so talented and versatile. Dead: Otis Reading. So soulful.
What is the best piece of advice that you have ever been given?
Keep the main thing the main thing. It is so easy to get distracted. When we keep the love of God and the restoring power of Jesus central to what we do, the journey is so good. Whether the goal is achieved or not, the journey is the reward when keeping the main thing the main thing.
You can connect with Beautiful Mess on:
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