SENT BY RAVENS: A FORCE TO BE RECKONED WITH

South Carolina locals, Sent By Ravens, offers an eclectic blend of melodic catches and fluid lyrics that are not only uplifting but inspiring. The band, consisting of Jamie Windham (bass), Andy O'Neal (guitar), Zach Riner (lead vocals), Dane Anderson (drums), and JJ Lenard (guitar), strives to excite and challenge people in their everyday life.

In an interview with lead vocalist Zach Riner, The Campus Voice was given the opportunity to find out how the band copes with the stresses of tour, and what inspires and leads them in their conquests.



Q: How did Sent By Ravens begin?

A: "S.B.R. started with Jamie and Andy in and around late 2005-early 2006. They were instrumental with our first drummer when Jamie found me in another band in Georgia and asked if I wanted to join. I prayed and felt God saying 'Go', so I went. Three years, three drummers, lots of shows and lots of faith. here we are."



Q: Where does the name Sent By Ravens come from?

A: "It comes from a story in the Bible, (1 Kings) about Elijah being fed by ravens. Ravens were unclean birds who did God's work. Kind of like we're all sinners, but we can spread the Word of God."



Q: What's your favorite song to play and why?

A: "Our new song we just wrote called "New Fire" God has put little opportunities in front of us like praying for people that were too similar to us personally for it to be a coincidence. The song is about a few of those experiences and our hunger for new fire in our hearts. I really like singing that song because it doesn't let me forget that feeling."



Q: What or who are your influences?

A: "Umm lots...Blindside, Incubus, Our Lady Peace, all the glorious bands that were the 80's and 90's, Mutemath, [and] As Cities Burn. It's not fair to list these when there are so many, but that's just a few of mine. A HUGE influence on me right now is a book called The Irresistible Revolution: Life as an Ordinary Radical by Shane Claiborne. Check it out."



Q: Do you have any family? How do you balance it and being on the road?

A: "Yeah, Andy has a wife and two kids, and I'm getting married in August. We love them so very much, but have to do this. It's very hard being away from them, but they know what we're doing is what God has called us to do. It helps having support like that."



Q: What do you want people to get out of your music?

A: "We want people to feel love and passion! We love Jesus so much, and we're working to become better guys. That's all God, so we're not perfect in the least, but we do know God is with us and has a plan. and we're listening. It's a beautiful thing: following something blindly."



Q: What is in the future for Sent By Ravens?

A: "Who knows? We're going to improve our own community, so that we can better serve others. We are going to be there for people, and go where they need us. We're not just going to highlight the parts of God we like and ignore the rest. We're going to be completely open to God and what He's asking. that's our future!"




Befriend this marvelous band at myspace.com/sentbyravens




Be sure to come out to their Jacksonville show at the Murray Hill Theatre on April 26.