Spreading the Word: Red Letter Bullet

Since early 2006, Red Letter Bullet has been rocking out to local venues like Murray Hill Theater with their unique mixture of a heavy rock influence with Christian teachings.
Red Letter Bullet has been dedicated to creating something more than your typical rock band. "We are hoping that this band turns out to be more than just a hobby, that it grows into not only a band who creates music that can be enjoyed by many, but also a ministry, that can spread the Good News of Jesus Christ in a culture where light is seldom found," said lead vocalist Ricky Kennedy.
I interviewed Red Letter Bullet at their latest show on Feb. 21. The band consists of family members Ricky Kennedy (lead vocals), Andy Kennedy (lead guitar), Ian Kennedy (rhythm guitar), Ryan Kennedy (drums), and their friend Brandon Thompson (bass guitar), who is an FCCJ student.

Q: So, what have you guys been working on lately, any new music, a CD, etc?
A: Ricky: "Well, we recently finished for our first full length CD." Q: What can your fans expect from your new stuff?
A: Andy:"The new CD is similar to some of our old stuff."Ricky: "Yes, but it is also more well rounded."
Andy: "Mature! Yes, that's what it is, similar sound but with added matureness."

Q: So are you guys going on tour? And if so, do you guys plan on staying in state or moving outward?
A: Ricky: "Yes, the CD is going to be released this summer so the tour will go along with it." Andy: "Yeah, the tour will be up and down the East Coast." Jokingly Ian: "And the West Coast at the same time."

Q: Do you have any pre-show rituals?
A: Andy: "Well, I play video games. And we try to pray before every show but sometimes it doesn't always happen." Ian: "Yeah we are a little unorganized in that department." Ryan: "But we mostly just hang out." Ricky: "Hangout and interact with fans or people at the show, or anyone who stops by the merch table."

Q: Who is the typical fan for Red Letter Bullet?
A: Ricky: "We actually get a pretty diverse group; there are some older people who come to the shows and say that they really like us."

Q: Even with the screaming?
A: Ricky: "Yeah, that's the interesting part. I had one guy come up to me who was in his late '40s who said he could understand what we were saying and really enjoyed the show." Andy: "And we get the teens or tweens." Ricky: "We always invite people to come and hang out with us after the show." Andy: "Yeah, we tend to have a lot more friends than fans because of that."

Q: Who are your biggest influences?
A: Andy: "Thrice.vid-eo game music."

Q: Video game music?
A: Andy: "Yes, because there is more to it than just a techno beat or something; it's actually really in depth and well thought out." Ian and Ricky in unison:"Incubus." Andy: "Yeah, we grew up on them, they are an awesome group." Brandon: "I agree, Thrice and Incubus are huge influences for us."
Q: If you guys could pl-ay anywhere, where would it be?
A: Andy: "House of Blues.Cali." Brandon: "Red Rocks for sure." Ian: "Definitely, Red Rocks." Ricky: "Totally." Ryan: "Both would be awesome to play at."

Their new CD releases this summer but before they can rock the East Coast they need a new lead guitarist.
"We wanted to let you know that at the end of this year we will be losing our beloved Andy," said Ricky. "Andy has a 1-year-old son and another kid on the way, and has decided that it is time to start a new chapter of his life with his family."
Andy will be involved in writing and recording for the full length album that should be available early next year.
The band is looking for a new guitarist who:
is out of high school, preferably in his 20's
has professional gear (guitar, amp, etc.)
has experience playing live music, touring a plus
-is willing to tour full time (the band plans on making this their full-time job early next year)
-is able to practice at least twice a week on the Westside
-is a Christian.

"We love making music as much as the next band, but this is also a ministry," Ricky said. "We all share the same desire to reach out to people and to serve God. We look for the same in our new guitarist. So if you are interested or know of anyone who may be interested please let us know."

Guitarists who are interested can reach the band at myspace.com/redletterbullet.

Red Letter Bullet is truly on the verge of something great and unique that is sure to blow minds, bodies, and souls from Jacksonville all the way to Maine.