CrossWay – Changing the Face of Quartet Music, Feature Article

Sep

2005

CrossWay – Changing the Face of Quartet Music

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One of the most popular up and coming groups in the country today is the progressively amazing sound of the male quartet, CrossWay. From their beginning as a traditional male quartet, this group of guys seem to have found their niche in the more progressive side of Southern Gospel Music. They are changing the face of quartet music, one song at a time and are winning fans left and right who would have never would have otherwise listened to a male quartet. Recently, I spoke with Paul Smith, Chris Weaver and Matt McFarland about their music, where they’re at right now and where they’re going. Unfortunately, Marty Hurt could not join us for the interview as he was back home enjoying the recent birth of triplets.

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James: When you started, did you have any idea things would turn out the way they have for you guys?

Paul: No…not at all. If you had asked me 9 years ago if I would be singing fulltime, I would have said that you were crazy. I would have never guess it in a million years.

Chris: I could have never imagined the success that we’ve had on radio and signing with such a great label like SpringHill. God has been good to us and He has really made some awesome connections for us.

James: When you guys first started you were straight up, traditional SG quartet music and as time has gone on, your sound has evolved into a much more progressive style. Was this something you planned, or did it just happen?

Paul: We love all the traditional styles like the Cathedrals, Kingsmen, etc. That’s our first love and what we were raised on. Nothing was planned for us saying we’re going to make an album that sounds like this or that. We just picked the songs we liked and sang them the way we wanted to sing them and it just turned out the way it did.

Matt: You know, even though the style has changed some, the message has not. We feel God is the focal point of our ministry; as well it should be with any ministry. The message comes first, and we just deliver it in a little different way than some others.

Chris: Like Paul said earlier, we’d all been raised on traditional Southern Gospel and we started out as that, but we found ourselves getting lost in the mix. We wanted to do something that appealed to a younger audience. When we went into the studio last year to record this last project, the last song we recorded was “It Looks Like Love to Me”, and when we got done, we listened to the final playback of the song and we all just looked at each other in silence with this look like “Did we mean for this to happen?” We never really realized where we were going with our sound until it was all over. We all thought this was different, this was cool and we were very happy with the finished product. We were scared at first, but the fans have really taken to the new sound. We really feel this is who CrossWay is and we’re excited to see where the next album takes us.

Matt: “This I Know” has far exceeded our expectations. When we started working on this recording the group experienced some changes and we were still in the midst of trying to figure out vocal parts, which fits better where and eventually it all kind of fell into place. We learned a lot through this recording and it’s all just exceeded all of our expectations.

James: How exactly would you describe your sound today?

Paul: Crossway! (everybody laughing)

Matt: You know, our style is something that continues to develop everyday. You try to grow as individuals and as artists, and we’re not trying to go for a specific sound, so to speak, but we just try to pick out songs that give the strongest message. We’re all generally young guys and we enjoy good, exciting, vibrant music and that’s not to negate the traditional sounds at all because that’s is something we love and cherish and respect as well, but there’s always something for everybody and we try to keep our music well rounded.

Paul: If everybody sounded the same, we’d be bored out of our minds. We try to give some variety, and as long as those lyrics are there presenting the gospel, then go for it.

Matt: We’ve had more people respond to this new album than any other and people are thanking us for doing something different. We’re not the average quartet and people want to see something that’s a little different, and some people like it and some don’t. We’re grateful for the responses that we’ve been getting.

James: When you (Matt) came with the group, it totally changed the vocal structure of the group with you and Marty switching lead and tenor.

Matt: Yeah, we had a time trying to figure things out when I came to the group. Eventually, we came to decision to move me to the lead position and Marty found a “flip” in his voice that was just perfect for our sound and it really complimented the group’s sound and our voices. It wasn’t something that was planned; it just fell into place that way.

James: You guys knew one another prior to you coming to CrossWay?

Matt: Yes, CrossWay was singing at a theater in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina and I was singing in an ensemble there and they were the featured quartet. When that show was over, we went our own way and I moved to Nashville and got a call two weeks afterwards and have been here ever since.

James: What are some of your favorite moments on “This I Know”?

Matt: For me personally, “Long Arm of Love” is my personal favorite song; it is a song that has a unique message, though it’s the same as you’ve always heard…you just can’t outrun God’s love. The song is so fun to sing too and I love the harmonies on the song as well. “It Looks Like Love” has always been a crowd favorite and it’s one of my favorites as well. “Unscarred” is another one that I love. That song did pretty well on the Inspirational charts, so that has helped get our music out to a new audience.

Chris: The song “Don’t Pass By” is probably my favorite. It’s a more Inspirational sounding song, and a lot of times we use it for an invitational. It’s a cool song and shows us in our weak state. Satan wants us to build up a lot of pride within us, but the thing is our lives are out of control and it’s only through God that we can gain control. The song says, “Lord here I am, I’m broken and I need you”. That song really just hits me. It’s not a song you perform; it’s a song you sing to God.

James: What do hope to accomplish through your music?

Matt: The message is ultimate. The title song of our recording, “This I Know”…that is the simple message that I know Jesus loves me. That’s a message everyone needs to hear, whether you’ve been saved for years or someone who needs to come to a saving knowledge of Jesus Christ. Everyone needs to know and be reminded that Jesus loves them. That’s what we are hoping to achieve through our music…that He will never leave or forsake us and that there is hope and there is someone who loves you with an unconditional love. The lost need to hear that, and so does the church.

Chris: In the last ten years, there seems to be a big push for the youth and we’re beginning to see a lot of young people in our audiences. We’re trying to relate to the younger audience. I like to say we’re giving them a light dose of Southern Gospel and we’re kind of that happy medium. Our style has allowed us to go into churches that usually don’t host Southern Gospel. We try to relate Southern Gospel in a form that young people can relate to and as Matt said, get the message of God’s love to them.

James: What’s up the road for the group?

Matt: We’re working on an acoustic hymns album with several songs that we do in concert with just me playing the guitar like “I’ll Fly Away”, “I Can Only Imagine” and a hymns medley that we do. People love it when we do those songs and have constantly been after us to put those on CD, so we’re going to do that. We are also due to record a new album for SpringHill, and hopefully in the next couple of months we’ll get started on that.

James: What do you guys do keep yourselves fresh?

Paul: We try to stay in the Bible as much as you can because when we’re on the road, it’s hard to get involved in church. In Nashville where I live, they have some Bible study groups that I try to keep involved in during the week. It’s a challenge, but you have to stay in God’s Word or you’ll get off kilter.

Matt: The good thing with us being such close friends is that we all keep one another accountable to a high standard.

Chris: I have been through the “Purpose Driven Life” book several times and along with the Word, I use that to try to better myself as a Christian and as a person. You have to keep yourself grounded in the Word as much as you can, because it’s essential. My wife is such a strong hold for me in my life for me as well and she keeps my feet on the ground and reminds me what this is all about.

James: What is God teaching you right now?

Paul: A lot of times it’s easy to stomp on people who are down. Lately I’ve learned that good people get caught in some bad situations and you hate to see them fall, but you love them and you work to help them. We all need to love people and not stab them in the back because of a mistake that they may have made. Don’t kick them when they’re down…Christian people can be so cruel and mean and we’re commanded to love them and bring them back to where they should be.

Chris: My biggest lesson is that I can depend on Him. Things happen and we think we can take care of it and push Him to the side and He’s showed me that there are surprises around every corner and He’s still in control. He’ll use those surprises in your life to get your attention and He’s showed me that no problem is too small for God and through it all He’s maturing me as a Christian.

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Find out more about CrossWay by visiting their website at www.crosswayqt.com.
CrossWay is also holding a Win an IPod, to enter the contest go here.

Reader Comments

I love Crossway because they do sound different than other quartets. Personally, I think a lot of the quartets sound too much alike and their songs all sound the same, with the exception of a few. Crossway has a new, fresh, sound. (And I must say I don't care too much for contemporary.) Also I'm in my 40's, so Crossway appeals to older folks too!

Pam Tucker

Commented by On 10/05/2005

Mrs. Tucker

I am 44, and like you, I think they are great. But again, I don't take serious anyone who says that one group from the inside will change the face of Gospel music. It isn't possible, and it's kinda cocky -- if you ask me.

Commented by Kevin Wicker On 10/05/2005

KW said: "It isn't possible, and it's kinda cocky -- if you ask me"

Tell that to those who have changed the face of the industry over the years.

As to being kinda cocky, well the same could be said of your comments.

Commented by On 10/05/2005

Mr. Mooney:

My apologies for my shortcomings. I say only what I see, and I beleive that's what this forum is about. Maybe if you were to look into what I'm trying to say, you won't make such narrowminded assumptions.

I have personal friends who have changed the industry, as a matter of fact (Wally Fowler, Gary Paxton, Armond Morales, members of the Stamps and Imperials, 3 Bridges). I don't feel they would agree with you in any way.
May you be blessed.

Commented by Kevin Wicker On 10/05/2005

Mr Wicker

You are certainly entitled to your opinion. However I find when one must name-drop and talk about their own accomplishments in order to make a point, they often times are nothing more than glory seekers themselves. Your presumptions about the writer of this article as well as CrossWay themselves are arrogant and uncalled for at best. You have said yourself you are not involved in this industry in any form, so why presume to make statements as though we should all bow to your conclusions.

I think, sir, your apologies should be made to CrossWay and Mr. Hales.

Commented by On 10/05/2005

Mr. Mooney:

Obviously, you haven't read any of my previous entries. You have taken my comments out of context.

I don't seek to promote myself. I only have my own opinion, drawn from years of experience in the music industry. Sorry that you find that offensive.

I am one who beleives that the Gospel music industry needs change. I do like the group Crossway, but as I stated (to make a point): the only way Gospel music will be brought to a new level is from the outside in. That was my conclusion. Anyone who thinks they will turn Gospel music on it's ear overnight is in dillusion, because Gospel fans aren't so easily convinced. History proves it.

Do you have any credentials? Because frankly, I've never heard of you. You certainly talk as one who is narrow and thick.

I owe no-one an apology, because I meant no harm to anyone.

Commented by Kevin Wicker On 10/05/2005

Mr. Wicker,

Meaning no harm, yet speaking harmful things that you know nothing about is just as detrimental.

I would not presume that you have heard of me, but then who has heard of you? But wait, you have spent many posts illuminating us with your credentials within the Nashville music community (as if this should somehow endear you to our hearts) all the while presuming to explain to all how bad this industry is and that you have all the answers.

I wonder why no one has sought your council before now.

Commented by On 10/05/2005

Mr Mooney:

You are sadly mistaken and biased. Sorry that you have taken my comments so personally.

It doesn't matter who has or hasn't heard of me. I am simply stating my opinions as a Gospel fan, and an industry professional. I feel my opinions are just as valid as anyone else in this industry.

Why not find yourself a hobby?

Commented by Kevin Wicker On 10/05/2005

I have found this whole conversation interesting. First, it is certainly possible for one group to have a changing effect on a genre. To not take seriously anyone who says that one group can change the face of Gospel music from the inside is to not be aware of the history of this genre. All we have to do is go back to the Statesmen and see how they turned Gospel music upside down. Then the Imperials did it in the 70s. They were the Crossways, and Crabb Families of today. The very people who complain about the changing of he genre today would have dispised the Statesmen and Blackwood Brothers in the 40s and 50s, after all, they did what the young groups are being accused of today. Crossway is grasping the newer country quartet sound which is very popular.
Southern Gospel as well as any other genre is constantly changing, or it will cease to be. Those stuck in the days of their old records would have Southern Gospel music go the way of the 50 s and 60s rock and roll. It's great wo watch it on those TV specials, but that's the only place you will find it. If we don't keep changing as a genre of music, we will shrivel up and die.

Commented by On 10/05/2005

I agree, up to a point. As I stated earlier, it's very rare to find a group like the Statesmen, or the Imperials -- who change the music. Maybe Crossway could be the catalyst of change, who knows. We have to consider the times, and the habits of the record buyers and concert goers.

I do agree that change is inevitable. I think of the Crabb family, and 3 Bridges. I feel it will take a conglomeration of influences -- over a period of time -- to solicit change.

But, again, I could be wrong...WHO KNOWS?

Commented by Kevin Wicker On 10/06/2005

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