INTERVIEW :: Newworldson

First, thanks for taking the time out of your schedule to talk to us.

Before we get into the interview lets show the good readers how talented you guys are!!

Ok now that you’ve got a taste of what they can do let’s get into the questions. = )

1. What did you guys loved most about the Parachute Music Festival that you performed at earlier this year?

The people - it's always the case when you've got great people who share a common goal coming together for the same cause. We've been blessed to be a part of this festival  - everything runs so smoothly from top down.

2. You have an eclectic music style which is categorized as jazz/soul and with a touch of Gospel. What artists and music styles have influenced you and how did a Canadian band develop such a deep southern American gospel sound as part of its feel?

Canada is a very mutli-cultural country. It's not strange for a Canadian to know a lot about other countries and to like lots of different kinds of music. We've all got our own influences - some of them we certainly share - as a band we all connect on Gospel music and old recordings like the Staples Singers, Sam Cooke, various rock, reggae, pop... too many to mention. Our sound really comes from the fact that we all just get together and play - no talking just playing and seeing what sounds come out. I think that if we put much thought into it the way we sound it really wouldn't work - or would sound very "put-on".

3. Your signed to InPop, what’s it like working with them?

InPop are one of our biggest supporters. Especially Dale Bray who is the guy responsible for letting us be who we are. That's  rare for a label to just let an artist be an artist without trying to strong-arm them into writing for radio etc. We love their hearts for ministry and there is a very big mutual respect there at the moment.

4. We just recently got this post from one of your adoring fans direct from Canada

Mark, Richie,Josh and JOEL!!!!! Make us soooo proud to be Canadian while you are celebrating Christ's love and your hearts down under. Sydney is such a far, far, way from the orchards of Niagara on the Lake, but God owns it all.... and to our Australian cousins, you are the sweetest breath of fresh FUNKY air!! Be so great! Make your Christian world difference and leave all of our brothers and sisters wanting sooo much more of Newworldson.

Make every effort to climb Ayers Rock while you are there (it will blow your beautiful minds... what in Heaven's name did God have in mind the day He created that Monolith?) and give my love to Alice Springs NT too!

See you when you get home to the GTA, your sister in Christ, Anne-Marie May Welcome Aboard Photography (Mississauga)

Could you give a quick reply to Anne-Marie? = )

Many thanks and blessings to you Anne-Marie! Thanks for your support and I must say it's pretty cool to travel so far and receive so much support from back home. We loved Sydney and yes it's far from Niagara on the Lake - but we'll be back soon. Hopefully we'll see you soon back home, eh?

5. While we’re on the topic of fans, what has been one of the most touching testimonies from a fan that was impacted by God being in your music?

One of the most powerful stories I've heard was when we were playing in Amarillo, Texas on the Newsboys Go Tour. It was one of the last shows we were going to be doing on that tour and we met some ladies from a Missions Shelter across the street. One woman was saying that this was the first show she'd ever been to sober and that she had been praying for God to give her some inspiration to continue helping others get sober and off the streets as time was taking it's toll... low and behold she turns on the radio and we're playing and she heard that she could win tickets... she did... and came to the show... she said that seeing us had given her some more of God's power to continue being a light in a dark place. Now that's what it's all about isn't it?

6. We saw you in Sydney last Thursday and not only was your music amazing but you had a great stage presence with notable solo routines from your lead singer Joel and drummer Mark.  What’s one of the coolest things that you’ve pulled off on stage individually or as a band?

We don't really get a chance to just go off totally these days with set-time restrictions and what not, but we used to just pull off some improvisational stuff that seemed so rehearsed but was totally just happening in the moment. That's not to say that those moments don't happen anymore but I would have to say that there are subtle little riffs that someone will play and at the same time someone else just does it! There is no explanation other than the chemistry is still growing and the Holy Spirit is moving... Cool stuff...

FAST QUESTIONS. FAVOURITE:

Rich Moore:

Movie..Where the Wild Things Are.
Food spot in the US?  - Wahoo's Fish Tacos
Song - too many to list!
Ninja or Pirates - Ninja all the way!

Joel Parisien:

Movie..Gandhi
Food spot in the US?  - P F Changs
Song - "Slip Sliding Away" Paul Simon
Ninja or Pirates - Pirates for sure.

Josh Toal:

Movie..Duck Soup
Food spot in the US?  - Chipotle Mexican Grill
Song - anything by the Staples Singers
Ninja or Pirates - Ninja

Mark Rogers (the freak drummer in the 2nd video at the top...hmmm why bright green for this font?)

Movie..Hard Days Night
Food spot in the US?  - Marketplace Restaurant Niagara Falls, NY
Song - Send In The Clowns
Ninja or Pirates – Pirates

7. It was Parachute Festival’s 20th Birthday earlier in the year and we know the Parachute fans loved your performances. Could you say a little something to the organisers and all the amazing volunteers that helped make it what it is today.

Although it's been 20 years in already and it's our first appearance - Congratulations on creating such a powerful, unique, and committed experience for all of us to come and be a part of a truly God-given festival. Your ability to make the music available to believers and non-believers alike is truly inspiring. Thank you for letting us share in even a small part of it - we will always be here to serve.

Well it’s been a pleasure chatting with you guys.  Thank you so much for giving up your time to talk to me.  We at thirdmile.com wish you all the best for the tour and hopefully we’ll be seeing you again soon in NZ and Australia!

Thanks, and we hope to be back soon!!!!