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Forty
Days :
The term
"forty days" is referenced multiple times in scripture.
Noah took refuge in the ark while it rained for 40 days and
nights. Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mt. Sinai receiving
God's instructions for His people. Jesus spent 40 days and
nights fasting and being tested in the desert. Each occurrence
was a time of waiting, a time of learning. Perhaps
that's why the name Forty Days is so appropriate for a band
of musicians who have already walked through some tests of
their own, and have come through on the other side with a
renewed commitment to share their story through the musical
platform they've been given. Recently signed to Benson Records,
Forty Days is launching the release of Everyday, the group's
very first label recording. Band members Mark Warren (vocals,
harmonica), Joel Warren (vocals, acoustic guitar), Brian Barth
(drums), Chris Foster (acoustic/electric guitars) and Drue
Phillips (bass, background vocals) have created an acoustic
rock blend of songs that maintain an edgy pop sound that is
accessible to a wide range of listeners. The project was produced
by Third Day front man Mac Powell, and is his first outside
production effort to date. "I had a great time working
on this project with Forty Days," Mac shares. "I
count it a great privilege that God put us together, not only
because I got to be a part of making this record, but more
importantly because I got to know these guys and consider
them to be really close friends." Based in Dallas, Texas.
Forty Days has
quickly built a huge regional following over the span of the
last few years since the group's beginnings in 1995. With
two independently produced projects under its belt, the band
has already become a regular on the touring circuit, performing
at youth and college events in Texas, Oklahoma, Louisiana,
Mississippi, Georgia, Kansas, Missouri and Tennessee to name
a few. The band's regional attention has afforded numerous
opportunities for Forty Days to appear on stage with such
nationally known artists as Caedmon's Call, Sonicflood and
Third Day. It was one such concert that introduced Powell
to the music of Forty Days. He spoke to the band that evening
and formed a friendship that has lasted ever since. A week
or two later, a phone call from Powell confirmed his desire
to produce a demo for Forty Days, and to pitch the demo to
various label contacts he had. "God has brought something
positive from this," Mark says. "There have been
numerous lives saved. The gospel has been shared with millions.
So many non-Christians are curious about hearing what happened.
This is a story about family, community and tragedy. Yet,
it is also a story about how God is sovereign." The band's
experiences over the past year have been a big factor in the
formation of the new album. It is a challenge to those who
believe in Christ to follow Him completely. Songs like "I
Don't" and "Long Way Home" deal with the realization
that Christ is our stronghold, while other major themes on
the record include a message of encouragement and hope. "We
all go through hard times in life," Mark explains, "but
there is a God who longs to comfort us. There is nothing too
great for Him. This theme comes through in the song "I
Run" and the title cut, "Everyday." Brothers
Mark and Joel co-write most of the band's music, which has
always been drawn from the group's real-life experiences.
"We really have a lot to say, and people want to hear
about our experience," Mark continues. "We talk
about how we really don't know what tomorrow holds, and we
are perfect living examples of that. We encourage kids to
take advantage of their youth, to go and share Christ with
whomever they come across, whether it's their friends at school
or their parents. You don't ever know what's going to happen
tomorrow." Benson Records President John Mays says, "This
band has demonstrated a faithfulness that I wish so many others
would discover. They've been so committed to stay at it, through
all the hardships, with or without support from a record company
or anyone else. They've been committed to serving people with
the music they were making and leaving the results up to God.
I believe that whether or not they were signed, they would
continue right along, making the best music they can to the
glory of God. That sort of attitude, spirit and work ethic
is so appealing to me, and we're thrilled to be in partnership
with them."
As Forty Days
continues to move into Christian music's center stage, the
band's mission remains the same: to reach across cultural
religious boundaries with a timeless message for a generation
of youth. "Our ministry to kids matters more than our
music does," Joel explains. "Too many people get
caught up in the music, but we do this to be able to relate
to kids and to share with them. If we were doing it for any
other reason than that, we would have quit a long time ago."
Mark adds, "Kids are so impressionable, and they seem
to have an open heart to music. Music reaches people like
almost nothing else, and if God can use us in this stage in
their lives, maybe we can be an encouragement to keep living
for Him."
 _.:Forty
Days Official Site
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