FOCUSED
As many of you know, Focused was one of the first bands that made hardcore popular in the christian underground. They started back in 1992, and played their last show in 1996. Then suddenly last year there was a reunion show, and now they're back. A completely new line-up has been brought together by founder Tim Mann. This interview, done in March 2001, is with one of their new members: guitar player Gary Wilson.
David: I was happily surprised when I first heard about Focused getting back together. Please tell us a little about the new line-up and the musical history of the band members ?
Gary: Well, to start off, the new line-up is what we like to call the most powerful line-up yet. Although we have made a few changes since the re-forming of the band, we now feel that our make-up is all we could hope for; both musically and collectively. Of course Tim Mann is vocals, Adam Valles (whom I have played with for years now) is drums, Brett Barber (another long time friend) is guitar, Jim Rupe (formerly of EDL) bass, and myself Gary Wilson, guitar... with a couple added twists that are coming soon.
David: So were you and Adam in a band ?
Gary: Yes we were, several actually... nothing real significant.
David: You’re new in Focused... How is it to play in one of the first groundbreaking spirit-filled hardcore bands ? I mean... many kids came in contact with christian hardcore through either Focused, Strongarm or Six Feet Deep.
Gary: It is amazing....at first, I didnt think much of it, because I have known Tim for such a long time... but seeing the response to the old songs definitely adds passion to them for all of us. But being groundbreaking doesn't promise anything these days, with such powerhouses as our friends POD and Project 86.
David: I also heard that sound of the band is pretty different than a few years ago. How would you describe it ?
Gary: Not what you'd expect.
David: That's a bit vague isn't it ? Can't you be a bit more specific ?
Gary: Well, since I wont bow to comparisons, I guess the best way to describe it is very rock driven... I wouldn't really call it hardcore... though it runs through the veins of each song.
David: Starting from scratch after a few years with a line-up that's completely different, and having a pretty different new sound as well because of that, didn't it cross Tim's mind to start under a different name ? More bands have done that of course.
Gary: That thought has crossed all of our minds, but we decided not to for a couple reasons: 1) being Focused makes us a new band at an advantage (fans) and 2) this is the way the projest started, and it just makes more sense to keep it like this.
David: Do you think the public will look at Focused through different eyes than they would if it was a new young band ? Are the expectations higher or is there more pressure ?
Gary: Pressure is only what you make of it... and any preconceived ideas about us will be thrown out by the end of the first song.
David: Do you guys still play a lot of the old songs or is it mainly new material ?
Gary: For right now we are trying to play about half and half. I think after we play more festivals, we will continue to play more and more new stuff.
David: Any plans for new releases ? Are you signed to a label already ?
Gary: We have definate plans for a new release, most likely by Christmas [2001]... with whom, I am not at liberty to say yet... but keep your ears to the streets, cause it's comin'.
David: And what about touring ?
Gary: Expect to see us at Cornerstone, Tom Fest, Sunshine Fest, Uproar, and Furnace Fest, as well as many added dates surrounding those...
David: Is there any chance at all that we could see you guys over here in Europe ?
Gary: We hope that would be a reality for us... I guess we will both wait to see what happens.
David: After so many years, the spirit-filled hardcore scene in the USA is huge. Has it changed over the years and if so, in which way ?
Gary: It seems to have evolved... the dominating forces have been replaced with an onslaught of smaller bands. Though the message may be the same, the presentation is very different... I think that the "scene" should be held in the same regards as your life... rather than use the stage as your soapbox for ministry, strive to be an upstanding person off the stage, and allow your music to put you in a place where your message is seen not heard.
David: To end things up, please give me some top 3's:
- recent cd's that you bought
- bookmarked sites on your pc
- highlights of your time in FocusedGary: Cd's : just re-purchased Black Sabbath's "Paranoid", the new Living Sacrifice record is real good... and.... I'm super into the Sneaker Pimps right now ("Becoming X"). Internet : Joe Cartoon is about it. Highlights : playing with my friends Living Sacrifice, Project 86, Squad Five-O, Stavesacre, as well as bringing a new modus operandi to the christian scene has been fun. I'm really looking forward to the next couple of months though... its gonna be amazing.
David: Thanks a lot for this interview !! Any final comments for the European hardcore kids ?
Gary: Stay true to what you know, and don't let anyone form your opinions for you... there is only one truth !!! Thank you for your interest in what we are doing... without you as the fans, we could do nothing !!!