In 2002 the talented group was booked as the opening act on tour with Creed, a band known for its successful crossover of both Christian and mainstream rock. Due in part to their Biblically inspired name and the association with Creed, 12 Stones has also broken into the Christian rock arena.

Following their recent nationwide tour, I sat down with the band in their Mandeville studio to discuss their growing popularity.

Inside Northside: Welcome back. How does it feel returning home after making it big?

12 Stones: Relaxing! After being on the road for a while, you tend to get a little homesick. We also find it hard to write new material while we’re away, because we have to stay focused on a million different things.

IN: You recently performed at the Mandeville Trailhead with a northshore band opening for you. They must have been grateful for that opportunity.

12: We definitely want to help out local acts as much as possible. We got lucky being in the right place at the right time. It wasn’t too long ago that we were a local band trying to make it, so we can relate.

IN: Would you say that you were discovered at the Firehouse Bar in Covington?

12: Yes. We had the opportunity to be reviewed there by several major record labels, including Warner Brothers Records. When we signed a management deal with Kenny Vest, he arranged for us to sign with Wind-Up Records in New York.

IN: When your tour with Creed was cancelled because of the health problems of Creed’s lead singer, Scott Stapp, how did you deal with that major disappointment?

12: It was bad. It definitely cost us a lot, especially with the timing—trying to promote our first album. As it turned out, we were able to do some shows with Creed, and it gave us a huge fan base. It was great re-visiting some of those venues during our recent tour.

IN: The debut record “12 Stones” is selling well to both the mainstream and Christian rock audiences. How do your religious beliefs fit 12 Stones’ rock star persona?

12: Because we are all believers, many of our spiritual experiences are reflected in our music. Some of our lyrics deal with surviving challenging experiences in life, and how we found inspiration, knowledge and the wisdom [to know] that no matter how bad it gets, there’s always light at the end of the tunnel. Many people tell us that our music has touched them on a spiritual level. As long as we are reaching people in a positive way, all the more reason to keep doing what we love.

IN: What advice would you give any future rock star wannabees?

12: Don’t be one! First and foremost, you have to just be a musician and love what you do. Otherwise you lose the sense of what is important. “Rock star” is just a term; we like to think of it as more of a fictional thing.

IN: This question is for Paul. What was it like collaborating and performing a song with Amy Lee of Evanescence for the “Daredevil” soundtrack?

12: Evanescence is a cool band, and I enjoyed working with them. It was exciting performing with the band on Jay Leno’s show to promote “Bring Me to Life” from the movie soundtrack.

IN: Was “Let Go” from the “Daredevil” soundtrack also on your first album?

12: No. That was a cut that didn’t make it on the album. We were originally going to write a song for the soundtrack, but we were on the road at the time. We also have a song on the “Scorpion King” soundtrack called “My Life” that is from our album. That was good in many ways for us. Both the “Daredevil” and “Scorpion King” soundtracks ended up going gold, so we are thankful for that.

IN: I understand you’ve worked with producer David Fortman; is he going to produce your second album?
12: Yes; that’s the plan for our next project. We love Dave. We’ve known him almost as long as we have known each other. He produced our demo ’way back before the album for Wind-Up Records. He’s helped us out a bunch, and we can’t wait to work with him again.

IN: I recently caught your show at the House of Blues. The local crowd really came out for you. How does that feel?

12: It’s a wonderful thing. Playing at House of Blues is always fun for us—our most recent show there was the fourth sold-out performance. It’s one of our favorite venues. Everything there is great. The sound system is incredible, and they make us feel at home. The funny thing about playing there is that we always get tons of phone calls from our friends who are trying to get tickets; it never fails. We’re just happy to see familiar faces.

IN: Your show is very polished, almost like it’s choreographed; is it?

12: No, there are no “N’Sync” routines planned out for us! We have a set play list, but once we’re onstage we just feed off each other. Of course, after playing six shows a week, you begin to develop a pattern. It’s about being able to feel the music and just let it flow.

IN: Last but not least, the female fans are begging for an answer to a certain question. Who in the band is single?

12: Uh oh, here it comes. Paul: “I’ve been in a relationship the past two years.” Aaron: “I’m engaged.” Eric: “I have a girlfriend.” Kevin: “I also have a girlfriend.” Greg is the last man standing; he’s single!

For more information and updates on the band, visit their website at www.12stones.com.

Copyright 2003, M&L Publishing, all rights reserved.