From left: Greg Trammell (guitar), Paul McCoy (vocals), Eric Weaver (guitar), Aaron Gainer (drums)

The relatively young career of hard rock band 12 Stones has been moving at lightning speed. After briefly meeting one another at a Louisiana music store, they scheduled practice sessions and formed a group. Just 13 concerts later, they were auditioning for record labels, and eventually signed with Wind-Up Entertainment. Almost overnight, 12 Stones jumped from a relatively anonymous club tour to a marquee arena tour with Creed. Then frontman Paul McCoy sang on Evanescence's smash hit "Bring Me to Life," bringing the group even more exposure. And their star keeps rising. As their sophomore album Potter's Field released, we caught up with McCoy, 22, to talk about the band's rapid rise and their faith-based message.

You barely knew each other when you got started. What was that like?

Paul McCoy: We all kind of met strangely in a music store, started jamming together and then practiced from time to time. One practice led to the next practice and soon we were up to three days a week. Thirteen concerts later we got signed, and then the first record was only made within three months of knowing each other, which is a pretty bizarre freshman debut. We've since learned how to work with one another and write together as our friendships with one another have developed.

A lot of labels checked you out. What did you like so much about Wind-Up?

McCoy: They sign who they love and love who they sign. They'll push [promote] a band till they die and it's a family environment. The first time after we showcased for them, they got our names, asked where we were from and wanted to know us as people. When it came time to talk business in a separate setting, we did that, but in just meeting them, it was like they said, "Look, I don't care if you sign or if you hate us. We just want to get to know you and have good time." The initial step was getting to know us on a personal level and not trying to win us over. They're genuine people who'll admit they're not the biggest or strongest label you'll meet, but they'll believe and back the bands they sign.

It sounds like they proved that by getting you on the road with Creed right away. What was that like compared to the club circuit?

McCoy: For us it was really different. We were playing clubs for 50 people one night and then opening for Creed in arenas. It was insane to go from wondering if anyone would show up to barely being able to get our ears to stop ringing at end of night from the sound of 10,000 people screaming. Everybody needs to experience that and to see how all the press, interviews, production, pyro and behind the scenes workings are of a tour that huge. That was right in the pinnacle of their Weathered album and tour and that, more than radio, earned us enough word of mouth support to get off the ground.

What's your take on Creed's recent break-up?

McCoy: It's hard seeing some of that first hand because we feel a little closer to the situation. But it needed to be done for both individual groups and them going their separate ways. I'm psyched for what's in store for the guys next—they've got great abilities. [Creed frontman Scott Stapp launched a solo career, while guitarist Mark Tremonti started his own band, Alter Bridge.]

How did the Evanescence pairing come about?

McCoy: It's funny because every single thing's happened so freakishly fast to us. At that point, we were accustomed to our band not going as planned, and that was one of those things [I was asked] to do in the middle of it all. Being on the song helped raise awareness for our band—after all, their album had 14 million sales! But I guess once again, that was us sort of watching vicariously. We're always seeing a lot of things to look forward to, like headlining a big tour—or actually being the band entirely behind a smash as huge as "Bring Me To Life."

Did that collaboration with Evanescence provide any rifts with 12 Stones?

McCoy: Not for us, though a lot of people have asked if that was the case. We're all just goofy Southern kids, so at worst, I get a lot of trash talking from the guys, just to be funny: "Oh, now you deserve V.I.P. treatment." Stuff like that, but nothing serious.

How has all the momentum helped fuel sessions for Potter's Field?

McCoy: It's given us the freedom as far as what we write about and what we record. This record is totally us and it's a record we're proud of. Nobody put in their advice or opinion from the label. They just let us do our own thing.

How does this new record compare with your debut?

McCoy: Sonically we've spiced up the sound with new guitars. They're way more prevalent, and so is the guitar and drum unity and heaviness. We now have the ability to go in with the mood of capturing what we sound like live and making a really aggressive record. I think in terms of lyrics, we wanted to be real—not pull any punches—and talk about what we think. The song "Photograph" is about my younger sister's friend committing suicide, but it's not your typical suicide ballad about how horrible can life be. It's more like a call for people to step up and do something to make their situation better instead of lying down and letting it take you. We're direct with the lyrics, but we're also still focused on the light at end of tunnel.

Do you find that suicide is a growing problem among teens?

McCoy: I don't think it's growing, but it's just a problem that so many kids in this world are dealing with. My perception when I see thousands of kids every day is that many of them are going through bad times and you can see it on their faces that they're not in a place they want to be. People don't understand how important life is and they take it for granted, which is a childish approach. [We've found] parents in society as a whole have trouble reminding kids how important life is.

How has your message of faith helped teens who are struggling?

McCoy: It's awesome because it's branching out to such a wide array of listeners. I grew up Southern Baptist and as I've gone to churches and youth groups, I've seen the same 50 people and it's become more of a social gathering. Jesus hung out with liars, prostitutes and thieves. If you have something good to say, tell the world. Don't be judgmental about who you talk to. Learn to be yourself in any situation, no matter who you are surrounded by. Putting yourself in that position to make a difference is key. If you're not a Christian but like the music, it would be awesome if you related to our lyrics. If you're a Christian and you relate spiritually, that's amazing too. People enjoy the music for different reasons and we want to be there for them so they can make their own story from it—to really get it on a personal level where it counts.

For more information about 12 Stones, visit their artist page on our site. There you'll find a review of their latest, Potter's Field. Visit Christianbook.com to listen to sound clips and order your own copy.

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