Home > Music > Interviews
 downhere's Colorful Personalities
interview by Michael Herman
posted 06/10/02
downhere (from l to r):
Jason Germain (vocals, keyboards), Glenn Lavender (bass), Marc Martel (vocals, guitars), Jeremy Thiessen (drums)
This Canadian pop/rock quartet has their serious side, as revealed by their humble servant attitude toward their ministry. But make no mistake, downhere also has a great sense of humor. Check out the interview for their answers to what they hope to invent someday and what they almost titled their eponymous debut.
How have you been surprised by the reaction to your music?
Jason: During Gospel Music Week I was sitting on a bench next to a guy who didn't have any idea who I was. After a few minutes he just quietly mentioned that he's been praying for our band. That'll always surprise me. It never gets old, and it's always really appreciated. Also, I think we're completely surprised how popular our song, "So Blue," is in Australia. We don't know why, but it's really doing well there.
Marc: I've been surprised at how people are so amazed to see a servant attitude from us. I'm not trying to brag about the band, but it's kind of sad that it's not the way things usually are. That's been surprising again and again.
If you had to rename the album, what do you think your bandmates would call it?
Glenn's answer for Jeremy: Jeepers Fellas, We're Shootin' Hoops. You have to understand that Jeremy has his own vocabulary and that includes about 100 words that no one else really uses. He uses them all the time. So, now that title sort of makes sense in light of that.
Jeremy's answer for Jason: Cooking Chickens
Jason's answer for Marc: Reconcile
Marc's answer for Glenn: Down with the Funkadelics
Now what is the real answer?
downhere: For the Time Being. That was a title we threw around that we all liked. It worked well with the name of our band … "downhere, for the time being." But, depending on what band member you ask, it either sounded too much like the title of an electronica album or it had too much of a Sandi Patty feel to it.
What song from this album do you really hope doesn't get overlooked?
Glenn: "Making Me"
Jeremy: "Making Me"
Jason: "Calmer of the Storm"
Marc: "Protest to Praise"
Additional group answer: One single we hope does get overlooked is "Rock Stars" (the hidden track).
What's your greatest fear?
Glenn: I have two sisters who don't know Christ, so my fear is they'll die without accepting salvation through Him. Another great fear is that I would stop hearing God's voice.
Jeremy: I have a fear that while we're on the road, my family back home will have a tragedy, and I couldn't get back to them immediately.
Jason: I fear falling into temptation and ruining opportunities to serve and obey God because of wrong choices.
Marc: My fear is that I would get a big head — an ego. That's the last thing I want. I realize that's a real temptation.
If you were able to add a 25th hour to each day, what would you do with it?
Glenn: I'd spend that extra time with my wife.
Jeremy: I'd work more on my invention (see below).
Jason: I'd also spend more time with my wife.
Marc: I'd work out to keep the "jiggle-factor" in check. Sometimes it's tough to make time for that.
Who do some people say you look like?
Glenn: The Edge (U2) and Beck. It depends if I'm wearing my hat or not — I just go from one rock star to another depending on that.
Jeremy: Apollo Ono (Olympian speed skater).
Jason: Jeremy also gets mistaken for Hercules. But as for me: Rick Elias, Brendan Fraser, Tim Robbins, and occasionally Alec Baldwin when I'm on stage, but not off stage (that's when I had my old haircut).
Marc: Donnie Osmond, Freddie Mercury (Queen), Clark Kent, and one of the guys from the band Cheap Trick.
What's something you think you should do better?
Glenn: Remember things better.
Jeremy: Cook better.
Jason: Be a better gift-giver.
Marc: Be a better encourager.
Additional group answer: We'd all like to be better friends with Glenn … even Glenn.
What's something you can't "live without?"
Glenn: My CD music.
Jeremy: I have a hard time feeling normal without a rubber band around my wrist. I've just always worn one there. I guess it reminds me to be flexible or something. I can really be a mean person without that rubber band. Just ask these guys.
Jason: My opposable thumbs.
Marc: A little silence everyday.
What would you'd like to invent someday … a better way to do what?
Glenn: A music implant instead of having to wear headphones. It really hurts when I'm lying down and I roll over. The headphones push on my ear.
Jeremy: A way to shave without a razor. It would be a gel of some sort, and it would do the job quickly and easily, and I'd have a smooth face for a month, at least.
Jason: I like cappuccino, but it takes a good part of my day to make it. So I'd really like to be able to make a speedy, still steam-driven, perfect cup … instantly.
Marc: A better way to cook crepes. I love eating them, but making them could be easier.
Additional group answer: Teleporting to events across the country and then back home at night to sleep in our own beds.
Click here to read our review of the debut from downhere, and visit our artist page of the band to read more about them. Also, listen to song clips at Musicforce.com.
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