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 Boy-Band of Brothers
interview by Michael Herman
posted 03/25/02
Plus One (from left to right): Nathan Walters, Jason Perry, Jeremy Mhire, Nate Cole, and Gabe Combs
Well, they're not actually brothers, but the members of Plus One have experienced enough together to feel like family … and "Band of Brothers" just happens to be a favorite tv show for one of them. In getting to know the guys better and asking about their new album, Obvious, we decided to have some fun and ask them how other members of the band would respond.
In recording this new album, what was easier and what was harder this time around?
Nathan: This time we made decisions on which songs we were going to sing, unlike the first album.
Jason: I agree with Nathan. We really didn't have a style the first time around, our "style" was basically thrown at us. It's definitely different this time around. By doing so much writing on this project, we essentially created the styles ourselves. We learned a lot about ourselves through that process.
This time, we knew what it meant to be in the studio and what mentality we needed to be in to do the recording of the songs. We knew what to expect this time, and we were more prepared for 6 to 8 hours a day in the studio, so that helped us do a better job while we were there.
In what parts of the recording of Obvious, other than writing or co-writing 10 of the 12 songs and Gabe producing, were you given more creative control?
Gabe: It wasn't an overnight thing where we just decided to write a bunch of songs for the album. It was more of a process of growing with the label, with them earning our trust by increasing our creative involvement. We've grown as writers while spending so much time together and feeding off each other. The label saw that growth and told us that it was now our time to have this kind of involvement.
What are some changes you've made that we'll see on the new tour?
Jeremy: For starters, we're going to have a live band to back us up, and just through the practices so far we can tell that it takes the songs to a new level. Some different arrangements of the songs will also keep things interesting.
Another change will be having three opeing acts with us: Natalie Grant, ZOEgirl, and Phat Chance. It's a bigger variety of artists, so that'll be new for us and for the audience. Plus, the set is really cool and very big. There are so many lights, the video screens, things to jump around on and swing from. It's amazing!
What needs to happen for the group to step-up to the next level musically or otherwise?
Nate: To get to the next level, I think we have to do what's not expected of us in all areas. The only way to be on the edge and keep people's attention is to do something different than what they would expect of you. I think we did that with this album, but we need to continue that with what's said in our message and to be bold with it.
We also need to stay open to new ideas and remain open to each other's opinions more than ever. We can't be afraid to change — that's a part of what we should be doing as a group.
Each of you tell me one lesson you learned since the release of your first album.
Gabe: I'm learning who I am and discovering my personal strengths and weaknesses.
Jeremy: I've definitely learned to triple-check everything, every time — a lot of practical lessons. Also, I'm learning to ask a lot of questions because people assume a lot. That kind of communication really helps to keep things understood.
Nate: I know now that anything's possible and that God can use anything for good.
Nathan: Nothing is certain in this life, business or personal, so I know I have to keep putting my trust in Christ.
Jason: I've learned to be teachable and that I don't know it all. Also, I value my relationships with people more than ever. They keep me focused. Everything can become a blur if I don't intentionally keep up with those relationships.
What's each of your greatest sacrifices you're making to be a part of Plus One?
Jeremy: Quality time and relationships.
Gabe: I agree with Jeremy's thoughts.
Jason: Forfeiting the right of perception. People have pre-conceived notions about us.
Nate: Sacrificing everyday to live as a group.
Nathan: I agree with Nate. It's the same for me.
What event from 2001 was so much fun that you'd like to do it again?
Plus One: Making the album. We hope the next album is just as fun to make.
Gabe: Also, being on "Touched By an Angel." That was a good experience.
Jeremy: Touring overseas was definitely a highlight for me. I hope to keep doing that.
Ok, let's see how well you know each other. I want each of you to tell me what you would have named this album, other than Obvious … but tell me what the other members would say.
Gabe: What would Jeremy say? "Forever" (Actual answer: "Holla'!")
Jeremy: What do you think Nate will say? "Calling Down an Angel" (Actual answer: "We Don't Care")
Nate: What would Nathan say? "Camoflauge" (Actual answer: "Schizophrenic")
Nathan: What would Jason say? "Destiny" (Actual answer: "Start to Fly")
Jason: What would Gabe say? "Kid-G" (Actual answer: "Stop the Playa Hatin'!")
What television show would each of you like to act on for an episode?
Gabe, for Nate: "Becoming," on MTV (Actual answer: "Chips")
Jeremy, for Nathan: "Band of Brothers," on HBO (Actual answer: "The Brady Bunch")
Nate, for Jason: "Moesha" (Actual answer: "Band of Brothers")
Nathan, for Gabe "That '70s Show" (Actual answer: "Knight Rider")
Jason, for Jeremy "The Sopranos" (Actual answer: "The Simpsons")
Who's the biggest comedian of the group?
Plus One: Gabe
Who's the best dancer in the group?
Plus One: Nathan … he's actually the "most passionate dancer."
Who can really put it down at the dinner table?
Plus One: Jeremy can eat forever.
Who talks the most off-stage?
Plus One: Nathan
Who is the most upbeat member of the group?
Plus One: Nate. He's so upbeat, we call him "Skippy." He can be downright mean in the morning, though.
Who gets grumpy most often?
Plus One: We all have our days, but Nathan seems to get them the most.
Who is the shyest member of Plus One?
Plus One: Gabe
Who's best at quoting lines from movies?
Plus One: Jeremy
Who sings the most off-stage?
Plus One: We're all equally guilty of that.
Who's always late for things?
Plus One: Jeremy, but he's getting "much better" lately … really.
Who speaks-up when you all have to work out a problem?
Plus One: Whomever is most passionate about the problem.
Who spends the most time online?
Plus One: Nate's got the most interest in the Internet.
Finally, each of you share the best quality of another member.
Gabe, for Jason: He's very spiritually-minded, disciplined, and the most involved.
Jeremy, for Gabe: Gabe is the glue that keeps us together. He has the ability to relate well with each of us, either musically or through his sense of humor. He brings balance to the group.
Nate, for Jeremy: He adds charisma and keeps us interesting. Jeremy draws a lot of people to the group because he's edgy and has that intentional kind of appearance. That really does help us in many ways.
Nathan, for Nate: Nate gives us those high, powerful notes, and his overall musical talent strengthens Plus One so much. He also has a passion for Scripture.
Jason, for Nathan: He has the ability to relate to people on all levels. He has no preconceptions about people and he treats everyone with total equity. Nathan's very passionate — he's our visionary.
Don't miss our Plus One artist page for more information on the group and the making of the new album. Click here to read our review of Obvious, and listen to song clips at Musicforce.com.
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