December, 2005
Dec/12/2005 09:40
Merry Christmas, from Faith Nation: Hewey, Lewis, Matt, Pete & the spontaneously combusting Drummer. The reference to our spinal-tap drummer situation, is due to the sad fact that Brian Owen, our friend and awesome drum pounder, cannot continue with the recording and touring demands of the band due to personal issues. We wish him the best and hope to collaborate again in the future. This was a big disappointment for all of us, and we find ourselves needing to find a suitable replacement, no easy task. We welcome any referrals of excellent drummers as we are already holding auditions. Send contact info to email on contact us page.

I must apologize for the failure to press copies of "Western World", when I received the master, I found that there were things I wanted to change and improve before a full release. This requires some re-recording, not just remixing. I hate to disappoint you who have supported us and have been anticipating this records release with such patience. Hewey & I both admit to being compulsive perfectionists, and this certainly can get in the way of getting product to press. The important thing for us, is that any record we put out represent our music in the best way possible. So we continue to tweak things, and will keep you posted.

This years natural disasters have reminded us of how fragile life is, how "material stuff" while of little importance is still necessary and significant to those who lost everything, and how blessed we are. Faith Nation has been asked to include a track on a hurricane relief album that will be out soon, Stretch provides the keyboard tracks for all of the artists, We will let you know here when it can be purchased.

We are very thankful for the blessings in our lives and wish you and yours a joyful and peaceful holiday season. It often seems that the words peaceful & holiday season are incongruent these days with all of the hustle and business of modern life. However the peace that passes all understanding is a great gift from God, the result of the first Christmas gift and the reason for the season, the birth of Jesus. The depressing reality of the music business would have robbed me of all joy, if not my life if not for investigating this "Jesus" stuff, and finding the reality of God's presence and Love. If you are finding yourself missing out on the joy & peace of this season, it is found not from religious activity, but a relationship with God who loves you accepts you as you are. Giving your life to God by accepting his Love and sacrifice will lead to knowing the freedom of graceful acceptance and that there is a plan for your life. His presence will bring peace in the midst of chaos and Joy that endures. May God's peace & Joy be yours. Stretch