by Kenneth Morton

A Plea For Purging seem to always be on the road, and now with the release of their ultra brutal new effort Depravity on Facedown Records, these guys may never see their Nashville homestead again. Produced with expert precision by Joey Sturgis – who has worked with the like of The Devil Wears Prada and Mychildren Mybride, Depravity is sure to open a lot of new door for this hardworking band. While traveling on some distant highway, vocalist Andy took the time to answer our inquiries…

Where is the band based out of and what is the music scene like there?
We are from Music City USA, Nashville, TN. It is a city built on the music industry, from record labels to instrument factories. We have the best music scene in America. I will challenge anyone that says otherwise!

How do you play 250-300 shows a year and manage to keep everything fresh and new? That’s definitely an achievement to play that many shows in one year.
1st off, thanks for the tip of the hat! We appreciate people seeing our hard work. Well, really it's simple. What's the point in being in a band? To play shows and to try to feel like a rock star for 30 minutes. We could play like 100 shows a year and have jobs OR we could rock n roll everyday all day long. I prefer the latter. We love what we do. Sure, tour gets exhausting sometimes, but I would sure rather hit a bad show now and then than work a pointless job back home. The economy is horrible anyway. No one is making money. Kids, quit your life and tour! There's no future in anything else! Kidding of course.

Do you guys have girlfriends or wives who wish you were all home more often?
Bad question for me. I’m the only single one in the band. But yeah, the other dudes have gfs. Somehow they deal with the weight of the band and the relationship troubles. I can't so much do that. I'm as free as a bird.

How does Depravity compare to your previous release?
Heavier. Darker. More Pissed. Joey Sturgis worked his black magic on us and now we are the heaviest band in the world. Again, I kid.

Is there any story or concept behind the CD title Depravity?
Well, Depravity is basically this:
A group of Christian dudes in a band decide to be honest with themselves and the world. Writing a record about the real times in our lives where we have felt no presence from this God we all trust and believe in and how we deal with our lives and problems in those times. It's a collection of stories and situations in our lives. It’s not sugar-coated like most of the Christian releases that are being marketed to the safe world of Christian music. And we are fine with that.

Where do you get the ideas for some of your song lyrics this time around? Please cite a few song examples and what they are about
I write about real life experiences. I'm not poetic enough to write the things that John used to write in the band before I joined and took over on the lyrics. I try to be honest and sing about what is in my mind.
Motives is about a girl that has searched for self-worth in the arms of many dudes. Building this thought that this world is all hers and all men will worship her.
Prevaricator is about the distrust and secrecy among friends. Particularly in our band.
Malevolence is a true story of a friend that was consumed by his alter ego. I know I may seem broad, get the record and listen for yourself.

What did noted producer Joey Sturgis contribute to the recording process?
Joey showed us that we were not near as tight as we thought we were. In recording, we were actually being trained to play more precise. He also wasn't afraid to tell us what was crap and what could be better. He had great ideas. And he helped us find some of our nu metal roots.

Being on Facedown Records, would you consider A Plea For Purging a “Christian band?”
Yes. Whether we were on Facedown or not.

What’s the most embarrassing band or song someone would find on your IPOD right now?
Probably some old A Plea for Purging. That band sucks!

Are you looking forward to playing Facedown Fest this year? Which bands are you looking forward to seeing the most?
Facedown Fest is always a blessing to be a part of. I'm amped on seeing NIV. It’s been a long time since I've seen them play. I might lose it. Also amped on Thieves and Liars. And I'm excited to see the new Take It Back! line up.

What advice would you give to a young band about to go on tour for the very first time?
Stop looking for a label right off the bat. A label isn't this hero that is going to do all of your work for you. Work for yourselves. Learn how to do things on your own. That way you will be more desirable to a label.
Ps. I love Facedown Records more than anything in the world. That wasn't a shot at labels; it's a shot at bands. I'm tired of having the same "we're looking at labels" talk from every local band ever! We toured for a year and a half all day everyday on our own. And it wasn't that hard! Just do it.

What would you like a listener to remember the most of hearing Depravity for the very first time?
Wow, these guys are being real.

Any final words of wisdom?
Thanks for the interview. I'm riding in the back of the van in some dreary Michigan weather. It was a nice way to take my mind off the ride. Get Depravity! 3.3.09

A Plea For Purging links

A Plea For Purging on Myspace: The Official Myspace Page for A Plea For Purging!
The Highwire Daze Home Page: Return to the Main Page!

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