Driven by faith. Strengthened by camaraderie. Filled with compassion. Motivated by love. Infuse all of that with potent lyrics and compelling tunes, the product is yet another revolutionary album from Canadian rock group Starfield. Originally from Winnipeg, the complementary vocal harmonies of brothers Tim and Jon Neufeld are amplified by bassist James Johnston and drummer Dave Lalonde. Together, they continue to excel and explore with their fans in The Saving One.
Since the release of the self-titled debut album in 2004, Starfield has topped international charts with ensuing albums Beauty in the Broken and I Will Go, including the Billboard 200. They have won numerous Covenant Awards and were nominated multiple times for Juno Awards. Having just wrapped up a 37-city North American tour, the new album released soon after. To be able to share passion through song writing and performing for thousands at a time around the world, they are fulfilling a dream. Success appears endless. It’s time to bask in the glory.
Or not.
Tim Neufeld, lead vocals and elder of the Neufelds, believes a mutual awareness of humility grounds the band despite the glowing spotlight. Besides, the spotlight doesn’t seem to be the priority. “There’s always an acute sense of God leading and directing us to the places we go. He opens and closes doors, and we just stumble through with humility.”
Their latest, The Saving One, encapsulates the dichotomy of the human condition. It examines faith but not without doubt, joy but not without pain, love but not without despair. “It’s thematically and musically the most intimate and digressive album,” explains Neufeld. “This one also feels a bit paradoxical, with songs bearing complete opposite themes. It reminds me somewhat of Psalms with its prevalent themes of faith and joy but also fear and uncertainty.”
As a Christian-based band, Starfield has formed a formidable arsenal of fans around the world, but, according to Neufeld, iconic statuses come with responsibilities. “We want to be able to give our fans substance and speak into their lives through our songs, but we’re not doing this just to be entertainment and to rile up the people of God. It has to be genuine and real. If we’re not leading by example then it’s kind of a pathetic endeavour.”
And lead by example they did. Partnering with World Vision and other non-profit organizations, they strive to raise awareness for poverty-stricken countries. “We’re not accountable until we know. When we visit places like Thailand, El Salvador, Mexico, and Uganda, our purpose is to bring these desperate stories back to North America in hopes people will reach out.” Inspired, 1400 people signed up for child sponsorship through World Vision in just over 20 Canadian dates during the most recent tour.
Starfield will continue to shine and top charts as long as they remain intact, though with two of its members welcoming new first-borns recently, priorities may shift. “This does take us away from our families too much, but at the same time we feel called to do this. Ultimately, for us, it’s a combination of what we enjoy, what we’re good at, and what we could best serve God doing…and right now, that’s Starfield.”
The Saving One now in stores.
Click here to listen to GLOSS’ interview with Starfield.
Official website: http://www.starfieldonline.com
Myspace: http://www.myspace.com/starfield
