Remedy Drive Interview

Remedy Drive is a four-piece, four-brother band (David, Philip, Paul and Dan Zach), Remedy Drive has been cranking out their own brand of music as a full time indie for the past 5 years. The band's debut release, "Daylight Is Coming" was produced by Ian Eskelin (All Star United).

Tracy: How did you know God was calling you to pursue a career in music?

David Zach: Any time I begin to doubt whether this is my calling, I'll get an email from someone saying, “Hey, your song was a source of strength for me at the right time.” Playing music is something that makes me feel alive and reminds me of the fact that there is something greater than music.

You said in your bio that you claim to have found the hope that reaches beyond the boundaries of a fallen world. Can you explain?

We were in Texas recently and watched a hurricane destroy a city, homes and lives. What if my hope was in the stuff that can be wrecked by a hurricane or burned by fire? It wouldn't last. I need a hope that will outlive commerce - a hope in something that can sustain the need of my heart. Not something temporary, not a hope that wears out and fades away, but hope that won't break down.

Did you have a theme in mind when you set out to record Daylight Is Coming?

We stumbled on the theme while writing these songs. At least 8 of them dealt with hope. “Hope” is the most obvious one, but both “Daylight” and “All Along” also express the idea of never giving up “Heartbeat” is a song of desperation asking for renewed life and expecting it to happen. It just kind-of ended up being an album about hope.

What is the meaning behind the name Remedy Drive?

We used to write a lot of instrumental tunes and named them after streets: Starr Street, Westonhill Drive, Westwood Terrace. So when we were discussing band names, we came up with the idea of a road that leads to redemption - Remedy Drive.

How did Remedy Drive come to be a band?

We're all four brothers, and we grew up playing music in our parent's basement. We quit roofing houses, washing windows, and going to school five years ago to start making music full time.

Your music echoes a call to live for something more than the American Dream. Can you talk about this a bit?

It's easy to get really comfortable in a place that's not our permanent home. We validate our existence with all types of material possessions. But there has to be something more important than the cars we drive, mortgages, ipods, picket fences and rock music (even though that is all great stuff). I need security that has nothing to do with my health insurance or retirement plan. I want to live for a kingdom that doesn't run on foreign oil. I want to depend on grace and an economy I hear doesn't go into recession. It's easy for me to get caught up in the idea that music can make me happy or even that happiness is the point. But everything slips like water through our hands. And I hope I'm realizing that neither rock and roll or suburban dreams are the answer - there is something bigger to breath for.

Tell us about the making of your video for "Daylight"?

It was fun making a video for the first time. We shot the song probably 50 times in a furnace building in Alabama. The Erwin Brothers were amazing to work with. There were light-bulbs all over the place. I wanted to use the flares, but I get a bit too shifty on camera, so Phil ended up being the one to climb to the top of the structure with the flares. It was really a great experience. Film is different to me because it's hard to know what the final outcome is going to be like. At one point the director said 'take a couple steps then look to your left and then take a few more steps.' And then when I saw that part I was really impressed. It gave me a lot of respect for those guys and how they are able to map everything out before they see it and then bring it to life on film.

What message do you hope people will come away with when they listen to Daylight Is Coming?

I want people to walk away with songs that are going to give them strength in whatever they are going through.

What was the biggest challenge you had when you recorded Daylight Is Coming?

The biggest challenge was finding the right songs. We wrote around 60 songs for this record before we found the right 11.

What's the coolest prayer God's ever answered for you?

He brought me my wife.

Are there any steps you take to stay on track spiritually?

I'm reading a book called Searching for God Knows What right now. I also listen to Tim Keller while we're driving a
lot. I also spend time with a friend here in Lincoln when I'm home to try to make sure I have consistency with someone to keep me accountable. My wife is always a huge part of keeping me on track as well. And knowing that two kids are going to be watching to see where their dad finds strength is a crazy thing. I hope they don't grow up thinking I love music or this computer more than the King.

What's the biggest obstacle in your life God's helped you overcome?

I don't think I've overcome any obstacle completely - but being less of an irritable person would be one I'm getting a lot of help on.

What's your favorite Bible verse?

'No eye has seen, no ear has heard, it hasn't even entered into our thoughts or imaginations what God has in store for those that love Him'.

What's the most memorable place Remedy Drive has ever played?

Pismo Beach CA on the pier.

Do you have any fun road stories you'd like to share?

We have a lot of interesting things happen to us on the road, and we usually capture them on film. Dan got stuck in an elevator for a few hours last year, and we put it up on our 'new video Monday' section of the website. I fell off the drums recently too and cut my face on a cymbal - that's up as well.

Is there anything you do to beat stress and keep in shape while on the road?

Taking Jack, my three year old, to the park. We're always coming up with contests too. Last night we played penalty shot shootout in a family life center - just taking turns being goalie and kicker.

What are two things people might be surprised to know about you?

I don't listen to music very often, and I graduated with a math degree.

When you're not singing, what do you enjoy doing?

Spending time with my wife and kids. I also like repairing our gear when stuff breaks down. Nothing technical - just putting wheels back on and such.

What did you have for breakfast this morning?

Four Eggo Waffles

Three things always found in your refrigerator:

Feta cheese, Greek olives and A1.

You're next in line at Starbucks. What are you ordering?

Large mocha frappachino.

What's currently in your CD player/iPod?

Childen18:3

Anything else you'd like to say to TitleTrakk.com readers?

Thanks for listening. We'd love to see you on the road. We're playing a lot of dates on our 'Daylight is Coming' tour, but we'll be on some bigger tours coming up too.

Tracy Darlington is a freelance writer, and her work has appeared in Brio, Breakaway, YS, CCM Magazine, Insight, Susie Magazine, and other publications. She has interviewed countless Christian musicians including Rebecca St. James, Delirious, Newsboys, Leigh Nash, Barlowgirl, Krystal Meyers, Joy Williams, Pillar, Michelle Tumes, and many others. In her spare time she can be found riding horses or listening to music and sipping a Venti 3-shot sugar-free vanilla latte. Visit her online at her blog where she talks about Music, God, dogs and coffee. You can also look her up at Twitter and Facebook.