by jennie kim
REDEFINE MAGAZINE - So first of all, what does the band's name mean, and how did it come about?
ENIK - In Genesis, it talks about how God calls out to Moses through a series of miraculous events. One of those events was a burning bush. Even though we never recieved a burning bush as a miraculous sign to start the band, individually, and as a band, we still recieved undeniable signs that this was the right thing to do with our lives. So through the inspiration of Moses, we decided to call our band Burning Tree Projekt because we felt that just as God called out Moses to lead his people, He called us out to reach the lost.
RM - Who are all the members and their parts of the band?
ENIK - At its present time, the members are:
Me (Enik) - Lead vocals / Keys
Andre Harris - Emcee
Sean Gordon - Lead Guitar
Tim Sohn - Rhythm Guitar
PRD - Bass Guitar
Mark Chiang - Drums
RM - Do you get to write your own lyrics?
ENIK - Of course! I wouldn't let anyone else write my lyrics for me. Haha.
RM - What and who are your personal inspirations?
ENIK - So many... First, Jesus Christ, my mom, pastor Sam Thomsic, my beautiful girlfriend, all the bands I listen to, the world and all its people, and my past.
RM - Personally, I've only gone to one christian show, Jars of Clay. It was a pretty interesting experience for me since I don't get to listen to christian music that much. What would you hope my experience would be like if I went to see your show?
ENIK - If you went to our show, chances are that you wouldn't even know that we are a Christian band. And maybe that's also because we don't refer to ourselves as a "Christian band." We're just a band that happens to be Christians. I don't know if that makes complete sense at first. But the thing is. People tend to have stereotypes of christian bands. Right when you hear "Christian band," people tend to think of artists like Jars of Clay, David Crowder, Michael W. Smith, Amy Grant, Stryper... I mean, the list goes on. When people think of Christian music, they normally think of it as soft, loving, and easy to listen too. So I guess what i'm trying to say is this: if you came to one of our shows, I would expect you to be completely blown away.
RM - Jessica Simpson was rejected from the Christian community due to the fact that they didn't like the way she looked (too provocative, I guess). I also heard that some Christian bands have been banned from Christian radio stations. Have you guys come across any problems due to the style of your music or anything else?
ENIK - We tried to get our songs played on this local Christian radio station called THE FISH when we first started, but they said that our music was too hard. Understandable, because they like to play Christian contemporary music only. That's about the closest thing we've experienced to being banned. But I know what you're talking about. I've run into some really ignorant people. You know, I think that a lot of ignorant people just assume too much sometimes, though. They think, just because we're tattooed down (look a certain way) and play punk rock (play a certain style of music), that we can't be giving a positive message. It's like when Jesus kicked it with tax collectors and stuff. Jesus said himself that he came to reach the sinners, not the righteous.
RM - I always wondered if Christian bands ever played their shows in places like clubs and bars. I guess I was thinking that maybe their would be a chance you guys would spark some interest of God to people who generally wouldn't hear you guys.
ENIK - Hahaha. That's actually where we play the most: in clubs and bars. You would be suprised how many bands are actually Christian that are playing everywhere right now. To name two, you have Switchfoot who just recently went platinum, and POD. In the indie world, there are literally hundreds. You have bands like Underoath, Dead Poetic, The Beautiful Mistake, Watashi-Wa, etc. These are bands that might not be labeled "Christian bands," but nonetheless are Christian and spread that message through music. And besides, we're really not trying to make it in the Christian music industry. If anything, we're trying to reach non-Christians.
RM - I heard you guys want to have a show up in Seattle. Will there be any truth to that rumor any time soon since you guys are based in Cali?
ENIK - You know what, right now BTP is going through alot of changes. We're closing a major record deal as we speak. We actually have a meeting with our lawyers tonight to overlook the final contracts. Two of our band members are actually leaving - Mark and Tim. And we're suppose to jump into the studio to start recording our major debut release. So, all in all, we'll be taking a short break from gigging for a little while. But who knows, in a month maybe? It could happen.
RM - Thanks Enik, any last words or shout outs you want to put out there before we say good bye?
ENIK - Thanks for taking the time to interview small people like us. =) Oh yeah, don't do drugs. Hahaha. Peace.
* To learn or see more about this band, visit www.burningtreeprojekt.com! *
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