It took a while, but I thought this would be a fun thing to get going again. So it’s my turn for “Ask MercyMe”. Ask anything you want and I’ll try to answer as many as I can. What do you want to know?

Ask MercyMe – Bart’s Turn is a post from: MercyMe

Remember, Robby promises to answer every single question you guys throw at him and will post the answers on Friday.

"Ask MercyMe" – Robby is a post from: MercyMe

Alright folks. You asked and Barry answered. Every. Single. Question. Thanks for participating this week in “Ask MercyMe”. Hopefully now you will know everything you could ever want to know about the man behind the guitar. Click “More” to see Barry’s answers. Monday we will ask Robby so get those questions ready.

Heidi
Hi Barry. Can I touch your head? It’s like when I see a silk blouse hanging in Dillards department store. Even if the thing costs like $200 I want to touch it. It looks so soft and smooth.
But, seriously, what’s your favorite childhood memory?
Heidi Reed
My favorite childhood memory is…well I have 2. The first one being, camping with my family which we did A LOT. 2) In the summer my cousin Jay would come to my house quite a bit. Me, my brother Tom & Jay would then head to the woods just to hang out, play, cook beans over an open fire and play army. Two different memories but similar in that they both involved food, fire, and being in the woods. I had a great childhood.

Randy Megathlin
Hi from a fellow runner and SRV fan. I love your music and guitar sounds. Do you have any suggestions for a guitar rig (pedals, amps) for someone on a limited budget but wants to be able to get some good guitar sounds for church and home? Thanks!
There are so many different ways to go about putting a rig together that it boggles my mind. It sure is fun though. For church and home I suggest staying small and compact. Fender makes some great small amps that get a nice warm tube sound. One of my favorite amps is the Fender Pro Junior. Cost is about $220. I have used it on just about every record. Just a volume and tone but a sweet warm sound. As far as pedals on a limited budget, I would recommend the line 6 mod (blue one) for some effects. There are so many dist pedals I don’t know where to begin. At the very least spend money on one that has 2 options. For delay I highly endorse the TC Nova Delay. With 9 presets in a delay pedal you can’t go wrong. Hope this helps.

Todd Branson
Aside from playing with the greatest Christian band, what was your other most accomplished thing in music?
What is your favorite Bible verse?
Why is it the best song on every MM CD is the last song (I would die for you, Finally Home, In you, Keep singing, etc)? When I get your CD’s the very first song I go to is the last song and becomes my favorite song! I love singing your music too at church too.
May God continue to bless you and the rest of the band. Also love the new website.
-I consider just being blessed to play music for the amount of time that I have been able to is an accomplishment.
-Favorite verse is Ephesians 5:15-16 Be very careful then how you live-not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity because the days are evil. It’s just a good daily remider for me.
-That’s funny about the last songs. I really don’t know why. Sometimes the ones that are more organic or emotional end up last on the list for whatever reason. Sometimes it really is the only place to put them in regard to the rest of the order.

Joshua
Barry,
Since I complimented Mike on the guitar stuff on all the albums, I throw one your way. Props. Anyway, what’s your favorite guitar that you own?
P.S. Loved meeting you guys back in January at WinterJam and taping part of the show for ya!
-That would have to be my 77 Les Paul with Seymour Duncan mini humbuckers!

Josh
What is your favorite state?
Mac or PC?
Cubs or Cardinals?
Shaved Bald, or Naturally Bald?
Would you be interested in growing a mustache for a little holiday called mustache may?
-Colorado today (since I’m answering this question from Co Springs and just got back from visiting Pikes Peak. At 14,110 feet ( we only made to 13,000, top closed due to high winds) it was gorgeous!!!
-Mac since 1989. There is no substitute
-Since these are my only 2 options. Cardinals. But being from Baltimore the O’s are my 1st love, and then the Rangers.
Shaved bald since 99 but now probably part naturally bald.

TLC
What’s the story behind the “Have Fun” song at the end of “Coming Up To Breathe”? Also, I would like to be the first to ask you what kind of hair products you use, citru shine maybe? I just had to try my hand at being a comedian. Hope you found it amusing. I agree with Todd about the last songs and MM being the greatest. God bless!
-Have Fun In Life is the hidden track at the end of the Coming Up To Breathe record…oops, cats outa the bag now. Our booking agents brother is a singer songwriter (Todd Snider) and does a similar style song that we just loved. Bart and I were rooming together at the studio during the recording of CUTB. It may have been the 1st morning we were there, either Bart or I or both of us (I can’t recall) were singing the Todd Snider song and said, “ man it would be cool to do a song like that” Well, Bart got into the shower and upon exiting had the lyrics and melody to said masterpeice. I grabbed my little handheld recorder for times just like these and he sang it oh so beautifully. We took it dowstairs to the studio and I’m pretty sure it was the 1st song recorded for that record. Huh…interestingly enough it’s the last song in the sequence, technically. That’s it, it was a while ago but pretty acurate.

Robbie
I’ve heard that prior to MercyMe that you played with DC Talk, what other bands have you played with?
How long have you played guitar and how did you get into the music business?
Who are some of your favorite bands?
Who influenced you the most, musically?
Do you have any pets?
- I lived in Nashville for 15 years freelancing for whoever I could work for. This is some of the list from what I can remember.
Ric Cua, Halo, Mogan Cryar, Renee Garcia, Whitecross, Fugitive Popes, Michael Sweet, Whitheart, Sonic Flood, Hullabaloo, Michael English, Phil Joel, PFR, The Waiting, Audio Adreneline, Tait, Toby Mac, and the aforementioned dcTalk.
-I’ve played guitar for about 30 and some odd years. I played in high school and post high school cover bands wanting to be a rock star not even knowing that Christian music existed, and in 1979 it wasn’t as prevalent as it is today. Then a friend and fellow musician played me a song by the Altar Boys and it blew me away. I had no idea. Well I gave up the “devil music” so to speak and started playing with a Christian band at any function we could. I really saw this as a great ministry and wanted to do it full time. Well I took some youth to a camp one summer and Chris Rice happened to be providing the music that week. I talked with him a bit and shared with him my musical aspirations and to make a long story shorter, some time after that I went to Nashville and stayed with him for a week just to check it out. He was very gracious to probably an overly eager music career seeker. (yes I made that rhyme up) And the rest is history. Since that 1st time hearing Christian music I have wanted nothing more than to see lives changed through music and I am very blessed that God has given me that opportunity.
-Tom Petty, U2, Alison Krauss, Led Zeppelin, Stevie Ray Vaughan, Jars Of Clay, Jack Johnson. And the list goes on & on & on.
- For about 5 years in a cover band we learned at least 1 but a lot of times 2 new songs a week just to stay current, so in my formative years I was influenced a lot by all of the different styles of songs I had to play (love that disco). That’s probably the reason why I like and like to play so many different types of music. Guitar wise I would say that Jimmy Page and Eddie Van Halen played a big part in my style of playing.
-My wife & I have 2 Pembroke Welsh Corgis. Jake & Sugar

Sara
Hey Barry!
Favorite month?
Hamburgers or hotdogs?
Favorite MM song of all time?
Who would you die for?
-April
-Hamburgers, hotdogs during baseball season!
-No More No Less
-Jesus, my wife, family members, I guess given the right circumstance just about anybody.

MMmike
Barry…in a knife fight in a dark alley, on the seedy streets of Gotham, who would win…you or The Joker?
mike
-Why I would of course! He would try to come at me fast but I would slay him in a speedy battle of wits before he could get close enough to me. Ha! I would also have a light saber up my sleeve just in case I hadn’t had enough coffee that day. Next!!!!

Emma
Have you always been bald?
What’s your favorite book? (i.e. not a book of the Bible, just in general.)
What’s the funniest thing you’ve ever seen/heard/done/etc?
What’s your favorite color?
Do you ever get sick of answering the same questions over and over and OVER?
-No, started shaving my head in 99
-Descent Into Darkness (A Navy Divers Memoir) It’s about a dive team that salvaged the ships after the attack on Pearl Harbor. I love WW II stuff.
-Being covered head to toe in mud after slipping down a hill into a stream at Mammoth Cave in Kentucky.
-Fucia? No…black…no wait green. Yeah that’s it, green, then black.
-No, I lie and make up new answers to the same ol’ questions and leave it up to the reader to decide? ?

Mandy
Who takes the longest to do their hair? Who gets haircuts most often?
-Not really sure but I would have to say Robby on all counts. The mohawk requires gobbs & gobbs of time.

Dale Best
What’s the biggest difference between the onstage performing experience with dcTalk and MercyMe?
-Playing for dcTalk was similar to being in MM in that, even though I technically wasn’t a part of dcTalk (just a sideman) I kind of felt like a band member at times. It was a nice family.
-I can’t really say there’s a huge difference in performance. In both settings I gave and continue to give 100% of what I am asked to do. In regards to MM I will say it’s pretty awesome when the audience is worshipping right along with us.

Daniel Crowe
hey barry,
what was it like for you to join mercyme as a full time member? and before that….you toured a bit with them, right?
-It’s been pretty awesome. The difference being that when I was just a sideman even though I was involved in the ministry that I was working for, it sometimes felt
like just a job. Being in MM allows me to be a part of every aspect of the ministry and the creative side as well.
-I first met MM during festival Con Dios when I was playing for Toby Mac. I then spent time with them on another tour called the Go Show while I was playing for Audio Adreneline. It was at the end of that tour I joined MM.

Brenda
Hey Barry, first of all, i like you hair style —I looks very easy to maintain..
1. how often do you have to shave it??
2. Did you know when you were young (kid) that you would be playing a guiter in a christian band? How did you get hooked up with MM? some christian bands out there … look well lets say punk rockish…. Have you guys ever beeen told that? I remember hearing a song from the newsboys without seeing them … then saw them (not live ) and wow they dont look –like their music … Keep playing!!! you guys are the best!!!!!! your my favorite !!:)
-Everyday if I want it smooooooooth
-No
-see answer 13
-Robby may get a punk rock comment now and then due to the mohawk.

Lizzie
Hi Barry,
I was wondering, what’s the longest your hair has ever been?
Close to the middle of my back. A long long time ago!

McWesty
Hi Barry,
East or West coast?
Do you have a life verse?
Prayer requests?
What can you see from the stage, anything?
-Wow tough question. I love the east because of my roots being there, but, after so much travel I have fallen in love with the west as well. Mostly the northwest. If you’re gonna make me choose, I’m gonna have to go with east. Closer to my family, Camden Yards, Maryland steamed crabs, NYC and the Outer Banks.
-Eph. 5: 15-16
- Health for us and our families while we travel. And that we would stay focused and faithful with the task that God has given us.
- Everything, I’m not kidding, so no napping. ? Unless of course you had a really hard day and then we’re happy to provide some lullabies.

tlc
I have playlist of favorite songs on my computer and last night I clicked one that had a lot of the songs from “Undone” and as my cursor went by the songs I noticed that you had written most of the songs on that album. How many of MM songs have you written? Undone is my favorite album.
-I love Undone as well. My name appears on a lot of Mercyme songs (Undone to All That Is Within Me) because we write as a band for the most part. There are a handful of songs that were penned solely by Bart (he does write 99% of the lyrics) and then there are some written by maybe just a few of us. It’s different every record and ya never know how it’s gonna work out.

Kevin
Barry, my favorite MM song is “Keep Singing”. Do you have any bible verses that provided you inspiration and comfort in co-writing that song? Thank you so much for that song, it speaks what’s on my heart as follower of Jesus.
-So glad you like it and that it ministers to you. Sometimes an idea for a song hits you in a moment and you have to roll with it. Keep Singing is one of those songs. Bart got the idea from his father in law I believe, when, after all the tragedies that took place during the making of Undone he asked Bart “how do you do it” Bart replied, “I just gotta keep singing” to be faithful to the calling and also to probably help deal with the pain. As I recall, it wasn’t a laborious task sitting around throwing out ideas. Bart, Pete Kipley (our producer at the time), and I were finishing up at the studio late one night and Bart said “what about this” I think the song was finished in a matter of minutes. Although we didn’t have the Bible out I believe God showed up and Breathed into Bart a great melody and Lyric.

Kenny P
Hey Barry,
Did you ever find out what happened to the cows that disappeared from the yard behind your house??? You may need to call Maulder and Sculley…..
See you in Phoenix in July
Ok, I confess, we ate the cows! See ya soon

KenMan
Barry,
When are you going to release a solo album? Following Bart’s lead here are some possible titles:
“Barry Me on the Lone Prarie”
“Barryed Treasure”
“Beisboll Been Barry Barry Good to Me”
“Barryed Alive” ( this would be the live album)
“Cran-Barry Juiced”
Let me know what you think….these are GOLD baby.

No seriously Jimmy Page, Eddie Van Halen, Ken Polvino or Steve Lukather, who’s your favorite??
-Since I’m fond of live albums, I’m gonna go with Barryed Alive.
-Jimmy Page hands down. I don’t have the time nor the typing skills to explain why. Timeless playing I guess.

Tim
I asked mike this same question but it differs from person to person so here goes?
What is your favorite guitar, effect, and amp? What other instruments do you play besides guitar?
-Man I really don’t have a favorite guitar. In a pinch I will go to my 77 Les Paul. There are weeks when I will get on a blues kick and play nothing but a Strat. Being in the industry for so long I’ve aquired quite a few guitars. They each sound and feel different but I wish sometimes that I could get any one of the tones out of just 1 guitar just for the ease of changing sounds and saving space. Ha. Then I come to my senses since I’m a bit of a purest and am glad that each one does what it does and no more. I started playing the trombone in the 4th grade and played all the way through school. I don’t own one anymore but if I did I’m sure I could play it, with some practice. I bought a really nice Dobro (Beard) about a year and a half ago and am trying to wrestle that thing to the ground. A little bit of mandolin and I think that’s about it.
-My new favorite amp is the Gabriel Voxer 33. Awesome tone! 2 channels, 1 Vox 1 Marshall…both killer!
-I love Keeley compressors and my new TC Electronics Nova delay. 9 presets of delay…in a pedal…with a tap… transparent delay. Check one out.

Rachel
ok barry. here are my questions:)
What has God been teaching you lately?
What is your favorite memory since being involved in CCM?
I have seen from the scrapbook blog you guys have met alot of cool people..Who has been your favroite?
thanks,
rachel
- Your timing is impeccable. We are providing worship at a Generous Giving conference in Colorado Springs this weekend and I just heard Louie Giglio speak. I am an avid astronomer and he really hit home tonight talking about and showing amazing images of the heavens and objects in it, and about the vastness of the universe and beyond. Of course, at the end and the beginning of all that is God. I spend a lot of nights looking up into space at the incredible work God has done and sometimes forget how big he is and how small I am but nevertheless created by Him to love and worship Him. It was a great reminder.
-Probably playing with Mercyme at the last Billy Graham crusade in NYC
-I guess it would have to be Bono. Shaking hands with him and snapping a few pics which I believe took all of 4.5 seconds until they whisked him away, was the most absolute shortest and greatest time I’ve ever spent with any celebrity ever! It’s still a blur. I have to check back at the pics every now and then to remind myself. Awesome!

Kellie
What’s the best prank you’ve ever pulled on someone?
What’s your favorite hymn?
-It was a long long time ago living at home with my parents when I was about 10 or 12. My dad and brother were having a”prank day” that I wasn’t in on. Well I knew dad would be coming to the kitchen at some point and luckily for me his timing was perfect. I took a rubber band and wrapped it around the spray hose thingy so that it was alwasys on whenever anyone turned on the water. I aimed it toward the front and you guessed it, dad came to the sink to get some water and WAMMO!!! Cold water drenched him right in the middle of the shirt!! The beautiful thing was that he thought my brother did it. I think that ended prank day.
-I grew up Baptist and on Sunday nights sometimes we would have favorite hymn night. I rarely called out hymns but I couldn’t wait for “Since Jesus Came Into My Heart” I always loved the more up tempo hymns. Probably the reason I love quick 3 minute pop songs. I’m sure there’s a parallel in there somewhere. Oh, and any hymn from Barts new Hymns record. You’re gonna love it.

Thanks for all the questions folks. See you soon.

-barry

"Ask MercyMe" – Barry (Answers) is a post from: MercyMe

Click “More” to see the answers.

Thanks for all the great questions guys!!!!! See you on the road soon!!!!

Mike

Abi
Q. What is your favorite song from MM? And which band member do you hang out with the most while on tour??Thanks Mike!
A. Favorite song….hhhmmmmm. I have to echo Nate’s answer on this…they’re all gonna have some special place in my heart, but my current favorite hands down is God With Us. The response from that song when we play it live has been amazing, and any song that brings us and a the audience to a place of worship, is always a band favorite. Who do I find myself hanging out with most on the road…we are truly like a brotherhood and honestly we don’t really have anyone who’s a lone ranger in the band, however, of the 6 of us, there are 2 that go to bed early, and 4 that go to bed LATE. Myself, Nate, Barry, and Bart are in the later group, so there are many a stupid movie, or round of guitar hero, or demo listening session, or episode of Lost, that is shared by the 4 of us.

Jenny
Q. Hey! I just have one quick question. WHEN ARE YOU COMING TO TEXAS IN 2008? I LOVE your music. Come on back ya’ll! : )
A. We live in texas, so not soon enough if you ask me!!!! We’re playing in Alverado, Tx. on April, 26. Also we’re doing a run of shows the 31st of July- the 3rd of August, that will be from San Antonio-Dallas…keep an eye on our schedule!

PapaRon
Q. What was your first car? Did it have a nick name?
A. Well hey there, Pap Ron….hhmmmm…the screen name’s giving this one away. My 1st car was a glorious little 1982 escort station wagon. My dad had bought it from a friend of his. Not the sweetest ride on the road, but it did get me to and fro…as far as nicknames for it, I had a few…mostly used them when it was broken down, or in the summertime as it had no A/C and I lived in Fl. Thanks for bringing back the memories, dad.

Joel Stapleton
Q. Gabriel Amps. Are you digging them? Our guitar player covets one very badly but sadly has no cash…anyway, how are they? Which are you using? Hope to run into you guys at GMA.
A. I LOVE MY GABRIELS!!!! I have a Voxer 18 and a custom amp that Gabi built me….it’s a 1×10” combo and ended up being used for at least 50% of my guitar parts on All That Is Within Me. On Winter Jam, I used my Voxer 18 for the whole tour…Barry was using his 36 watt Voxer. They’re not the cheapest amp out there, but for the money, you’re getting the best of the best in hand built amps!!!! Plus Gabi’s an amazing guy to work with!

Bowron Family
Q. How many flowers do honeybees have to visit in order to get enough nectar to make one pound of honey?

Also, how long should a couple keep the couch they got when they were first married???Additionally, If a couple has had six girls and then a boy, what are the odds that they might have a second boy? (No…were not pregnant).

Lastly, if a boys name is Ben, what’s the odds that he might marry a girl named Olivia?

By the way…you sure are smart!
We love you Mike!
A. I’m gonna go with….7??? 7 honey bees. Couch….definitely, 5 1/2 years, but you’ll probably have to wait 8-10 weeks for delivery on your newest couch. I’m gonna go 50-50 on the gender question, and I can only hope Ben will land a little sweetheart like Olivia!!!! Although, she’d be pretty lucky too if I do say so myself!

Brenda
Q. Hey There Mike, Do you have a favorite song from MM that you love to play? How old are you? You look young !! Do you have a certain /favorite scripture that really speaks to you? Saw you guys at the Florida Strawberry Fest. NICE ..:) Blessings & Peace
A. Favorite song to play…good question…hard question…I always enjoy playing When You Spoke My Name, from Undone, also, but by far my favorite song to play is God With Us. The crowd response for this song has been unbelievable since the 1st time we played it live. We started playing it months before the album was done. Even before the album was done, the crowds were singing the song like they’d heard it 100 times!!!! I’m 32…I’ll be 33 on June 8th.

Fav. Scripture…hard to pick one that’s not life changing. Lately I find myself clinging to Phillipians 4.8. To think on the things of God in the trials of life is the only thing that can keep things in focus. I guess not just the trials…even when things are going swell…maybe even more so then. If I can stay focused on the righteous things and not the things of mike, I think I’ll be a lot better for it.

Heidi
Q. What is your all-time favorite MM concert that you played in? Why?
A. Hard to say…every show has it’s own special moment for sure. But if I had to pick one…I’d probably have to go with either the 1st time we played in Hawaii…2 sold out nights in a row in a beautiful theater in Honolulu, or maybe the 1st Billy Graham Crusade we played….or maybe the last Billy Graham Crusade we played. The last one was in NYC and may possibly be his last crusade ever. It was a HUGE honor to be a part of such an amazing work of God.

RobbieQ. When is your birthday? What other jobs have you had prior to MM?? How did you meet your wife?
A. June 8, 1975. My dad owned a lawnmower sales/repair shop. I delivered mowers, fixed starters, degreased transmissions, and sharpened blades for him for a long time…so glad I didn’t have to take over the family business. I then moved on to be a part time weekend DJ at a local am radio station. I wasn’t so hot at that…got fired…moved on to an ice cream shop…I love ice cream!!! When we stared the band, I worked at blockbuster video for 2 1/2 years. About 2 years in I was held up at gun point…being the idiot that I am, after I handed him the bag of money, I asked if he wanted a movie with that. He declined.

Rachel
Q. Hey Mike, I like asking randome useless questions so mine is what kind of hair gel do you use? and this question I actually care about the answer.. what is your favorite bible verse and why?:) Thank you for taking the time and answering these questions! MM, familes and crew are in my prayers!
A. Bed Head products before I started shaving my head….shaving the head makes for more sleep in the mornings… ? See he answer to Brenda’s question for fav. Bible verse. Thanks for the prayers…they make all the difference for us!!!!

Joshua
Q. Mike,?I love the guitar work on all the albums. It seems like there’s always one doing one thing and one doing another.Anyway, what is your favorite guitar you own, and what is your effect set up look like?
A. Thanks man..Barry and I try and play of each other. I think it tends to make for a bigger sound and a cooler vibe. Favorite guitar….hard question…they’re like my kids. My ES135 is great and I’ve fallen in love with it again since I had a Bigsby put on it and dropped in some Seymour Duncan Antiquities. Also my ’72 gold top deluxe…My newest guitar love is my Supro DualTone…check ‘em out online. They’ve only recently been being built again. Mine is the 10th one to be built…rumor has it that the 1st couple belong to the Rolling Stones!

anders
Q. Aside from the guitar, what other instruments do you play?A. Not much of anything. I can play piano a bit, and Bass, but that’s only because it’s 2/3’s of a guitar.JordanQ. Are you proud of your Bartow heritage?
A. Let’s say I have a lot of great childhood memories. Bartow is a great little town to grow up in…it was hard to get in trouble since everyone knew everyone, however, I am glad I’ve gotten to se so much of the country. If I had to choose, I doubt I’d live in Bartow again…I’ve decided I like places with more than 2 seasons a year…oh wait…I live in Texas…we only have 1!!!!!

Tim
Q. What is your favorite guitar, amp, and effects unit? Do you have any other instruments you play besides guitar?
A. Like I said earlier…I can play keys a little bit, and bass. So hard to pick a favorite amp or guitar, but I answered the guitar one earlier, (see Joshua’s question.) As for amps, my favori amp is my 1966 Vox AC30. My wife bought it for me as a surprise from Tyler Burkum of Audio A. It sounds unbelievable, and it was purchased with love….ahhhhhh. My Gabriels, my Zinky, my ’76 Marshall, ( also a gift from Abby…yes, she rules!) hard to pick just one, but it would have to be my Vox.

Krystal
Q. Hey Mike! How did you meet your wife? Your kids are so cute! I saw you all at the Rangers game last year. LOVED IT! That was the first time I ever heard MM. Now, I’m stuck! Thanks!
A. ok…long story…We were playing a show in West Monroe, La. I saw her in the crowd, and man…she was gorgeous…(and has only gotten more so in the past 6 years!!!!) I was watching her during worship and noticed something different about her. It always drives me a little nuts when we’re singing a song that’s asking God to break us down and someone’s singing it with a big old cheesy worshipy grin on their face. I mean really….who wants to be broken down by God?!?!? Well she had her head down and and was just praying…it struck me as very worshipful…did I mention she’s hot??? So I asked the college pastor about her and he told me, “ she’s amazing…” and proceeded to ask me if I wanted to meet her. Not wanting the rep of a band guy who’s traveling the country picking up girls, I declined, however a year later when we played there again, I HAD to meet her this time. She had haunted me in the back of my mind for a year, so I finally ended up with her email address after still not meeting her that night, and connected with her that way. A few days later I drove back to Louisianna from Texas, and the rest was history…she had me at hello…..Thanks on recognizing the cutest 2 kids in the world…they’re awesome!!!!

Randy Megathlin
Q. Hi Mike. Love your music and guitar sounds. Have you ever tried a guitar processor like some kind of line 6 floor pod etc. to get your guitar sound instead of all of the pedals you use? Is there a down side to such pedals? Thanks for taking the time to read and answer questions! God bless you all!
A. Hey Randy, Great question…I have tried some digital guitar floorboards and amp/effect simulators, and while I think they’re not a bad place to start out since you can get so many sounds in one box, I don’t feel they sound as good as the real thing. The closest I’ve ever been with an amp/effect simulator is Native Instruments Guitar Rig 3. It sounds unbelievable, but it’s all computer based…no amp at all. Great for demoing songs in @ the house whilst the kiddos sleep. It even comes with a control board that you can program to make the system do virtually ANYTHING!!!! I think overall, no one will ever truly be able to beat the sound of an old tube amp with a bunch of pedals on the front end of it.

West
Q. Do you help Robby with his hair?
A. I tried…he won’t let me.

Daniel Crowe
Q. How can we pray for you?
A. Our standard answer is to pray for our families. Our wives work 100 times harder than we do…they’re playing the role of a single mom for a little over half a year, and while they are a HUGE part of this ministry, they don’t get to see a lot of it 1st hand. For our kids…we miss a lot of things that daddy’s shouldn’t have to miss…t-ball games, 1st day of school, and so many of the day to day discoveries that these little guys make. Pray that we can truly be good shepherds to our families over a cell phone and that we can be the husbands we need to be while we’re away. Also, we have some pretty grand schemes for a big tour that we’re praying could have a HUGE impact on the kingdom…we’re working out details for it to take place in the Spring of ’09, so prayer that we would wait on God and follow His leading in this. Keep your eyes open and hopefully you can all be a part of it as well!!!!

Susan Robinson
Q. Please!! On what Album have you recorded the song “Light the Fire”?
Sincerely.
Susan
A. Susan…sorry to report that we don’t have a song called “light the fire.” I know Audio A had one a few years ago called “Start a Fire,” and Pillar has “Fireproof,” but we as of yet have no affiliation with Fire….maybe that’ll be a good theme for the next record…. ?

Josh
Q. The Office, Lost or Scrubs? You must pick one
A. Wow…tough one…Now Scrubs, I don’t watch…I have caught an episode or two and I think it’’ pretty funny, but I must disqualify it from the running. Now Lost and The Office….that’s a different story. I religiously watch them both. I will have to go with The Office however. I’ve got the 1st 3 seasons on my iPod and rewatch them all the time on flights or on the bus in my bunk. Lost doesn’t have that rewatchability….is that a word? I’m a little more than upset that I can no longer download The Office from iTunes…?

Emma
Q. Alright you asked for it. What’s your favorite hair product?

What is your favorite day of the week?

A. Hair product…Bed Head, but currently am in a shaving my head phase

Middle name…John

Fav. Day of the week…Mondays and Tuesdays….we’re almost always home on those days.

Fav. Shoe….no…I’m not a girl.

Dominique
Q. What is the order of “Ask MercyMe”?? AKA Who is next?
A. I have no idea who’s next…not only is it exciting for you guys to find out who it is, it’s just as much of a surprise for us!!!! Brody, who is the genius behind getting this blog up and running tells us all who’s next. Everybody say…THANKS BRODY!!!!!!

Mandy Butler
Q. Why do you do such crazy things that Bart can film and stick on this blog?
A. Mandy…I do them for 1 reason and one reason only. I do it for you people…because I care.

stacey
Q. Hi Mike!How many years have you been with MM??How do you balance your faith and famliy??Now as far as hair products use mousse.? Just kidding!! God Bless you and your family.

Stacey
A. Bart, Jim and I started MM August of ’94…almost 14 years ago. Now 14 years in band years is like 140 in normal job years…bands rarely stay together this long without killing one another…not that we haven’t tried? Balancing faith and family, and traveling is definitely a challenge, but like any job, it’s just another thing to be a distraction from the important things in life, we have to stay focused on Christ as much as anyone else.

Daniel Crowe
Q. do you ever jam with other bands when you’re touring with them?and whats your favorite pre-label-signing mercyme song?
A. Good question…There’ve been a few times when we would combine forces on stage like with Michael W. and his band a few years ago, also once with Audio A, Mark was so sick that every other artist on the tour pitched in and picked they’re fav. Audio A. song. Matter of fact one of my favorite musical moments was when John Ellis of Tree63 sang Glory with them from the Lift album…it was unbelievable. Fav. Pre-INO song. Really hard question…Cannot Say Enough was both before and after signing, and it has always been a favorite of mine. Early on we used to cover The Stirring by 2nd Chapter of Acts. I LOVED playing that song.

The Honey Family
Q. What’s most dangerous while driving?
1. Sending text messages??
2. Singing & praising to MM with your eyes closed??
3. Reading your latest blogs??
4. Playing drums on the steering wheel and air guitar while driving with your knees?

My Papa has done all these today on our trip to Florida!?Naomi
A. I would go with eating honey, while texting with your eyes closed….that honey gets on everything and is hard to get off!!!!!

The Honey Family
Q. We’d like to know all the band members birthdays. Can you post them for us?

A.Mine is 6/8/75
Nate 5/26/78
Jim 1/11/68
Bart 12/1/73
Robby 11/14/75
Barry 5/18/61

The Honey Family
Q. What is your favorite MM song?

What is your favorite Disney World attraction? We’ll take our picture for you this week. (yes, we even think of you guys on our family vacations!)
A. Fav. MM song…See Abi’s question at the top.Most challenging song to play…they all become about the same when you’ve played them as much as we have…muscle memory and all, but for me as a whole, I tend to get a little too excited when we play live and have a tendency to play faster then everyone else…we call it rushing the pocket.Disney…I grew up going to Disney since Bartow is only about 45 minutes away. I will always have to go Space Mountain. Have fun!!!!!

Rebecca
Q. What are all the names of the band member’s kids, oldest to youngest. Just thought I would keep you on your toes!
A. Sam, William, Riley, Ben, Gracie, Kaliegh, Millie, Jack, Levi, Charlie, and Abby and I are expecting our 3rd in mid-late August, (boy)….we’re kind of stuck on names right now…any suggestions???

mcwesty
Q. Hi Mike,Who would you say plays the most jokes on everyone?Do you all study the word together as a band when on tour?Do you see each other on your time off and if so how much?Any prayer requests?
A. Jim in his younger days was quite the prankster…he’s old and slow now, but from time to time, he still has it in him to crawl into the foot of someone’s bunk on the bus…(usually a new crew guy,) and stay balled up until that guy tries to get in bed. He then proceeds to scream and grab them and scare the living daylights out of them.
B. We don’t usually have a corporate bible study on the road, but we do have a sense of accountability. It’s not up to the rest of the guys in this band to read my bible for me. I’m the one who has to answer for that.
C. We tend to get together from time to time when we’re off the road. With 10 band kids, there’s usually a birthday party or something. We also find ourselves huddled in a corner hanging out with each other instead of everyone else in the room.

Sara
Q. Do you know any foreign languages, if so which ones?
A. Un poquito espanol….is that right???

Sandi
Q. Hey Mike! When are you guys coming back to Northern CA?
A. Not soon enough…I need some In-n-Out Burger!!!!!! Keep an eye on our schedule.

Jennica Wallis
Q. Hello! I LOVE LOVE LOVE you guys!! Your music makes me so happy and sad at the same time (in a good way)! I listen to all of your cd’s everyday and just went to one of your concerts (Appelton, WI) for the first time, and it was the best concert I’ve EVER been to!! Thank you so much for your faith and sharing it with everyone! I have a question about your music though. I was wondering if I could put one of your songs on my website? I’m a photographer and need to put a song on and I wouldn’t want anyone else’s. Please please. Let me know! Thanks so much! God bless, Jennica!
A. Jennica, Thanks so much for the kind words. Glad you could come out to the Appleton, Wi. show. Usually there’s probably some red tape for putting a song on your website, but you know what…today is your lucky day. I say go for it. I’ll take the heat for you!Good luck with your photography…maybe we will see you at a shoot one day!

Thanks for all the great questions guys!!!!! See you on the road soon!!!!
Mike

"Ask MercyMe" – Mike (Answers) is a post from: MercyMe

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1: JoshQ: What got you into music and what made you choose the bass?
A: I guess my family was the biggest musical influence on me growing up. My dad taught me how to play the guitar. I picked up the bass, more to fill a need than anything, and played on the church worship team in my home town. Funny; I didn’t even own a bass when I left to join MM. The old bass player Kendal passed his on to me the day he left. I really do enjoy playing bass, but I don’t really use it as a song writing tool.

2: Joey McFarland
Q: Do you have kids? How many do you have? If you do, is it hard to balance being a dad and being on the road? How do you guys work that out?
A: I do have two kids. I enjoy every moment with them. I am not sure that there is a good way to balance being on the road and being home. There isn’t really a way to replace being there face to face. This is the biggest issue we face in our line of work. Since we are married and have children then we are called to be husbands and fathers first. MercyMe has to be secondary. Which can be difficult when this job takes us away and occupies so much of our time and attention. If we figure out the perfect formula for this we will let everyone know!

3: Heidi
Q: When did you put your faith in Christ? What is the biggest thing He changed about you
A: I gave my life to Christ at a young age. 10 or 11 I think it was. The biggest change about me was that I have been given grace. If we really dive into what that means I think that we cannot help but be changed.

4: Ray
Q: I was recently listening to the band on Coming Up To Breathe, specifically the bass since I play one too. I just wanted to know how you get that great sound out of the Fender Jazz? I’ve got a 1976 Jazz and can’t make it sound that fat yet punchy for the life of me.
A: Ahhhhhhh a bass gear question!! First, thanks for asking. Bass players get no respect! HAHA! Hmm. Well, thanks for your kind words about my work on Coming Up To Breathe. That was a fun record to make. For most of it I did use my Jazz Bass through my Ashdown ABM 900 head and into an Ampeg cab that I had at the time. It is a little unfair to compare your tone to the tones on a record. I had my amp running and a direct signal going at the same time. The direct and amp both get run through eq’s and compressors to make them sit just right in the mix. So don’t get discouraged by the comparison. But I do love the way my Ashdown amps sound. They are the best bass amps I have ever played. I also use a Sansamp Bass Driver live. It has always rounded out my sound nicely. Really, if you get to a place where you are happy with your tone that is all that matters.

5: Cynthia
Q: I’m a fellow Missourian. Where do you hail from, and how did you hook up with the MM guys?
A: I am originally from Columbia, MO. I was born there and lived there until August of ‘97 when I joined MM and moved with them to Texas. Robby (our drummer) and I grew up going to church together. He moved to Oklahoma where he met Bart, Mike and Jim. Started playing with them. Then when they were in need of a new bassist Robby said he knew an old friend from MO that played, and oh yeah was also dating his sister! So he called, and the rest is history.

6: Carter
Q:What’s your favorite band besides MercyMe?? What’s your Favorite MercyMe song?
A: Favorite Band……. Diving Blind Favorite MM song………Unaware

7: wes
Q: Who is your favorite mm crew guy?????
A: I love all our crew guys equally. Like my children. hahahaha.

8: MMMike
Q: In a battle of wits… who would win… you or Yoda?
A: We already had this battle. I won!

9: Robbie
Q: When is your birthday? Do you have any siblings? I know your wife is Robby’s sister so that kind of answers the how you met her but when did you meet her and realize that she was the one? What kind of jobs did you have prior to MM?
A: My birthday is 5/26. I do have one younger sister, who is a superb vocalist herself. But don’t tell her I said so. My wife Amanda and I grew up going to church together, but it wasn’t until after I graduated from high school that we started “hanging out”. I remember going out to eat with her and some friends one night. Our friends got up from the table leaving us by ourselves for a bit. I remember looking at her in that candle lit restaurant and falling in love all at once. It was like I had never seen her before. I had all sorts of jobs before MM. Here is a brief list:Lawn mowerRooferDishwasher at Golden CorralLowe’s home improvement warehouseWorked at church a lot since my parents were the pastors.

10: Karen
Q: Have you guys ever consider the idea of a girl in the band??
A: No, I can sing all the high female vocal parts so we don’t need a girl in the band. haha.

11: TLC
Q: I wish ya’ll would come out with a window decal for my car that I could buy at a concert or on the website were your tshirts are sold. Something like “Mercy Me” in an arch w/ “Glorifying God” under that.? Are you still adding blogs?
A: Maybe we should try a whole line of trial merch stuff. Like MM bobble heads. We could use more stickers. Good idea. And Yes, we are adding blogs.

12: Emma
Q: What’s your favorite color? Coke or Pepsi?
A: Favorite color……….the leaves changing in the fall. Coke or Pepsi??!!……..Mountain Dew!!!

13: Tim
Q: What bass player is your biggest influence?
A: Probably Paul McCartney. Not just for his bass playing but his song writing as well. A few other bassists I really like are- Justin Meldal Johnsen, Adam Clayton, Preston Martinez.

14: Andrew Glover
Q: Nate, I read that Robby is getting his feet wet as a manager for bands, he’s still with Mercy Me right?
A: Robby is still the drummer for MM. None of us are going anywhere. Just…. pursuing new things at the same time. Keep your eyes and ears ready for more news.;)

15: Jeannie
Q: Do you know if there is any way to buy a copy of the video of 3:42 am that some of us MM fans sent in and was played at the Coming up to Breathe concert last year?? (And BTW, it was really COOL to see my cute kidlet and nieces and nephews on the large screen at the Erie PA concert)
A: There is nowhere as of yet to get that video. I believe that we still have it on a hard drive somewhere. It was a fun video! I will do some research on it for ya!

16: Ezekiel Lopez
Q: Who’s the youngest in the band?
A: I happen to be the youngest member of MM.

17: Sandi
Q: What’s the easiest/best way to get the chance to me ya’ll?
A: Sorry you had waited so long. Well it really depends on the show. If you are on the west coast we are usually flying in and out so that puts a bigger crunch on our time. If you can contact your local radio when we come to town that is usually a good way to get back. Or, just send us an email and we will see what we can do. No promises though. Sometimes things are out of our control.

18: Your Sister
Q: How hard is it to have a sister WAY cooler than you are? Hehehe
A: Who let you on here!?

19: Wes
Q: How’s Bruce Cavalowski doing?
A: Bruce is doing just fine. Still waiting for that calculus book.

20: LoriAnn
Q: Nathan, MercyMe has proven to my son that “Christian” music can be awesome and relevant in our lives. Does the band ever play small venues anymore? My favorite MM song is “Spoken For”. God bless you all for your joyous message!
A: We still play all types of venues. Really just depends on who or what event is having us in. I am glad that our music is blessing your family. That is why we do what we do. If we stop hearing that, I think that is when we will quit.

21: Brenda
Q: Hey Nate, How do you manage being on the road soooo much and family time, time for God and time for you and time for the band etc…? You all are awesome!! Just got back to Florida from TN ( man it cold up there) and I listened to “all that is within me” for hours LOL!!! Thanks and God Bless.
A: Well, I guess we have to just take it all in stride. Time for family is every moment I can get. Time for MM is either full on and crazy or a bit slow. But the slow moments are few. Time for God is every moment. Not that I walk around in constant communication with God, no one is a spiritual superman. I realized a long time ago that my walk with Christ is very personal and is not the responsibility of anyone else but myself. So even though I may not be home every sunday for church that doesn’t mean I can’t spend time with God. I guess that applies to all of us.

22: Karen Levy
Q: I am such a fan of the band and am inspired by each and every song. Recently I saw a small informal Mercy Me concert on some channel; goodness, I am sorry that I can’t remember which channel. In this concert they talked about writing and then sang the sweetest song that apparently was written on the fly about the 10 Commandments that was for children. I have tried to find the lyrics to that somewhere and have not been able to. Is there a chance that I could get the lyrics and even just the chorus to that song as it is a great teaching tool for children and adults alike to remember the 10 commandments?
A: Ahh ha. Yes that song is called “Ten Simple Rules”. It was part of a kids show called Hoop Dogz. It was our way of spelling out the 10 commandments in a way that kids would hopefully remember and understand. One of these days I will post the lyrics.

23: P Scrumshish Tinez
Q: I heard you are also in another band that is the rocktasticist rock band to ever rock a rock. Is this accurate?
A: Hmmm, such rumors could have some truth behind them. Patience friends.

24: mcwesty
Q: With your schedules how and when do you find time to spend time in the word. Also how have you been able to stand firm in your faith and love for God with all the trials you have all had over the years. It is a struggle.
A: A lot of times riding on the bus is a great place to get into the word. It can be a bit distracting when everyone is up and doing things, but that usually doesn’t stop us. It really just takes a little discipline to remember to open the word.We have been through a lot the last few years. Loosing loved ones, friends, and helping others through some pretty difficult times. One of the first things you have to do is realize that God did not leave us. Sometimes that is all it takes to calm your spirit and give peace to difficult times. Knowing that God is there doesn’t always make things hurt less, but we know that He will see us through.

25: andrea brightwell
Q: 1. When is your next concert in Greenville? I have been a fan of mm for years and miss the small, intimate concerts and have heard your Greenville concerts are more like that plus I’m sure you enjoy the home crowd.
2. Which MercyMe member has a lake house near Tawakoni near our good friends and Hurst, TX neighbors Mark and Lynn Cowell??
3. Years ago at a six flags concert MM sang a song about the 10 commandments I believe. It was a rainy night and you guys pulled out the stools, sat and sang this song you supposedly wrote if I remember right wrote for a cartoon?? It was amazing! Where can I get a copy of the song??
A: (1) Not sure when the next Greenville stop will be. Probably not til Christmas.(2) Hmmm. None of is live in a “Lake House”. Jim does live near the lake. I get standing water in my yard when it rains hard. Does that count? =)(3) Please refer to question #22

26: Daniel Crowe
Q: Will we ever see the chicken dance in a MercyMe video again?
A: I think that you can find the MM chicken dance on YouTube.

27: Mistie Hardt “Kewpie Friend” Rhode
Q: How’s Amanda and children? Fine, I hope. Is there anywhere I can get a copy of the Ten Commandments song? I can’t find it!
A: Hello fellow Kewpie. Ok so I will expalin. The high school that I went to in Missouri,(Hickman), had a lovable Kewpie as our mascot. I know I know. Sissy mascot. But we did have a powerhouse football team! Some fun trivia for you-I was in the 100th graduating class from Hickman. Jim’s (our Keyboardist) parents also attended Hickman. Just a little over 50 years earlier. Please refer to Question #22 about the song.

28: Becky Bauer
Q: I didn’t start getting close to Christ until maybe a year or so ago. I believe it was the music from MM and so many others like yourselves that got me started, and the church I started to go to has shown me it is a relief to let go and let God in. Keep up the good work through Christ and song and God Bless you all.
A: Thanks for the encouragement! It blesses us to know that God is blessing you through our music.

"Ask MercyMe" – Nate (Answers) is a post from: MercyMe