While a band's music may be its most vital lifeline of artistic expression, the world’s first impression of any act is generally its moniker. Though singer Craig Felker, drummer Jason Killebrew, guitarist L.J. Granstaff and bassist Joel Purdy spent the last few years operating under the alias Special D, the pop/rock/alternative foursome has since updated its explosive sound, sophisticated look and overall outreach vision. As a result of the growth in all areas, the Kentucky-bred road warriors have boldly re-branded themselves as Hearts of Saints, desiring to refresh listeners with an undeniable degree of musical and personal connectivity."It came to our attention that there’s a hip-hop artist named Special D in Europe, which created some confusion, but the name change to Hearts of Saints really summarizes an evolution - both for all four of us as players and in our personal lives," notes Felker, the group’s charismatic front man and frequent songwriter. "We’re maturing in our musical pursuits and we’re growing more seasoned in life, which naturally rubs off in the songwriting."
Evidence of that collective growth is replete throughout the group's current recording sessions, live shows and even in picking this very name. Hearts of Saints comes directly from the New Testament (Philemon 1:7 to be exact), where Paul joyfully writes of a missionary experience: "For I have received considerable joy and encouragement from your love, because the hearts of the saints have been refreshed, brother, through you" (International Standard Version).
"It’s almost become a mission statement for us and is a verse that gives us purpose and something to strive for," Felker explains. "We’re not saying we’re some 'holier than thou' or 'saintly' so to speak, but rather that we're striving to live a life that reflects Jesus, especially in the context He showed for other people, regardless of their social class, race or religion. Our logo is a heart with four marks to represent the four members in the band. But the fact is, those marks are the scars on the heart inspired by the fact we're flawed human beings who really desire to be better people and to chase after God and truth. Our hope is to refresh people along the way with our musical passions and also lend some encouragement no matter how severe their situation may seem."
Thus far, Hearts of Saints has presented those very goals in a variety of formats, most visibly, the concert circuit. Though the group's a touring staple throughout the Midwest and South, the guys are steadily expanding their national presence through the festival circuit thanks to an unrelenting work ethic. Besides sharing the spotlight with the likes of TobyMac (Forefront/EMI), Skillet (Atlantic), Family Force 5 (Tooth & Nail/EMI), Jars of Clay (Nettwerk), Third Day (Essential), Jason Morant (Integrity/Epic) and DecembeRadio (Slanted), Hearts of Saints scored main stage slots at AtlantaFest, Rock the Light, Unity Festival, Hills Alive, Crossover Festival and even Rock the Universe at Universal Studios, plus additional appearances at Sonshine Festival, LiFest, Kingdom Bound, Icthus Festival and Cornerstone.
The group's also earned a steady presence on iTunes, selling albums in seven countries, in turn, fueling airplay for the instantly memorable “Over and Over” single (which topped the regional charts). Hearts of Saints collaboration credits also include all-star producer Ainslie Grosser (Warner Brothers’ Mute Math), who will once again oversee the boards on the gang’s upcoming full-length project (hitting streets in mid-2009).
"It’s going to consist of some songs our fans already know from iTunes or the live show, but also include several brand new tunes they’ll be hearing for the first time," promises Felker of a sound that lands somewhere in between Switchfoot, The Killers and U2 circa the 2000s. "Expect to hear our energetic rock/pop dynamic up another notch and they’ll continue to be some dance/rock elements, along with the pop sensibility that my tone of voice typically gravitates towards."
Even amidst all the updates, Felker is fast to reiterate that Hearts of Saints is the same four guys who were first introduced in Special D and have since given tons of blood, sweat and sacrifice while gearing up for their busiest season to date. Outside of being a break out year for the band that’s strives to chart a course of longevity, the foursome also hopes to break down the typical stereotypes associated with spiritually anchored acts.
"Our goal is to write great songs and put on a show with endless energy that has plenty of attitude, underscored by a hope-inspired presence in our performance," he adds. "We have two thoughts when we write and that's to move people either physically or internally, but if we can write a song that does both, then that's when it becomes more than just rock n' roll."
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