38th Parallel Q&A
e-mail interview with Jeff Barton
by David Faden
posted July 22, 1999
- When did 38th Parallel first get together? Why?
- 38th Parallel came together in '97 with Jeff Barton(bass), Will
Barton(guitar), and Erik Holt(guitar) as the members. We sucked then. So, we
added Aaron Nordyke on drums and Mark Jennings as the vocals. We all started
just for the fun of things and then realized what an awesome tool for God our
band could be so we continued on but in a different mind set. We weren't
just having fun, we were doing it for God. We also just at Nathan Rippke as
a second vocalist.
- When and where was your first public concert? How'd it go?
- Our first public show was the summer of '97 at Saint Cecilia Church for corn
fest. We played all covers but it was still a fun time.
- I remember 38th Parallel used to be called Octorok. Why'd you change the
name, and why did you choose 38th Parallel?
- Octorok sucked, and 38th Parallel sounded cooler. Plus there is some meaning
in 38th Parallel, but you'll just have to ask me sometime.
- What has been your favorite concert so far? Why?
- I liked the Salt Co. Christmas Party, and our show with the Deluxetone
Rockets in MI.
- When did your first sampler tape come out? Can people still purchase it?
- It came out '98 sometime i think. We never sell them, but if you ask me i'll
send you a copy. It sucked though, so I don't know why you would want one.
But, David Faden played some trombone stuff so that made it pretty cool!
- When and where is your next concert?
- I dunno, we will probably do a paint shop show soon, so stay tuned.
- How many concerts have you played in?
- I really couldn't tell you. Alot.
- Which music groups have influenced you the most? Do you try to follow
anyone's lead?
- We have alot of influence in Korn and Limp Bizkit, but not lyrically at all,
just musically. We also try to keep our own style, but doesn't everybody.
What's your favorite band other than 38th Parallel?
Coming from me(jeff), i would have to say the Insyderz!
- Which of your songs is your favorite? Why?
- I like 6:12 Fuse, probably cuz it's the newest, I always like the newest one
- Have you met any famous people (not counting yourselves) through 38th
Parallel?
- Well, we were just hanging out with the Deluxtone Rockets in MI in June.
They are signed on Tooth and Nail Records. They are pretty cool guys!
- I hear that you're talking with a big Christian music company. Can you
talk a little about that? (First, what's it called... Do you have a
contract?)
- Heidi, the promoter in charge of the show in MI had a listening party one
night. She had Tooth and Nail Records on the plone listening to our stuff.
Tooth and Nail liked it alot and wanted to see us live. They tried to come
to the show in MI but they couldn't make it. Instead The Deluxtone Rockets
made sure to check us out and tell Tooth and Nail what they thought. The
Rockets liked us alot, but we haven't heard anything yet. It's all in Gods
hands and it's totally up to Him! So, as of now, there is no contract yet.
- Do you think you'll stay in Ames or move to a more music oriented place?
- I could see us moving sometime.
- When did your first CD come out? (When was it recorded? With what
company?) How many copies have you sold? How can people buy their own copy?
- It came out in late '98. It was recorded at Great Plaines Studios in Des
Moines. We've sold about 300 copies and you can buy them for $7 by
contacting Jeff at (515)232-2695, you can also purchase them a music stores
in the Ames area.
- Can you talk a little about each member of your band?
- Aaron-drummer-he has a big mouth
Nathan-rappa-many clues make us think about Nathan
Will-guitar-uhhhhhh.....it's just crazy will
Jeff-bass-the coolest member ever!!!!!
Erik-guitar-funniest person to watch
Mark-screamer-has a girlfriend
- Who writes the music?
- We all do.
- Are you trying to send a message with your music?
- You Betcha! Jesus Christ is the way, the TRUTH, and the life!!!!!!!!
- What has been the greatest thing about being in 38th Parallel?
- Actually reaching out to people and helping them.
- What has been the hardest part of being in 38th Parallel?
- Having alot of people hate you or look down on you about your faith.
- Are you going to work full time on your music?
- We would love to work full time, but like i said, it's all up to God.
- What do you see happening in the next few years?
- I want to see 38th Parallel get on a label and shake the world upsidedown,
but again, it's all in God's hands
- What's your ultimate dream?
- 38th Parallel- Full Time!!!
- What advice do you have for people wanting to form their own groups?
- Pray about it, and seek God before anything elsel
- Is there anything else you'd like to add?
- Uhhhhhhh..............nope, c ya later!
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