30 Days of Thanks - Day 3 - The Vespers

Quite a few months ago I downloaded an album from Noisetrade titled Tell Your Mama and promptly forgot about it for a few weeks. I came across this gem in my music folder again in August when I was looking for some music to put on my mp3 player for when I walked. I was enamored by the beauty, quirk, and charm provided by the extremely talented set of two sibling pairs. Their lyrics had both depth and simplicity. Their music captured a sweet piece of American folk. They had spirit and they had steam, thus they were a band with which I identified. They were The Vespers and I was greatly blessed to run across their album.

I was additionally blessed to be able to attend a show they had at Natasha's Bistro & Bar in Lexington, KY back in September. Flat out amazing stage presence. They were worth going to see just to gain a true appreciation for the skill and soul that Phoebe, Callie, Bruno, and Taylor were putting into each piece. It was also a great experience as, being a small venue, they were able to come out and talk with us after the show. I found them to be genuine people - not big headed - wanting to socialize with the crowd and even express appreciation for our being a part of that concert experience.

I got to speak with Bruno and Phoebe the most, both of whom I found to be good-hearted, friendly, and joyful people. They were real, they had depth, and if I had not have had to leave as quickly, I would have loved to have spent more time chatting. Phoebe was a genuinely interesting person to talk to and one of those people who really made the effort to let God shine through her -beautiful inside and out. But I digress. There was life there that night that I usually do not find at concerts.

Another thing that I appreciate about The Vespers is related to what Bruno posted on Noisetrade when people were discussing if they should be referred to as a 'Christian band':

Thanks for the love yall! We don't label ourselves as a Christian band strictly... then we would only be playing for 'Christians'. We follow Christ, and play for all. It's music... Wires, wood, and words... Doesn't need a brand name. We did coin the term Indiecana 2 years ago in an interview however. before Mumford and Sons were famous. ;) ... Much love, please keep spreading the word! -Bruno from The Vespers.

They are Christians but they are not rushing headlong for the pitfalls of being a 'Christian band'. Their music conveys a spiritual depth and truth but they do not limit it to one audience. They can actually reach with it because of that. They can play in bars to people who would never show up to a 'Christian' concert. I admire this mission model of being inclusively Christian, not exclusively 'Christian'.

In addition to all of this, I like their website. It is laid out well, informative, and full of fun extras like videos, a movie mail-in program, and a store that features Phoebe's handmade flower hair clips (seriously, she is multi-talented). They also have a new free single up for grabs.

I say all of this and then want to ask that you support this great band by helping with their Kickstarter campaign: We need help paying our dues. If they meet their goal, we get to see another great album from this band titled "The Fourth Wall" and help them to maintain artistic control (read as: freedom from a label telling them what to sing). There are some great rewards for backers too so at least check it out. Thank you!