ROCK SPOTLIGHT SHINE BRIGHT BABY

Taking their name from Philippians 2, the members of Shine Bright Baby aren’t shy about the fact they want to let their faith radiate boldly; but all the while, the group’s musical commitment to excellence is certainly apparent. Just take a listen to the band’s national debut disc Dreamers (BEC Recordings), and it’s immediately clear the electronic rock foursome from suburban Ohio could easily follow in the footsteps of No Doubt, Shiny Toy Guns or Neon Trees. But as vocalist Emily Irene shares with CCM, Shine Bright Baby is just as personal as worshipful in the songwriting department (narrowing down the final track listing from over 70 choices), suggesting the band’s music is just as multi-dimensional as its audience.

CCM: What would Christian listeners like most about your band? And what about mainstream music fans? 

Emily Irene: Both Christian and mainstream listeners will find this record accessible. We never want to exclude anybody when writing a song. However, we are a Christian band and the songs have been inspired by our walk with Christ and themes found throughout our Christian faith. One of the heaviest songs on the record, “The Brave Ones,” was written using imagery from the Old Testament. 

CCM: What types of background does everyone have leading worship in church?

Emily: [Guitarist] Nathan [Fertig] and I both went to the same church in high school and then both joined the youth group worship band and led in that regard. [Drummer] Karl [Wendel] and [keyboardist/guitarist/vocalist] Josh [Fink] have been involved in several different worship services since 2008 in the northeast Ohio area. 
 

CCM: How does Dreamers encourage listeners to dream big?

Emily: It’s about us and it’s what we want to say to other people who are on their own journey to pursue the dreams that God has placed in their hearts. Our prayer is that the songs will not simply be an example for the listener, but rather serve as a catalyst for them [to follow their dreams]. We want this record to encourage and empower the listener to follow the calling that God has placed upon their heart.

CCM: What fueled your ability to write over 70 songs for these sessions and how did you decide what ones were keepers?   

Emily: We wanted the songs to not only be the best material we’ve released, but we wanted them to cast the right vision for what God had placed upon our hearts. We wanted the record to be cohesive, both sonically and lyrically, and sometimes that takes 70 songs!

For more information, visit ShineBrightBaby.com.