In conversation with Powerfaith

PowerFaith started in 2003, comprised of young believers with a common vision to minister the youth. It’s intention was to reach out to musicians and music lovers through positive gospel music. The band expanded into a ministry in 2004. At present, Powerfaith is involved in school and campus ministry and is also a part of the students’ ministry with NBCC youth department. Powerfaith released their debut album “Testify” in the month of December 2005 and two songs were selected to be included in the first Indian gospel rock album 2006. One of the songs was then aired on the radio channel “Whitedove” which is one of the oldest gospel radio stations in the United States. Their second single “Release” is available at Indihut. In today’s ‘Rhythm of Love’ Powerfaith talks about their love and motivation for music. EASTERN MIRROR: How did you decide your name? POWERFAITH: The name “Powerfaith” came about as a result of a personal experience of the band’s front man with God, His power and how our faith in Him can transform lives and situations. Hence, “Power” refers to the power of God and “Faith” is our unquestioning belief in Him. EASTERN MIRROR: What does your act consist of? POWERFAITH: Normally you would see lots of songs and apart from that you would hear testimonies and sharing. Singing and performing together as a band certainly brought us closer to God and at the same time it gave us opportunities to fellowship with one another and getting to know each other better. 13 years of singing together has also taught us to be humble as sometimes we get to perform in front of say just 15-20 people or sometimes our audience might be just small kids but seeing their faces lighten up with joy as we sing to them, it gives us immense joy. And as we perform in different places we have experiences that makes us realize all the more that there is indeed “Power in faith”. EASTERN MIRROR: Talk us through your debut album “Testify”. POWERFAITH: Our debut album “testify” came out in the year 2005. It has 10 songs and all are testimonies of our band members. We are blessed and at the same time humbled that two songs,” In his love” and “My Orphan friend” were selected to be included in the first Indian gospel rock album in the year 2006. “My Orphan Friend” was then aired on the radio channel “White Dove” which is one of the oldest gospel radio stations in the USA. EASTERN MIRROR: How does songwriting work yfor you. What are the contributions that each of you make for the band to be one “Powerfaith”. POWERFAITH: Initially, we bring our ideas to the jamming room (a really broad spectrum of musical ideas) and we play a load of stuff from which we eventually settle on the chords and the melody that we think would work for the song. Lyrically, we go off writing songs related to personal testimonies and Christian related themes. With someone coming forward with the lyrics the band members get all the ideas up to finalize on the song. EASTERN MIRROR: Your band has been together for 13 years. Well 13 is a long year for a band to continue to stick together. What has been the strong influence to continue performing? POWERFAITH: Music and friendship apparently contribute toward the band still being around and playing music. But the strongest influence of the band to continue performing would be the passion that we share to minister and reach out to people with the redemptive story of what God has done through Jesus Christ. Every Christian is gifted with something to carry out this commission, God gifted Powerfaith with music and thus we continue to do His will. EASTERN MIRROR: The music scenario has visibly changed from when you started off. What are the positive and negative vibes in the music industry that you have noticed personally at present? POWERFAITH: In the 90’s musicians struggled to avail the best they could to enhance their musical ability. For many it was not the monetary constraint but limited avenues to tap resources and promote their forte in music. So! Yes! Things have changed drastically for better! Today, you have everything starting from the best musical equipments, music lessons and the media technology to promote one’s own music globally. And this has encouraged today’s younger musicians to take music seriously and professionally, which was a farfetched dream back when we started to involve in music. Well! There are lots of artists with their nonsensical music uploaded in you tubes and other social media for self edification and for some narcissistic reasons. But that should not stop genuine musicians in exposing themselves looking for a breakthrough in their career. EASTERN MIRROR: What’s next for “powerfaith?” what are your plans for 2016 on a professional front? POWERFAITH: With the release of the single titled “Release” from indihut.com just last week, the band looks forward to releasing two more singles in the coming months. Also we will be coming out with a video of one of our songs very soon. Chips: Vocals Senti: Guitar Lipok: Guitar Toshi; Bass Bendang: Drums