Indie Spotlight: Destination 7
Destination 7 is a 6 piece band from Los Angeles, CA. D7 have integrated rock, blues,funk, soul, and classical influences into their music, while still creating a unique and fresh sound. With powerhouse vocals, stellar musicianship, catchy hooks, and nostalgic undertones, their 2007 release “Wait For the Sun” appeals to a wide demographic of people, both Christian and secular. Each song on the record is a testimony, and a glimpse into the life of lead singer Natasha Ponticelli; a girl who once called herself an “Atheist of Atheist’s”.
The songs were written over a period of several years, and depict different stages in the journey of a new believer. The powerful title track “Wait for the Sun” was inspired by a friend of Natasha’s who ended her own life abruptly in April of 2006. Natasha believes that her own life long battle with depression, coupled with divine intervention and scripture, allowed her to create a song that has already been used by God to save lives. After only 18 months of forming, this band has made a lasting impression on the Los Angeles music scene. D7 were Voted ” 2007 Best Christian Artist of the Year”(Los Angeles Music Awards), and have been known to frequent some of the most famous secular nightclubs in Hollywood
One venue in particular has fallen for the bands music and inspiring message. That venue is the World Famous Whisky A Go Go, and the staff at this historical venue have made Destination 7 feel at home. D7 have been asked to headline an all “Christian Rock Show” in summer of ‘08, and are so excited! Destination 7 is passionate about reaching the lost for Christ. They hope that their music will delight the soul and bring peace to a turbulent world. Their prayer is to always remain dedicated, and focused on their purpose. “God is the reason, music is just the vehicle.”
Robin had a chance to catch up with the band at Spirit West Coast: Del Mar, here’s how it went…
ST-We are here with a new band called Destination 7. Tell us what your name means?
D7- Well basically, while we are on earth we are on a journey following Christ, trying to be the best we can for me and worship him to the best of our ability. But unfortunately we are hindered by sin. We can never perfectly worship him, but 7, being the number of perfection, is our goal. Eventually when we get to heaven we will be free of sin and be able to worship him 100 percent, which will be amazing.
ST- Has that always been your name or have you changed it at some point?
D7- I (Natasha) was a solo artist that was signed to a management and I put out an ad and found the guys and we ended up becoming a band and we just decided to go with Destination 7
ST- Where are you all from?
D7- (Kind of laughs) we are all from the Los Angeles and greater Los Angeles area. We are really kind of unique in that way. I know a lot of bands meet at church or something, but our band we met on the internet so we are all from different part of L.A. I’m (Natasha) is from the Valley. Allen is from the Valley. Jay is from Corona, some from Covina, Long Beach, and Pasadena. So we are from all over.
ST- How do you guys all meet for band practice then? Do you have a central spot that we all go to?
D7- Yeah, we meet in Burbank. It’s not quite central for Jay. (Everyone Laughed) Poor Jay.
ST- I saw you guys are playing TomFest with MXPX. Have you ever played with them before?
D7- No, this is the first. Actually, this is our first summer ever playing shows and it’s a miracle. We are playing Spirit West Coast Monterey, Ichthus, and TomFest. Yeah, we have never played with MXPX before. We are playing with the Newsboys up in The Rock of Ages Festival. Crazy! It’s defiantly a God thing. The Lord has really opened up these doors for us because last summer we didn’t even have our record out yet and our record is coming out in September, so we are pretty excited.
ST-Anything exciting coming up besides TomFest and playing with the Newsboys?
D7- Um, We are looking forward to playing Ichthus. We are actually volunteering for the Christian Appalachia Project. Before Ichthus we will be rolling up our sleeves and getting involved in the Appalachia Mountains. They partner with Ichthus Festival this year.
ST- Have you traveled anywhere cool?
D7- I (Natasha) have been able to go to Romania. One of the song on the new album is called “Rest”. It was written while I was in Romania working with orphans. It’s just about allowing God to just really be there rest and comfort because I can go there and hold their hand and love on them, but really God will never leave them. But yeah I’ve gone three time with an organization called Heart to Heart.
And there you have it…
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