Indie Spotlight: Sonflowerz
With not one, but TWO singles (My Adoration and Edge Of My Seat) hovering near the top of the CRW Indie top 30 for the past few weeks now, I’d not be surprised if you were already familiar with Becca and Elissa Leander - AKA The Sonflowerz.
Grounded firmly in praise music, these ladies from Colorado Springs weave terrific songs and are comfortable writing ballads and catchy, bigger than life pop tunes - Think Delirious? meets Bethany Dillon.
Their latest disc, All Over The World was produced by Don Koch, who’s produced stuff by just about everybody in Christian Music, has amazing production and it’s no wonder that they’re topping the indie charts
I had a chance to catch up with Becca recently, here’s how it went…
ST.NET: Who’s checking in with StereoTruth. net?
Becca: Becca Leander of The Sonflowerz
ST.NET: Where are you and what are you doing today?
Becca: Enjoying a warm sunny day in Colorado Springs, getting ready for band practice tonight!
ST.NET: Right now, it seems like The Sonflowerz primarily write worship music. Are you planning on branching out into more mainstream type music or is the church where it’s at for you?
Becca: We began as a worship band and that’s remained our hearts ever since. But that doesn’t limit us to singing in churches only. Actually when we tour overseas we will bring our music to public schools, universities, etc. We will play wherever God opens the door.
ST.NET: What’s your favorite thing about playing music?
Becca: Seeing people of all ages connect with God on a deeper level through worship.
ST.NET: Do you two get to play music for a living, or do you have day jobs as well?
Becca: It’s a full-time ministry, and that keeps us busy even when we aren’t on the road!
ST.NET: You are both very talented musicians, was there any formal training or are you self-taught?
Becca: Growing up I took piano lessons, which I didn’t like at the time. When I decided to learn guitar, it was my dad who showed me the first steps. I taught myself from there. Now I wish I had paid more attention during piano lessons because I love playing the piano!
ST.NET: Do you remember the moment when you thought, “I want to make music my life”?
Becca: For me, there wasn’t an exact moment. It’s been a growing process of learning to trust God each step of the way. His will became more and more clear as we were obedient with the small things. Playing music is something we love doing. It’s part of who we are and what God has put on our hearts to do.
ST.NET: What are you listening to these days?
Becca: The new Coldplay album, a new artist named Josh Wilson, and Matt Redman’s album “Beautiful News”.
ST.NET: If you could go to any other artists show, Christian or mainstream, who would it be and why?
Becca: Paul McCartney! The Beatles have been a huge influence, especially because we’re half British. Paul has a huge talent for songwriting and he seems really authentic and down-to-earth. Also, I admire him as a bass player.
ST.NET: Are you guys happy with being indie or are you looking for that big break and a contract with a label?
Becca: Just recently we signed with Avista Records, an indie label, who is working with us to distribute our new album. It’s the best of both worlds: major label distribution yet we are still independent in many ways.
ST.NET: Are you on the road much?
Becca: Several times a month we travel, either by van or plane. This month we are in Iowa, then we have a few weeks off. This fall we’ll be traveling a lot.
ST.NET: What’s the one thing you “Must Have” on the road?
Becca: Starbucks. Unfortunately some places we go it is hundreds of miles to the nearest coffee shop.
ST.NET: What’s the coolest or most interesting thing that’s happened to you on the road?
Becca: We drove into a small town in Wyoming after a long drive. It was midnight. As we drove through the empty town there on the bank sign it said “WELCOME SONFLOWERZ”. We felt like we had just come home!
ST.NET: What has God shown you in the last few weeks?
Becca: How important it is to stay humble in my heart before God. And realizing that anything good that happens is only by His grace.
ST.NET: Any new releases or tours coming up we should tell people about?
Becca: Our album will be hitting major stores this Fall, and digitally on iTunes, etc, next month.
ST.NET: Just for fun questions:
ST.NET: Coffee or soda?
Becca: Coffee… Tall 1.5 Pump Vanilla Latte to be precise.
ST.NET: Monster or Red Bull?
Becca: I haven’t tried either. I’m afraid of what would happen to me.
ST.NET: Are you a Dog or Cat person?
Becca: Dog.
ST.NET: Denny’s or Waffle House?
Becca: Waffle House.
ST.NET: Text or talk?
Becca: Talk.
ST.NET: Myspace or Facebook?
Becca: Facebook.
ST.NET: Thanks Becca! Keep us posted on how things are going!
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