The Faith Alive Band is the result of combining extreme musical talent with strong faith and dedicated Christians. The band may not be new to the faithful parishioners of the Faith Alive Family Church in Saskatoon or to the friends and family of the band members but to the Christian music listening audience their name is becoming a topic of conversation.
Although this dynamic worship band has been in existence for 10 years, it has only been in the last two that the 'floodgates' have opened for the aspiring artists.
Their first full-length Christian album, released in October 2011, quickly rose to the top of the charts the first week. The album hit number one on the iTunes chart in the inspirational category and placed 44th overall in Canada. The album consists of 11 original songs written by four of the 11-member band. The band had also released a collection of children's Christian-based songs on CD in 2005, but never really marketed it at a professional level.
The David C. Cook Distribution Company has become the marketing agent for the band and has successfully secured locations in which to market the CDs across Canada at Christian bookstores including Scott's Parable in Saskatoon. The CDs are also available on iTunes and Amazon.
Music is universal. Despite language barriers, the music and underlying theme is emitted and penetrates the hearts and souls of the listeners. The music by Faith Alive Band is no different. It is through the acceptance of Christ that these vibrant talented individuals are willing and able to share their gift of music with the world. Themes of Christian music vary across the world and broadcasts have contributed to spreading the word and music across the globe. Jenny Fehr, band member, mentioned during an interview that Faith Alive Band songs have been broadcast to over 200 nations.
Dallyn Johnson commented, "People outside the church are enjoying the music, too. It's breaking down barriers, as music tends to do. It's just a good album that can stand on its own musically and artistically."
The band's music has also been broadcast on local radio station Free 100.3 FM in Saskatoon and a gospel station in Vancouver, B.C. The band also performed live on CTV Morning edition in February 2012.
"We are so thankful to CTV Morning Live Show for giving us the opportunity to share our story and music with their viewers," said member Jenny Fehr in an interview recently, " it is experiences like this that add to the excitement of what we get to do for the Kingdom of God."
The Faith Alive Band is honoured to have a generous mix of gifted, musically inclined individuals who contribute to the writing, composing and singing of their own musical creations. The songs are written to express the personal views as well as the communal views of the band regarding Christian life and faith. Each member firmly believes that God has given us all gifts and abilities in which to minister to one another. Faith Alive uses their songs to reach out to individuals whether of Christian belief or to troubling souls that are aching for guidance.
"We are inspired by stories of how people are reached, uplifted and set free by the power of God," says Jenny.
Jamie Snider added, "Our pastor heard a sound in our church and wanted to expand it outside the walls of Faith Alive Family Church and spread it to Canada and the nations, and the response has been way bigger than we could ever imagine."
"The cover track of the album Open the Floodgates speaks of God's overwhelming and refreshing presence that brings healing and restoration to His people," says Bailey Rudoski, one of the contributing songwriters on the album.
The 11-member band is the worship band for Faith Alive Family Church on University Drive in Saskatoon. Regular worship and rehearsals are important components of the group's identity.
Band members reside in Martensville, Warman and Saskatoon and have close ties with many rural communities in the Valley area including Blaine Lake where Danielle (Boutin) Pierce originates.
Martensville band members include Danielle Pierce and Erin Bohach as backup vocalists, and Jenny Fehr and Bailey Rudoski with vocals and piano. Warman band members include Jackie Neufeld and Russ Neufeld as backup vocalists. Saskatoon members are Jamie Snider with vocals and piano, Dallyn Johnson on lead guitar, Ryan Snider on drums and Jim Pravda on bass guitar. Amber Boutin, Dallyn, Jenny, Bailey and Jamie are contributing songwriters along with the assistance of album producer Dustin Smith.
"It was an awesome privilege to be a part of this album. It is a great CD. I had the privilege every Friday night to lead worship to over 200 countries on Daystar Television. It never failed, every time I did one of Faith Alive's songs, someone either phones me or emails and says, 'where did you get that song?'" commented producer Dustin Smith.
Faith Alive Band's album Open the Floodgates, Let it Rain Down has been nominated for Modern Worship Album of the Year and is up against Ben Cantelon's Everything in Color and JP Smits's The Invitation, and Starfield-The Kingdom. Results will be unveiled in November at the 34th Annual 2012 National Covenant Awards gala in Burlington, Ont. Fans also have an opportunity to participate in the Fan Choice Award category. Individuals can vote for the original Faith Alive Band song, Blessings, for the Fan Choice Award by going to gmacanada.wufoo.com/forms/k7x2z1 and following the prompts. The Fan Choice award is hosted by the Gospel Music Association of Canada.
If you have the opportunity to witness firsthand the energy, faith and incredible devotion of this dynamic, aspiring band, do so; or purchase a CD and have them with you wherever you go. Learn more about the Faith Alive Band and Open the Floodgates by visiting the band on Facebook or at www.openthefloodgates.com.
