By: Andy Dudynsky

Emery was one of the first bands to hit Tent 7 on Friday at Rev Gen 2009- which attracted a small group of lucky fans who got a chance to learn about how the band came together, and what it means to have Christ in their lives.

The guys from Emery started in Church choir, growing up in a Christian atmosphere and singing through high school. “We didn’t start playing guitar until college” mentioned guitarist Devin Shelton.

Toby Morrell (Bass/Vocals) helped explain Emery’s message. “We write about relationships with family, God, and people you dislike.  It’s usually a whole bunch of things that can happen in relationships. You can be blessed, hurt, etc.”

When asked about their main influences, the guys mentioned “50′s and 60′s rock n’ roll”, which had deep meaning with the lyrics.  They explained how the music from this time period generally came across as happy, but there was an undertone that not everything was necessarily going to last.  Toby mentioned that he enjoys finding multiple meanings in music.  Also on their list were Queen and Weezer, and a lot of indie rock.

Now in their ninth year as a band, one fan asked how they stay creative while creating new music. “We rely on each other” mentioned Toby.  He went on to say that they all contribute to writing, and if one person is stuck, they might ask another for help, or to hear some old stuff they’ve written for inspiration.  Their main motivation to write music is that they love it, and want to be real for their fans.  They feel a need to be honest with people – and to be able to relate to them, which is why the focus on relationships of all kinds.

“We get caught up in our lives, and there’s constantly a daily struggle of “Jesus is Lord vs. ME.”  Toby added that last week he dropped his brand new iPhone, and he and his wife both screamed and looked at one another. “I wish I could be as devastated about a homeless person, or something that really matters.” He closed by saying that “Everything gets better with Jesus in my life.”

Emery shared similar messages to their fans, drawing a huge crowd in a lively set that include both new and old material.

You can check out Emery and their new album “…In Shallow Seas We Sail” at emerymusic.com.