I got to interview one of the bands I personally knew, since they are about to release a new album. If you haven't heard of Apoccrypha or The Seraphim Project, you can learn a bit about them now. We could not get a picture or sample music from the band but we're working on that.
The band formed in 1997 with Marcello Philbert on drums, Dominic Soans on bass, myself Orlando Ambrose on Vocals and Neil Roberts on guitar. We called ourselves Apocrypha. As the name implies we were of a catholic origin, however we never limited ourselves to playing for just Catholics but all brothers and sisters of the body of Christ.Our first big step was winning at Jipmer college in Pondicherry, that kind of set us up on the road to a great new era in our reach out ministry through music.We played our own compositions , got loads of them.
There were a number of additions to Apocrypha, Mario Feegrade on guitars, Denver Daniels on guitars, Robin Holt played drums for a show. Shawn Roberts on bass, Bruce Lee on guitars. Christopher Santiago chiped in with some keys. Then the main band members left abroad. Now we are back, this time we have changed our name to "The Seraphim Project", just to give it a better appeal to all brothers and sisters in christ. We play across all genres of music, from reggae to worship to metal to rock to soft rock, jazz and blues we have it all in our compositons. Our line up now would be Orlando on vocals, Bruce lee on Lead guitars, Neil Robers on Bass, Marcus on Keyboards and Marcello Philbert on Drums.
PW: So tell us how long has the band been together? Who was part of that?
The band has been together for over a decade now.. The orignial band members include Dominic soans on bass, Neil roberts on Lead guitars, Marcello Philbert on Drums and Orlando Ambrose on Vocals.
PW: Who are your influences as a band and as individuals?
Stryper,whitecross, Petra, Bloodgood,Europe.
PW: What genre of music you would put your band in?
Progressive Rock.
PW: I know you play Gospel, why? Have you always played Gospel?
Gospel is our priority. The band has never played anything but gospel music when we are together. Individually, I have been a commercial musician and i do sing pop and commercial rock for a lil earning. But Gospel music is my priority and the bands as well. We write and compose Gospel songs because thats where our soul lies. We Love JESUS as a band and there is nothing else that comes before him. Personall he's been my Dad and my Love and the driving source of all the songs I write. So thats where the inspiration comes.
PW: I hear you are coming out with a new album?
Yeah, we are working on a new album.Untitled as of now. but it should be out in 3 months. We have finished the first track of the album which is called "No more in Condemnation".. based on Psalm 69.It has about 10 tracks to it across all genres. Reggae, rock, Metal, Modern jazz, and worship as well.The songs are a collection of praise songs written by the band over the last few years.
PW: I consider you guys to be successful musicians, what are your plans for the future?
We are looking to go global with the album. To reach out to a wider audience and to let them know that christ lives and reigns in India as well.We are trying to put this album together not only for the thanksgiving of his blessings but also to help the needy with whatever profits come from the album.
PW: What would you say to other Anglos out there pursuing music - either Gospel or non Gospel but strictly as a musician, what would you say to them?
As a musican I would ask all anglos to pursue their music with a whole heart. We anglos were born with this gift of rhyme and time . that in itself is music and we are a gifted lot. Wherever we go and whatever we do, lets do it musically. Most of our anglo parents would say that we need to keep music as a past time activity. I am a living proof of living life off music alone.Theres nothing wrong with music as long as we channel it to the right medium.I pray that I could live my life only writing music for the Lord. Thats my only pursuit in life. and it wil happen soon.
