Band Name: Ready The Way
Band Members: Brandon, Lee, Toby, Mike
Location: Richmond, Virginia
Genres:  Christian / Hardcore / Progressive
Web Link: myspace.com/readytheway

Interview With: Brandon
Written By: D-Church from GreenlandLive.net

1. Describe your band. How did you come together?

It’s all because of Chick-fil-a. Our original line-up came together in the spring of 2006 as the result of Lee and Joe (an original second guitarist) working there together. Our first bassist left that fall and Josh, who had been in another band with Lee, joined the ranks. After about a year of this line-up, Josh stepped down due to some differences we all had. Shortly thereafter, Toby,after bugging us a lot about wanting to be a part of what we were doing,stepped in on bass and was gladly received. This past February, Joe left us to pursue other endeavors. We’ve been four-piecing it since then. We’ve gotten some things up our sleeves right now, as we are taking some time off to regroup and become brothers before band mates. Be on the lookout for some surprises in the near future.

2. How did you come to be known as Ready the Way?

This band is more than just music. It is about love and relationships. It is about the unconditional love of a Father to his children. We are all followers of Jesus Christ and Ready the Way exists to show that love, that grace and favor,to a world that exists with little or no hope. In essence, we exist to make “ready the way” of our Lord, Jesus Christ, as we believe we are called to do according to Mark 1. By hanging out with kids after shows, talking to them on aim, and showing a sincere interest in their well-being, we hope to show the love of Christ.

3. Who and what are your influences?

Jesus is our main influence. You could say he is our homeboy. We take our ministry seriously but also love to play music and have a lot of fun with it. As far as musical influences, I would have to say that As Cities Burn and Misery Signals top that list. Others would definitely be: Beloved, Gray Lines of Perfection, It Prevails, Life in Your Way, Means, and Oceana. I like to put things in alphabetical order. Haha.

4. How would you describe your audience?

We love our scene. Lynchburg is so awesome. We are all from Richmond but everyone but me goes to school in Lynchburg,about 2 hours away. We play there more than Richmond. The kids, high school and college-age, there have really taken us in and embraced us as their own. It's so awesome to have so many great people showing up consistently to see us and go crazy. We love them and everything they do for us.

5. What are your goals as a group?

We really want to continue making the music we love and to put it out therein such a way that our God is glorified. We truly desire to show his love and how, through faith, anything is possible. With love for our brothers and sisters, from Christ, we can change this world. We truly believe that it’s possible. We wouldn’t be doing this if we didn’t. if a label of some sort comes along and wants to help and support us in that, it would be such a blessing. We also desire to melt faces in the process.

6. What drives your music?

Passion drives this band and the music that comes out of it. Love is central, for the music, for the people, for our God.

7. What message are you delivering to the world?

We truly believe that love in this world,amidst so much hate, much of which stems from the church, is possible. We’re not going to simply sit around and complain about the church, though. We plan to do something about it.

8. What does your latest album portray?

Our last album was a split with some of our best friends from Baltimore,Saravain. There was one old song on it and two new ones, which will be on our next EP, tentatively titled “Progress” and tentatively planned to drop sometime in the fall or early winter. It will have seven or eight tracks and is a concept album of sorts, chronicling the course of faith and belief of a Christian and how he understands his faith and ultimately takes advantage of it, hurting himself and those around him who may not believe the same things as him. It ends on a positive note, praising our God and calling others to action.

9. What roles do each member of the band act out/play?

I do all of the vocals (right now), write all of the lyrics, and make hand gestures. Mike plays guitar and is learning to write for it on his own, as Joe wrote most of the music you hear from us now. He also has killer power stances.Toby plays bass, makes faces, and likes to run in place. Lee plays drums and likes to wear gym shorts and moccasins while he plays. Our good friend Alex is going to be playing guitar and helping us out in the near future in any way he possibly can, from playing shows to helping us write new material.

10. Describe a defining moment for your band.

A defining moment for Ready the Way would have to be the cancellation of the tour we are supposed to be on right now (May 12th through May 25th). While none of us wanted to do it, Mike, due to personal reasons, could not participate at all and we just had to take the time off. Now we are simply taking it easy, bro-ing out, and seeking God’s will for our lives and ministry.We are really excited about the time we’re going to get to spend together just being brothers. We are also really excited about getting to start writing again. This summer is going to turn Ready the Way around and, Lord willing, be the beginning of something so much more epic than we could have ever imagined being a part of.