Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

Eager


In February 1998, we caught up with Paul Eckberg, the drummer from the band Eager for a feature interview. Unfortunately, the interview never made it to the site because it was unfinished. Paul couldn't answer the questions pertaining to the songs, and forwarded those on to the other guys in the band, who unfortunately never responded. The interview eventually made it to a special section of the site later, but was once again lost from the content of the site. The band has since folded but here it is once again, the "lost" Eager interview...
This interview took place on: 2/11/98



  • Jesus freak Hideout: Can you tell us who came up with the name "Eager" and why?
    Paul Eckberg: While Patrick and Greg were in Europe on a PFR tour, they came by a store window that had a cool look to it, and it said, "Eager Design". It described the type of music they wanted to play, as well as the feelings on wanting to start this new band. Our band Scripture is Titus 2:11-14.

  • JFH: How did the band get started?
    Paul: Patrick had always wanted to start a side band, and when PFR decided to break up, that became a catalyst in finding players for this new band. He heard a demo of Greg Pope's and liked his writing, so Greg moved to Minnesota to start writing with Patrick. They took me on as drummer, and following the Summer of 1996, the three of us moved to Nashville. Shortly after, Mark Kloos joined us as another guitar player.

  • JFH: How would you describe your sound?
    Paul: Our sound is pop and rock.

  • JFH: What bands have influenced your sound?
    Paul: Some of the groups that have influenced the way I play have been Phil Collins, Rush, All Star United, Peter Gabriel, Rich Mullins, DC Talk, Third Eye Blind, Steven Chapman, Toad the Wet Sprocket. I am also influenced by several Nashville players.

  • JFH: Would you compare yourselves at all to PfR?
    Paul: There is ultimately going to be a bit of a PFR sound, because Patrick was part of the writing and singing in PFR. Compared to PFR, we are a little more heavy at times. Greg Pope's writing and vocals are a great compliment to Patrick.

  • JFH: Do you guys have any goals for Eager?
    Paul: I believe we would like to make quality music which points people to Jesus Christ.

  • JFH: What is your favorite Eager song and why?
    Paul: One of my favorite eager songs is "The Hand That Can" because the music is great, the groove is cool, and the lyrics ring true.

  • JFH: Are you going to be doing any touring soon? If so, with who?
    Paul: We are currently doing shows this Spring with Skillet.

  • JFH: What is your favorite movie?
    Paul: I would say Ishtar, Tommy Boy, and I look forward to seeing Waiting for Guffman, which Patrick and another friend have suggested.

  • JFH: Jesusfreakhideout.com was started out of appreciation for good Christian music. We've set a goal to try to use the site to spread Christian music, as well as God's Word, & show others how great Christian music can be. Do you listen to Christian music? If so, what bands?
    Paul: All Star United - Thoughtful lyrics, cool rock, great show. ROCK
    Carolyn Arends - Great songs. AC/CHR
    Susan Ashton - "A Distant Call" is a great album. AC
    Audio Adrenaline - Hard rock, a great band, a winner tour.
    Bob Bennett - Acoustic guitar-oriented folk. I usually group Rich Mullins, Billy Crockett, and him together in the respect that they have great writing with honest lyrics...Bob is VERY honest in his lyrics.
    Big Tent Revival - Cool pop music.
    Brent Bourgeois - "Come Join the Living World" is one of the most underrated albums. Keyboard-oriented pop. CHR
    Steven Curtis Chapman - a classic CCM choice, "Signs of Life" is great. CHR
    Billy Crockett - Great writing, honest lyrics, acoustic guitar-oriented. My favorites are "The Basic Stuff" (Urgent Records), and "Red Bird Blue Sky" (Walking Angel Records - www.walking-angel.com). Get his stuff.
    DC Talk - "Jesus Freak" and their live album are well done.
    Dogs of Peace - Great rock, great musicians, great writing, mighty fine mighty fine. CHR/ROCK
    eager - I would recommend you pick this one up immediately.
    Jars of Clay - Two cool albums--I really took a liking to the new one. Matt never puts his dishes away.
    Wes King - All of his stuff is good--good writing. Guitar-oriented AC/CHR
    Grover Levy - Good tunes, man.
    Sara Masen - I saw her perform for the first time recently. She has great songs and has a cool voice. I'm excited about getting her music in the very near future.
    Rich Mullins - Great writing, honest lyrics, he was a great man. "The World as Best as I Remember It: Volume 2" is a favorite. AC/CHR
    My Friend Stephanie - Just got the "Makeover" album last night--I'm really liking it. ROCK
    PFR - Cool albums, great writing. Those guys were great. Anyone know what they're doing now?
    Reality Check - Well-produced album, they really get the crowd going in concert.
    Chris Rice - You've gotta get that album. Honest, mellow-out music.
    Michael W. Smith - a CCM classic choice, great pop writing, keyboard-oriented. "I'll Lead You Home" was one of the best albums, very honest at heart, yet didn't sell very well...go figure.
    Switchfoot - fun music, great producer
    Zilch - Great hyper music, killer groove. Get it. ROCK

  • JFH: I really appreciate you taking out the time in your busy schedule to answer some questions for us. Are there any last comments you'd like to make?
    Paul: Seize the day.

     

    go to main Interview page

     

  •                  
    Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 14!

    Search JFH



    This Wednesday, October 8, 2025
    SINGLES
    Amy Jay Back to What's Natural - Single (independent)

    This Friday, October 10, 2025
    ALBUMS
    Citizens m us eum [Anotherland Records]
    Ben Fuller Walk Through Fire: Songs From The Smoke [Provident]
    Grace Graber Everything You Ever Wanted - EP [Wings]
    Faith Worship Arts Fill This House (Deluxe) [DREAM]
    Jesus Culture Send The Fire: Live From London [Capitol CMG]
    The Kingdom Heirs Fortieth Anniversary [Sonlite]
    Tasha Layton Life in Me [BEC]
    Myles Maestro Dead End Road - EP [Syntax]
    Make Sure Starry May Morning (independent)
    Wintley Phipps A Symphonic Tribute to the Songs of Bill & Gloria Gaither [Gaither]
    SNT. VINCENT Final Greetings [Syntax]
    Razzie Digital Psalms - EP [Syntax]
    Matthew West Come Home For Christmas [Provident/Story House]
    Josh Wright LEAD (Deluxe) (independent)

    SINGLES
    Holly Brand One Thing He Wouldn't Do - Single [Integrity]
    Chosen Road Daddy Was a Navy Man - Single [Thoroughbred]
    Drakeford Writing on the Wall - Single (independent)
    EJ Swavv & Jeff Knox Deja Vu - Single [Syntax]
    gio. DANCE LIKE DAVID (feat. Swaizy) - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Benjamin William Hastings At the heart of it (from Worship Together) - Single [Capitol CMG]
    JSP No More (feat. Kevin Young) - Single (independent)
    Kelo Memory Lane - Single [Syntax]
    MATTHEWS Broken Forever - Single [Curb]
    Patrick Mayberry + Katie Torwalt God Is Faithful - Single [Provident]
    MAYIA Pass Me Not - Single [Syntax]
    Kevi Morse Like You - Single [Syntax]
    Jeannie Ortega Decipher - Single [Syntax]
    Run51 Song Of My Soul - Single [DREAM]
    Lee Vasi A Pesar De Todo - Single [Capitol CMG]
    Zane Vickery Name (Live at Greenbriar) - Single (independent)
    Vineyard Worship & Dreaming The Impossible Praise You For Eternity - Single [Vineyard]
    Jovan Whyte Never Give Up (feat. Dweeno) - Single (independent)

    Next Friday, October 17, 2025
    ALBUMS
    ANTHNY DIARY ENTRY 1 [Provident]
    Blanca Full Bloom [Curb]
    Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas [Gaither]
    Geoff Moore and The Distance Foundations (Re-Release) [Girder]
    Geoff Moore and The Distance A Place To Stand (Re-Release) [Girder]
    Nate Parrish Make Me A Mountain (independent)
    Psallos The New and Better Way: Hymns of Hebrews (independent)
    Anne Wilson Stars [Capitol CMG]

    SINGLES
    Zane Vickery All Things New - Single (independent)

    DVD
    Chris Blue Every Day Is Christmas DVD [Gaither]


    For all release dates, click here!
     

    Purchase Original Art Prints, Drawings, Stickers, Bookmarks and more from JFH's own John DiBiase!
    Need proofreading and editing help? We've got you covered! Click here to learn more
    Check out depositphotos for royalty free images