Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!
Get the new FREE JFH MP3 compilation -- Vol. 13!

Sullivan


Former Tooth & Nail Records rock band Sullivan parted ways around 2007 after the release of their third album, Cover Your Eyes. Now, seven years later, the band is back and on Spartan Records, delivering their fourth studio project, Heavy Is The Head. JesusFreakHideout.com's Michael Weaver caught up with vocalist Brooks Paschal to talk about Sullivan's latest batch of songs and what fans can expect next...
This interview took place on: 12/10/14.




  • JFH (Michael Weaver): First off, it's great to have Sullivan back together! What led to the talks that eventually got you guys back together and into the studio after 7 years?

    Brooks Paschal: The songs! I wrote "Profile" and sent a little demo to the guys. I was like, "Doesn't this sound like a Sullivan song?" All the dudes agreed and off we went.

  • JFH (Michael): What was the recording process like this time around? Was it like entering the studio with your brothers and you never missed a beat, or did you guys have to feel each other out a bit after such a long period of time?

    Brooks: Totally different, we made the album ourselves. A lot of remote recording and bouncing back and forth ideas. Tyson flew in and we worked for a week at my studio. I mixed the album over the next six months; it was very unorthodox.

  • JFH (Michael): You guys obviously have a history with John Frazier at Spartan Records, but I think many fans just assumed you would go back to Tooth and Nail. One would think that Brandon Ebel would've have loved to get you guys back in the fold. In the end, why did you go with the relatively unknown, but certainly up-and-coming, Spartan?

    Brooks: Well, we signed to Spartan before the album was finished. I have always sent stuff to John for his feedback. I like his style. Truthfully, we had no expectations for the album. We were flattered Spartan wanted to be a part of it.

  • JFH (Michael): When I initially heard the first few seconds of "What's Good For the King," I thought, "Wow, that sounds very Beatles!" Are you guys big fans, or was that vibe entirely coincidental?

    Brooks: I am! I usually pick up on things like that, but honestly I don't hear it. There is probably a song out there of theirs that I haven't heard that is similar, so it makes sense. They basically wrote all the good songs first.

  • JFH (Michael): Speaking of that song. It's actually a pretty tragic tale. There's a mother on pills, an absent father, and a house that burns down. Is this a true story, or just a work of fiction you came up with for a great song?

    Brooks: The story itself is totally fiction, but the scenery is loosely based on a house of a relative I used to stay with. I really wanted to paint the picture of smalltown America. It was probably the hardest song I've ever written as far as detail goes.

  • JFH (Michael): I personally feel the album is very deep and many songs are open to interpretation. I could literally sit here and ask you what each song is about and be completely enthralled, but that could lead to a pretty boring interview for some. I am, however, extremely interested in "Melanoma Lullaby" and "Statuette." "Melanoma Lullaby" is my favorite song from the album and appears deeply personal. "Statuette" is just a fun and fast-paced rock song, but it seems - and maybe I'm way off base -- a little serial killer-ish. I mean, that theme would kinda match up with the album cover... What's the story?

    Album Cover

    Brooks: You are right on both accounts. "Melanoma" was the last song written on the album, and I recorded and mixed it on my laptop while working in Florida. It was just one of those songs that happened. The overall idea was to write a song that sounded innocent enough but took a turn at the most unlikely place. It's really a conversation with death, and how you might reflect on things if faced with it.

    "Statuette" was a prototypical Sullivan song, angry and mischievous. I wanted it to be a lot of fun, with a lot of evil mixed in. Yeah, it's basically based a person with an addiction, and we will never know if he succumbs to it, but he has some big plans!

  • JFH (Michael): Heavy is the Head sounds a little more cohesive, and honestly just better in all aspects, than your first two albums. That's not to be taken as a knock on your previous work, but as a compliment to your growth. What would you attribute that growth to?

    Brooks: Time. We didn't stop making music, we just stopped making it together. We really figured out what we were good at, and we allowed ourselves to make an album with a natural progression.

  • JFH (Michael): So you've released your first album in 7 years... What are the tour plans? Fans are definitely going to want to see you guys and hear this album, as well as their old favorites, live. I'd personally love to see a bill featuring Sullivan and labelmates Young Fox.

    Brooks: We will be out and about, there are a few things in the works. Touring is in our blood for sure.

  • JFH (Michael): Since Christmas is right around the corner, I have to ask… What's on top of your Christmas list this season?

    Brooks: Some nerdy audio gear. I'm a producer/songwriter by day, so I'm always looking to expand my studio.

  • JFH (Michael): I want to close out by wishing everyone in the Sullivan camp an awesome and very merry Christmas. Any closing thoughts, or information, you'd like to leave our readers with?

    Brooks: Well first off, thank you very much. Being able to do things like this again means a lot to us. You take it for granted until you aren't in it anymore, so this is a very cool thing. Secondly, BUY OUR ALBUM!! (iTunes) In today's music market, it actually doesn't take a lot to make a splash. If we can perpetuate a little rock 'n roll in the world, then I would feel like we have all made a difference for future music lovers.


    Sullivan's latest album, Heavy Is The Head is available now wherever music is sold!




    Leave a Comment

     

    go to main Interview page

     

  •                  
    Check out JFH's Lloyd in his first-ever childrens book!

    Search JFH




    This Tuesday, November 19, 2024
    SINGLES
    Mat Kearney Certainty - Single (independent)

    This Wednesday, November 20, 2024
    ALBUMS
    1K Phew Let Go Let God: The EP [Reach]

    SINGLES
    Drew & Ellie Holcomb High Seas - Single [Magnolia]
    Sleeping At Last Let It Snow - Single (independent)

    This Thursday, November 21, 2024
    ALBUMS
    The Choir Translucent (independent)

    SINGLES
    Wilder Woods Curioso [Dualtone]

    This Friday, November 22, 2024
    ALBUMS
    Coqui I'll Still Have Christmas Day - EP [DREAM]
    for KING & COUNTRY A Drummer Boy Christmas (LIVE) [Curb]
    The Kingsmen Decades: Vol. 3 & 4 [Horizon]
    Jonathan McReynolds Red & Green - EP [Capitol CMG/Motown]
    NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
    NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (CD Reissue) [Omnivore]
    R.kitect Vicious Circles - EP (independent)
    Run51 Let's Celebrate - EP [DREAM]
    Van Zant Always Look Up [Frontiers Music]

    SINGLES
    7eventh Time Down I Speak Jesus - Single [BEC]
    99 APEX Find A Way Freestyle - Single [Syntax]
    Cory Asbury You're Still The One - Single [BEC]
    Ashes Remain Lost Light - Single [BEC]
    Paul Baloche Angels We Have Heard On High/Glorious (feat. Sarah Kroger) - Single [Integrity]
    Elan Brio Sun Rays - Single (independent)
    Amy Jay And So It Goes - Single (independent)
    Jericko Holy Ground - Single [Syntax]
    Reece Lache' Energy - Single (independent)
    Vic Lucas Presha - Single [Syntax]
    Cliff & Antoinette Murray O Emanuel - Single [DREAM]
    Procyse, Dave A. You’re Not Free - Single [Polished Arrow]
    River Valley Worship This is Our Jesus (feat. Moriah Christian) - Single [BEC]
    Vineyard Worship Royal Son - Single [Integrity]

    VINYL
    NEEDTOBREATHE Acoustic Live Vol. 1 (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]
    NEEDTOBREATHE Live From The Woods (Vinyl Reissue) [Omnivore]

    Next Thursday, November 28, 2024
    VINYL
    Van Zant Always Look Up Vinyl [Girder]

    Next Friday, November 29, 2024
    ALBUMS
    Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) [Flatiron]
    Thrive Worship Christmas, Vol. 2 - EP [Integrity]

    SINGLES
    ICF Worship Light of the World - Single [Integrity]
    Selah Glory Hallelujah (feat. Mike Weaver) - Single [Integrity]
    Slow Salvation The Ghost of Christmas Past - Single [Velvet Blue]
    Uche Agu, Revival Today Worship Medley of Hymns - Single [DREAM]

    VINYL
    Sixpence None the Richer Dawn of Grace (Deluxe) Vinyl (Record Store Day Exclusive!) [Flatiron]



    For all release dates, click here!
     



    Check out the new album from Taylor Holland Armstrong!



    Listen to the new Single from Second Adam and the New Creations!

    Check out depositphotos for royalty free images