With their sophomore Velvet Blue Music release, World Renown For Romance, garnering rave reviews as well as signing a joint deal with VBM, Floodgate Records, and not to mention Warner Brothers for their next album Then is the New Now (releasing August 20, 2002), front man Eric Collins only had one thing left to accomplish-- an interview with Jesusfreakhideout.com! Here’s what transpired... (by Blake Garris)
This interview took place on: 1/17/02.  

Jesus freak Hideout (Blake Garris): What is the main difference between the Denison Marrs of 2001 and the DM of 2002 (especially with the new record)?

Eric Collins: The new record and new record deal have us very excited and determined. We’ve worked very hard to get where we are, and we're going to make sure we follow through with everything. The new record is going to capture more of what we are like if you were to come and see us at a show... meaning a little more raw, energetic, and more of a great rockin' vibe. The songs are bigger and tighter.

JFH (Blake): Any top-secret info you can tell us about the new release?

Eric: You know how that goes...I’d have to kill ya...

JFH (Blake): How was it touring with Bleach and Hangnail on the Happy Christmas Tour? Any interesting stories?

Eric: We were pleasantly surprised with that tour. We didn't know about touring with Hangnail because we had never toured with a punk rock band before, but they were super nice and funny. We had heard that Bleach were crazy, and it turns out that they are, but in a good way and we got along wonderfully. We were very blessed and edified spiritually on that tour with all those guys... It was an incredible experience!!!

JFH (Blake): Has Warner Brothers talked to you about a major push? Will we see DM on the couch with Conan O'Brien anytime soon?

Eric: As far as a major push goes... WB will be putting our new record in all the major stores... Best Buy, Virgin, Tower, etc... And we'll be getting a good advertising push as well. With any record deal, more push will come as our record sells, and we "prove" our worth. (Which means-- everyone get out and buy it!!! Woohoo!) Conan O'Brien is a dream... we'll work on that!

JFH (Blake): What CDs are you spinning right now and who have been your musical influences?

Eric: Man... We all have such different tastes when it comes to music. I’ll just say what I’ve been into lately... I’ve been catching up on older music, kind of researching the history of rock and all that. It’s pretty fun and interesting. Our musical influences are all over the map as well...

JFH (Blake): Good Will or Salvation Army?

Eric: Hehe... Salvation Army for me, but they both do great services for people in need.

JFH (Blake): What do you tell people when they ask you who this "Denison Marrs" person is?

Eric: He’s our bass player. (haha)

JFH (Blake): What is it like to play Cornerstone?

Eric: It was great! We were very grateful for all the people who came and watched us, and hopefully they'll all come back this year to see us do it again. This time, we'll be playing at night... so we'll be more in our element.

JFH (Blake): What inspired the song "Twilight: Eyelight?"

Eric: All of the songs from WRFR were based on different aspects of love. I constructed the lyrics to be open ended so that non-Christians listening to the record would still be able to know what love is and what it should be, and for Christians listening... it would be a record of hope and encouragement and possibly enlightenment for both Christians and non Christians.

JFH (Blake): Do you have any favorite Christian bands?

Eric: Stavesacre and SF59 have influenced me musically and spiritually for many years now. Now that I’ve become friends with all of them in the past few years. Their music and their careers have become even more special to me.

JFH (Blake): What has God shown you through your major success as a band?

Eric: To rely on Him and stay focused on Him no matter what. To use the wisdom He has granted and to not squander and waste what talents and time He has given.

JFH (Blake): What are your favorite restaurants and foods while on tour?

Eric: "EATS" in Atlanta, GA is a favorite of the band. Actually, anytime we don't have to eat fast food is a favorite time for us.

JFH (Blake): Do you know any amazing indie Christian or Spiritual bands that have opened for you that the public definately needs to hear about?

Eric: Lewis from Texas has a new record coming out on Deep Elm Records. We like them a lot. Ester Drang from Oklahoma make wonderful music also. My mind is blank right now... kind of like when you walk into a CD store and totally forget everything you wanted to buy.

JFH (Blake): And lastly, what's a good tip to give to a pizza delivery guy?

Eric: 3 bucks makes me very happy!

JFH (Blake): Any famous last words?

Eric: As a matter of fact... yes. We know that with general market deals, people start to get suspicious and sometimes pre-judgemental of the band. We want everyone to know that we very much want to follow in the footsteps of P.O.D. and Sixpence and Project 86 and so on, as a band that strives to utilize the gifts that God has given us by making the best music possible and representing His name correctly and in a Christ-like manner. We hope that everyone will remember us in their prayers and thoughts and possibly support us if they find it agreeable to do so.