The Room Full of Walters is a modern rock band with thought-provoking lyrics and a bold message. In 1997, they released their album Sleepy-Head, earning quite a bit of attention with hits like "Jeffrey Dahmer Went to Heaven," and "Home." With a new album coming out soon, guitarist and song writer Mark Scheltgen took some time out for a few questions. This interview took place on: 3/11/99.  

Jesus freak Hideout: Why the name, "Room Full of Walters?"

Mark Scheltgen: The name "The Beatles" was taken.

JFH: How did the band get started?

Mark: The usual, this guy knows that guy, who knows this other guy...

JFH: How would you describe your sound?

Mark: Walternative Rock or Very Heavy Pop.

JFH: What bands have influenced your sound?

Mark: The Beatles, Cheap Trick and everything between.

JFH: What is the song "Pete's a Rocket Scientist" about?

Mark: Feeling like an outsider.

JFH: What inspired the song, "Jeffrey Dahmer Went to Heaven?"

Mark: An interview on Dateline NBC where J.D. claimed to have accepted Christ. It got Kurt (who was the primary writer of that song) thinking about grace. Specifically the notion that NOTHING can separate you from God's grace.

JFH: What is the meaning of the song "Face?"

Mark: It means that through all of the chaos and confusion of life, when it's time to go, I hope that I have left behind a standing stone.

JFH: What is your favorite RFOW song?

Mark: Probably "Home." It is about the feeling when you've had a period where you didn't feel very strong in your walk and you've just gotten back on track.

JFH: What is your favorite Bible verse?

Mark: Anything in Matthew.

JFH: What is your favorite movie?

Mark: It changes frequently. Right now, I'd have to say "Raising Arizona."

JFH: Do you prefer Mountain Dew or Surge?

Mark: Dew all the way, baby!

JFH: What does the future hold in store for the Room Full of Walters? Any new album plans?

Mark: Yes, we are just finishing tracking the new one. No title... yet. We did it in the same studio and with the same engineer as "Sleepy-head," If it ain't broke, don't fix it!

JFH: Recently you experienced a tragic accident on the highway while helping out a person in need. Please briefly tell what happened and what you learned from it?

Mark: It was icy. There was an accident in front of us. We pulled over to see if everyone was OK. While we were doing that, someone nailed us from behind. It totaled our trailer, smashed up the van and did relatively minor damage to the equipment. I really have no clue in what God was trying to show us except that the car that hit us would have most likely hit the cars that we were checking on (and those people were already in trouble).

JFH: The Jesus freak Hideout site 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?

Mark: Whatever is on the radio, really. I like Kosmos Express, 7 Day Jesus...

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?

Mark: Stay in school and study hard! Ha! Give your life to God and everything will begin to fall into place. Peace.