Editor’s Note: There is no such thing as playing both sides of the fence when it comes to mainstream rock/post-grunge band out of Texas known as WAXPANEL. Waxpanel unapologetically incorporates the teachings of Jesus Christ into their music while rocking your face off. There is something real and authentic about this Texas trio and they share with us about their upcoming release “For Those Left Standing”, which is to be released on February 22nd via Pavement Entertainment. Fans can find Waxpanel at the following locations:
Madness To Creation: Tell us about the Texas music scene.
Micah: The Texas music scene is quite eclectic. I absolutely love it, and I almost don’t know where to start. This great state has birthed many amazing artists. Pantera, The Toadies, Drowning Pool, Waylon Jennings, Willie Nelson, George Strait, Blue October, The Sword, Oh Sleeper…..the list goes on and on. WAXPANEL is a Christian modern alternative/grunge band from San Antonio. We’re surrounded by many metal and cover bands. Up the road in Austin, seems to be an even more eclectic scene, with that city hosting SXSW each year. Austin is also big into the blues, and we love playing shows up there. The Texas music scene has a little bit of everything for everyone.
Madness To Creation: What can fans expect from the release “For Those Left Standing”?
Micah: Our debut album “For Those Left Standing,” features songs encompassing the past seven years. The album took several years to make, and was recorded in San Antonio, Austin, and Dallas/ Fort Worth. Like the Texas music scene described above, our album is also eclectic in its sound. There’s a few heavier rock songs, some pop songs, mellow acoustic songs, praise songs…..it’s all there. We want all of our albums to have this theme. It allows us to continue to grow in the future, and not become stagnant in one particular area.
Madness To Creation: Give us a list of your five favorite grunge bands of the 90’s.
Micah: I’d have to say Nirvana, Alice In Chains, Soundgarden, Stone Temple Pilots, and Pearl Jam.
Madness To Creation: What was the most challenging and rewarding aspect about the recording process “For Those Left Standing”?
Micah: I’ll start with the challenges first. This album almost broke up the band. We’ve been a band since 2008 now, and many members have come and gone. Many people have left before we’ve come to this amazing chapter though. This album is literally “For Those Left Standing” in WAXPANEL. We’ve never done something like this before. Two of the songs on the album, started out as singles released in 2014. Those singles created more momentum for us, and we compiled them into a 6 song EP called “Beginnings.” The Beginnings EP got us a record deal through Pavement Entertainment. We didn’t want to release an EP right out of the gate, so we added six more songs to create this album. The financial challenges were great, and we’ve never asked anyone for assistance. As previously mentioned, this process took several years, and was recorded in several studios. The rewarding aspect, is that this album has turned out amazing. I’ll always look back on it, and understand the sacrifices that went into it. There’s several radio singles, and some songs contain our strongest messages for Christ to date. I believe the ultimate reward will be in Heaven someday. This process has turned us into a legitimate ministry. Our second album will go much smoother. We have several people working with us now, and we have a lot more options. I’m really excited for the future!
Madness To Creation: When times are tough, what is the one scripture verse that you look to for guidance?
Micah: Two Scriptures come to mind for me actually. The first one, is my favorite Scripture in the Bible. Romans 10:9 says…If you confess with your mouth, “Jesus is Lord,” and believe in your heart that God raised Him from the dead, you will be saved. This is the entire Gospel message in one verse. The second verse when times are tough, would be Philippians 4:19 for me. Philippians 4:19 says “But my God shall supply all your need according to His riches in glory by Christ Jesus.” Jehovah Jireh will always provide.
Madness To Creation: How is your approach different when playing in front of a secular audience as opposed to a Christian audience?
Micah: These days there is no difference. I wish I could’ve always said this, but I can’t change what’s happened in the past. I used to be more concerned with what others thought, and I used to try so hard to fit in. For many years, I would infuse my beliefs into poetry into our music. I used to not talk about God a lot in secular venues. I used to be mad at the Church, so we were kind of in limbo. I got convicted of everything, and gradually God has freed me from many different things. Regardless of where WAXPANEL plays now, we start every one of our shows in prayer. I discuss openly what the songs are about. Our recent songs have a stronger message for Jesus as well. I can see the Godly fruits being produced now. People tell me stories of how they can relate to the music, and we’re able to evangelize and pray with others. If you book WAXPANEL in a secular venue, then we’re bringing Church to you. We’re called to spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ, and that’s all I’m concerned about.
Madness To Creation: What is the thing that you’re most excited about after the release?
Micah: I’m excited to be working with more people. I believe these songs will also allow me to focus more on the music. I want to be a professional songwriter for Jesus. Lord willing, these songs will gain traction on the radio. This would allow us to secure an established booking agent. I would love to not have to think about booking shows anymore. I’m already loving not having to send our music out to radio stations. I did that relentlessly for three years before we got signed. It’s nice having our label do that for us now. I could go on forever about how excited I am, to finally be living out this new chapter!
Madness To Creation: Fun question: favorite food to throw down on in Texas.
Micah: For me that would be BBQ or Tex Mex cuisine. There’s so many wonderful places for that in San Antonio.
Madness To Creation: Where can people find Waxpanel?
Micah: Facebook at www.facebook.com/waxpanel, Twitter at www.twitter.com/waxpanel, our label at https://www.pavementmusic.
Madness To Creation: Thank you for your time to interview with me for Madness To Creation.
Micah: God bless you all at Madness To Creation! This has been a real pleasure, and we appreciate your support. We can’t thank you enough, and we can’t wait to touch base with you again in the future! “It’s only the Beginning!!”
And there you have it! Make sure that you pick up a copy of “For Those Left Standing” via Pavement Entertainment on February 22nd and follow their socials in order to keep up to date on the latest news and happenings with Waxpanel. Check out the song “Believe” below.
