AGM: It's been a while since we've featured Eighth Day. Tell us a bit about the history of your group and your current line-up.
Scott Robinson of Eighth Day: Eighth Day was formed in late 2001 when Joni and I felt to transition our ministry from regional to whatever God ordained that it look like. We started with Derek Parker and Monty Lane Allen and are basically that way today. Monty doesn’t make all our dates due to other commitments but does come when his schedule permits. Joni and I have had Derek with us since he was a late teen so we count him as our oldest son!
We have had a few other members along the way that remain great friends. Rick Wilhide, David English, and Dave Mann are incredible guys and vocalists and played a vital role in our ministry for a time.
AGM: Give us a brief synopsis of a weekend on the road for you guys. What does a day in the life of Eighth Day look like?
A day in the life of Eighth Day is typically a comedy of sorts these days. We sold our bus a while back so each trip is like family vacation! Derek and I wind up as bellhops for all of Joni’s “stuff”. Derek handles all of our product and sound responsibilities, I do most of the driving and thinking, and Joni … well she does all of the sleeping! Seriously, we do enjoy our time together and try hard to not let the struggles of the road steal from the joy that God has placed within us. We are like most everyone else. Hotel, drive, venue, then eat!
AGM: Your new single, "May I Never Get Over the Cross," has taken radio by storm, claiming the #1 spot on the AGM Top 40 and Top 5 on the Singing News Top 80. Tell us about the song.
SR: What an amazing song that God has blessed us with. Monty Lane Allen and Robert Arthur are the writers of most all of our songs including this one. It is a powerful reminder that the cross is far more than an empty symbol! It represents the very place where a real Jesus died a real death to become provision for our sins. The song is a prayer to never lose sight of that. It has been so well received for which we are so grateful. It spent several weeks as AGM’s Number 1 and continues to climb in the Singing News chart.
AGM: What kind of effects have you seen this song have on your concerts and ministry events?
SR: We are thrilled by the success of the song, but far more by watching how it has impacted lives! It is so well received all across the nation and we have seen it be used by God to turn people to him. We get calls and e-mails almost every day with stories of personal victories and change that the song have been a part of. In concert, nearly every time we sing it people begin to stir. That, my friend, is why we do this!
AGM: You guys have seen a huge surge in radio and name recognition over the last few years. What kind of advice can you give other artists who trying to find their footing in this genre?
SR: Great question! Most importantly, count the cost of committing to ministry at this level. It is not easy, glamorous, and far from a financial windfall. Prepare for rejection, competition, and an abundance of trial. Be yourself, stay the course, and place your emphasis on the depth of your work. God will handle the breadth! It is so easy to get distracted by things that matter none at the end of the journey. Busses, charts, and all that stuff are cool but boy how fleeting! Find your niche of how to lead folks to Jesus, and work like mad people!
AGM: So what's next for Eighth Day? New record or single?
SR: We try to do recordings from which every song could be a single. We plan to release at least one more from the Everything Holy project. It is entitled “Are You Ready”. Beyond that, we are writing and choosing songs now for our next project. So if you have a great one, send it on!
AGM: What has God been teaching Eighth Day lately?
SR: The last couple of years have been a time of trial for us personally, but an amazing spiritual growth! Due to the economy, we lost a business that helped to support our ministry, had a great friend die way too young, and have had to change our direction a bit. But we have gotten to live our song "Trust His Heart". Isaiah 41:10 teaches that He will uphold us with His righteous right hand … He will! When you can’t see it, trust it. We have been held close through the storm, and the sky is pretty bright these days. We have been taught that the songs we sing are real and work .. even for us. Lessons you wouldn’t sign up for, but won’t take anything for what they teach you.
AGM: What other information would you like to share? How can fans get in contact with you or book you for their event?
SR: Call us to come and lead worship at your church or sing at your concert! We can be reached at 864-316-2074 or online at http://www.eighthdaymusic.com / .(JavaScript must be enabled to view this email address).
Author: Chris D. Unthank
| Author's Website: http://southernspin.com
Written: 07/15/2011
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Comments: 3
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These people are the real deal. They are both solid, Christian individuals and very talented singers. An Eighth Day concert experience will leave you satisfied, yet wanting for more. I was there for only a short time, but it was a time in my life when God knew I needed people like Scott and Joni.
Congratulations on the Singing News #1 song! The message in this tune is entirely necessary given the lowered standards in churches today. Thank you, Eighth Day & Monty Lane Allen, for an excellent reminder applicable to everyone's lives.
Saw Eighth day in concert at my home church Allen's Creek Baptist on Sun Aug 21
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