“Like any good organization/ministry, change occurring is inevitable when growth takes place. The band was growing in influence and in a new sound that required a fourth member. After much prayer and consideration, we agreed to shift some positions around and ask Steven to be our new frontman.”
— drummer Adam Breitkreuz
Local area band Flood the Stone is back with a new lead vocalist, and a new disk.
Flood The Stone (FTS) is a pop-rock group based in Yorkton, SK, which formed in the summer of 2011. Members Tim Hay (guitar), Adam Breitkreuz (drums), and Roger Angove (bass), immediately began writing material for their debut album. All is Not Lost was released spring of 2013. The album was nominated for three GMA Covenant Awards, and received one. Since the release they have toured extensively across Western Canada, from B.C. to Ontario, and into the Northwestern United States.
The end of 2014 saw exciting new change when Steven Fazakerley joined the band as lead vocalist.
The change in lead singer was simply an evolution for the band said drummer Adam Breitkreuz.
“Like any good organization/ministry, change occurring is inevitable when growth takes place,” he said. “The band was growing in influence and in a new sound that required a fourth member. After much prayer and consideration, we agreed to shift some positions around and ask Steven to be our new frontman.
“FAZ, or Steven Fazakerley, is an artist from Spokane Washington that we toured with a couple years ago down in the States. Steven has been a youth/music pastor as well as making solo music for many years thus bringing a lot of experience to the position we needed to fill.”
Having a new singer means a slightly different sound for the band.
“Every front man has unique qualities to their voice, so bringing in a different voice on this record did bring a dramatic shift to the music,” said Fazakerley. “Our approach to making music is still the same, but working with different producers and a new voice birthed a new beast that stood apart from the previous project.
“It has been very easy going adjusting to a new singer because the chemistry was already there. We all felt it on our first tour together when we were two separate music groups. We came into it already friends with the same vision and purpose so the only challenge was the border.”
Lead guitar and keyboardist Tim Hay and bass player Roger Angove round out the band roster.
Fazakerley said the band’s sound has evolved, but has the same heart.
“We were, and still are, pop/rock but this album leans a bit more to the pop side,” he said. “But then again, it depends on who’s listening. Our live show still hits hard and like any good record, it sounds better when cranked to 11.”
The end of 2014 also brought the beginning of a new album. The guys traveled to Lincoln, Nebraska to work with producer Philip Zach (Remedy Drive) at his studio, The Grid. With executive producer Phil Joel (Newsboys, Zealand) and mastering by Jason Germaine (Down Here) ‘When the World’s On Fire’, was released April 7.
“We had the privilege to work with some of the best artists in the industry on this project,” said Fazakerley. “Phillip Zach, formerly of Remedy Drive, and Phil Joel formally of the Newsboys, pushed us to a new level of creativity. They were truly the best producers we could have had on these songs for sure. From the drums, to bass, to guitar, to vocals, every position was put to the fire and challenged to go to the next level.
“Also, the change of place and a change of pace, always equals a change in perspective. The combination of new songs, new producers and new singer, created a totally new perspective of what Flood the Stone could become.”
The recording being the band’s second gave them experience to draw upon.
“In some ways this project was easier having the experience of tracking others before it, but it was also super challenging working with a new level of production,” said Fazakerley. “Our producers pushed us hard and made us leave our comfort zones in every way possible.
“But, just like getting stronger in the gym, that’s how you get better in the studio. You have to hold your music with an open hand and be teachable. That’s why you hire producers in the first place. They are artists that are better than you that can help teach you how to make a greater impact with every track.”
Breitkreuz wrote the majority of ‘When the World’s On Fire’.
“He truly has an amazing creative mind that runs deep in the art of challenging the norm,” said Fazakerley. “As a band we created the melodies that support the lyric. Usually it takes years to shape and sculpt songs. Some of these track took longer than others, but a lot of time and effort none-the-less.”
The new album is one the band is very pleased with.
“We are extremely happy with the final product. Jason Germaine from the band Down Here, mastered our project with amazing skill,” offered Fazakerley. “This new record has taken FTS to new heights and has inspired us to keep climbing.”
Flood the Stone has released ‘Only Love’ (feat. Phil Joel) to radio worldwide and have others ready to release when the time is right.
