Rush of Fools: The Journey Continues
by Mallory Cruz
"I love looking back," says Wes Willis, lead singer of Christian music's Rush of Fools. "I love looking back at this journey that God has taken us on."
The unexpected and unintended journey for this 5-member band began years ago in Alabama when Rush of Fools was a small Christian group who traveled to local churches and youth groups. After teaming up with Indie Community, a Nashville-based booking company, they were encouraged to sign-up for Band With a Mission, best described as a Battle of the Bands meets American Idol "judged" by actual industry professionals.
"To be honest, we weren't really interested at first because we assumed it was a competition. We were happy playing local churches. But when we found out we would get a written critique, we decided to do it," says Willis.
Little did they know that the exposure they received from the event would set them on the fast track to success. Within a few months, they found themselves in Nashville, TN working with award-winning writers and producers including Jason Ingram and Scott Davis.
"One day we were writing with Scott Davis and having major writer's block," Willis remembers. "We were about to leave when Scott looks up and says, ‘what about ‘I've been here before, now here I am again.' That line evolved into "Undo," Adult Contemporary Christian music radio's most played song of 2007.
With the release of their self-titled debut album, which included "Undo," Rush of Fools quickly went from playing to church congregations of 1,000 to performing alongside well-known bands in major venues with upwards of 15,000 people. Joining Newsboys on their Go Tour in 2008 stands out as one of the most epic and surreal experiences thus far on their journey.
Despite their quick road to success, the ups have definitely been followed by the downs. From having their gear stolen to a legal battle with their former record label, the band was forced to take some time to refocus and regroup. They came out with reinforced values and a renewed vision.
Wes and the band began to think back to the music from their adolescence. Being from Alabama, they can't deny their country roots but for the most part, they spent their time listening to Christian radio and bands like Audio Adrenaline and Skillet. More recently, Nebraska's Remedy Drive has kept Willis inspired and moving.
Rush of Fools was recently signed to E1, an independent label housing well-known names like Avalon, Twila Paris, and Rita Springer. And after a spending a year writing over 30 new songs, Rush of Fools will begin work on their 3rd album in early February with Mississippi producer Dennis Herring, whose works include Jars of Clay, Mutemath, Counting Crows, and more.
"We're so excited about this project. It's way overdue," says Willis. "We've got things to say and we're just thankful for the chance to make music."
When it comes to offering advice to Christian bands and artists trying to ‘make it,' Willis' words are simple.
"Honor what God has given you and the place he has you in. If he has you in the church, serve the church. It's ok to send your demos to a label but learn to stop striving."
The humble, community-serving guys of Rush of Fools never intended to get signed. Nor did they ever intend to share the stage with some of Christian music's most noted artists. However, throughout their career, they have been very determined to stay real and honest.
"We're redneck," Willis says with a chuckle when asked what makes Rush of Fools stand out among the rest. "We're honest and we just want to create honest music. People need to know that those in the industry struggle just like everyone else. But…we are redneck."
Originally published February 06, 2011.
