Stryper to shoot music video for the song “I Believe”
September 11, 2009
On September 22, 2009 Stryper will be shooting a concept video for the song “I Believe” off of their new album “Murder By Pride”!
The video will be directed by Michael Sarna and produced by Inmotion Entertainment, Inc. Michael Sarna has quite the resume which includes working with bands such as Megadeth, Candlebox, Anthrax, Smashmouth, Counting Crows & Dream Theater. Visit www.michaelsarna.com to learn more about Michael Sarna and his numerous projects.
Michael Sarna will also be bringing you, the fans, a behind the scenes look at the entire “making of the video” process! Stay tuned as there will be updates, photos, and behind the scenes video clips provided directly from Michael Sarna from now until the video is released.
Stryper Guitarist Oz Fox Discusses “Murder By Pride”
September 2, 2009
http://www.themusiciansvoice.com/
Here’s a brand new August 2009 interview with Stryper guitarist Oz Fox. Stryper’s got a new CD out called “Murder By Pride,” which is a fine return to the hard edged, melodic, vocal harmony stuff that we’ve grown to love from the guys (with plenty of Oz’s trademark harmony guitar lines). Oz talks here about the ideas behind the record, as well as writing and recording the disc. He also gives his thoughts on what it’s been like since Stryper got back together a few years back. 2009 marks Stryper’s 25th anniversary, and the current tour will see bassist Tim Gaines back in the fold. I talk a bit with Oz about the band reaching the 25 year mark. Oz also opens up about his faith getting him through some tough times in the music business. Stryper’s currently on the road supporting “Murder By Pride,” so make sure you check out the band’s website at www.stryper.com for a full listing of live dates. Make sure to grab a copy of the new record as well – it’s classic Stryper with a bit more edge. Thanks to Oz for the chat, it was great talking with him.
Listen to the interview at http://www.themusiciansvoice.com/
Stryper.com post interview w/ Mike Sweet Jr.
August 30, 2009
Mike Sweet Jr. Interview
By: Brett Christensen
Date: August 26, 2009
www.stryper.com
When Stryper fans hear the name Mike Sweet, they think of the lead singer of Stryper. But that may change after Stryper’s 25th Anniversary Tour, as there will be TWO Mike Sweets on tour! The band Flight Patterns, whom will be the opening band on this tour, is also fronted by Michael Sweet. More accurately, it’s fronted by Mike Sweet Jr. Fresh from recording their first EP, he sits down with Stryper.com for this exclusive interview:
Stryper.com: Is this the first interview you’ve ever done?
Mike Sweet Jr.: Yes, it is!
Stryper.com: Well, we’re honored to be your first! How long have you been performing?
MSJ: I started off playing the drums for awhile, and then I ventured over to guitar about four or five years ago. I’ve been playing in local bands for the last couple of years. When I was in Providence, I played in a band called Sounds Like A City, and I was doing that for about two years. Then I started up Flight Patterns in February of last year.
Stryper.com: How did you meet the guys in the band?
MSJ: I actually met Max, the other vocalist in the band, while I was living in Providence. He was a solo artist, a singer – songwriter, who performed in coffee shops and local venues. We got together, and had the same taste in music. We enjoyed jamming together and we ended up writing this one song. We always talked about starting a band later on down the road, and we finally did. We kinda pieced the rest of the band together, through friends and what not.
Stryper.com: What style of music is Flight Patterns?
MSJ: It’s very very poppy, kinda like pop punk. Very fun, upbeat music. We are technically not a Christian band. There are a couple members in the band that are Christians, but we feel that we could reach a wider range of fans pursing this as a secular band.
Stryper.com: Are you the only vocalist?
MSJ: It’s shared vocals. About half and half, and we both also play guitar.
Stryper.com: And you have a new CD coming out?
MSJ: It’s done, and being pressed right now. It should be released by the first show of the tour. Hopefully it will catch on with radio and we’ll get signed to a major label at one point.
Stryper.com: And that will be on Stryper’s Fifty Three Five label?
MSJ: Yes, it’s a five song EP.
Stryper.com: What are your musical influences, not counting your dad. Does he count? (laughs)
MSJ: Yeah, he counts. (laughs) I grew up with it, so I’m sure that’s what greatly influenced me to do music. I listen to everything. I’ve been influenced by so many different bands. In my early teenage years, I was really into the pop punk thing, bands like New Found Glory. I slowly discovered different styles of music and listened to everything I could. Everything’s inspired me. Everything from indie rock, to country and folk music.
Stryper.com: What’s currently on shuffle in your IPOD?
MSJ: I’m listening to a lot of We The Kings right now. And the band Hit The Lights, I’m really into that right now.
Stryper.com: Has Flight Patterns performed any gigs yet?
MSJ: No, we’ve all performed in other bands, but our first show will be September 11th.
Stryper.com: How often are you rehearsing for the tour?
MSJ: We rehearse five nights a week, from eight to midnight.
Stryper.com: How long will your set be?
MSJ: I believe about 25 minutes.
Stryper.com: Having the name Mike Sweet, is that an advantage, a disadvantage, or it doesn’t matter?
MSJ: It’s definitely an advantage. People know who he is, and they respect him as a musician. So it definitely helps a lot.
Stryper.com: Have you heard Stryper’s latest, Murder By Pride?
MSJ: Yes I have. I heard it before it was mastered. It’s great.
Stryper.com: Does your dad come to you and bounce ideas off of you?
MSJ: All the time! He comes over with his acoustic guitar while he’s working on a song and asks my opinion.
Stryper.com: Do you get any writer credit for that? (laughs)
MSJ: Um…. No. (laughs)
Stryper.com: What’s one thing about your dad that Stryper fans might not know?
MSJ: They probably already know this, but he takes like three hours to get ready every morning! (more laughs)
Stryper.com: We have pictures of you in the Stryper Vault where you’re on stage with Stryper at a very young age. What do you remember?
MSJ: I kinda remember it. I think there’s video footage of me running out on stage during one show.
Stryper.com: Do you get stage fright?
MSJ: No, but we’ll see playing larger venues. But playing the local club scene, I don’t have a problem.
Stryper.com: Do you have any rituals before you go on stage?
MSJ: I just keep it cool, relaxed. I drink a lot of water and do my vocal warm-ups.
Stryper.com: Has your dad ever given you any vocal tips?
MSJ: No, not really. He helped me out with the guitar earlier on, but I’m pretty much self taught.
Stryper.com: Does your band have a website yet?
MSJ: We don’t have a website, but we have a MySpace page. We will be putting up a merch store soon though, and you’ll be able to buy the EP there.
Stryper.com: When you’re out and about, do you ever get recognized?
MSJ: It happens at the Stryper shows, people recognize me. But when I’m out around town, no.
Stryper.com: Our sincere condolences on your mother’s passing. She was a great and well respected woman. What are your fondest memories of her?
MSJ: There are so many great memories. She was probably the greatest mother anyone could ever have. The greatest wife… she was a fantastic woman. She really did care about my sister and I, our education, and who we were as people. She was just amazing and is greatly missed.
Stryper.com: Any closing thoughts?
MSJ: We’re really looking forward to this tour, and we hope the fans enjoy it. I hope to put on a good show for them, and we’re really excited about it!
FLIGHT PATTERNS WEB SITE: www.myspace.com/flightpatternsma
Sound Check Meet & Greet Experience
August 19, 2009
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For the first time ever, Stryper opens up sound check to the public. Sound checks have always been completely private in the past, but on this tour, 50 people in each market will have the chance to witness a Stryper sound check first hand, hang with the band, take pictures, and get autographs – not to mention, a free copy of Murder by Pride!
You get: Additional Information: Sound Check Meet And Greet Experience Passes are $38.25 per pass and limited to 50 per show. Click Here to Order Your Sound Check Meet And Greet Experience! |
Tracy Ferrie steps down from 25th Anniversary Tour!
August 6, 2009
Source: www.stryper.com
Friends,
Bassist Tracy Ferrie will not be performing on the U.S. leg of the Stryper tour. Instead, original bassist Timothy Gaines will be the sole bass player. What was originally planned as a 2-set show, will now be one full 90-minute show, consisting of all the greatest hits and new Stryper material. The band will be wearing new yellow and black outfits designed by the original outfit designer. All original members, Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, Oz Fox, and Tim Gaines will be performing on the 25th Anniversary U.S. tour.
Tracy has made the very honorable decision, one in which we support, to put the needs of his family first. Contrary to what many may believe, most professional musicians (especially those with families) have other jobs when their band is not touring. And in order to provide for their families, they often need to find other means of work during non-touring times.
We are living in extremely difficult economic times whereby finding a good day-job is difficult. Tracy has a great one. One that provides well for his family. Leaving this job could put his family in a tough situation upon returning from tour. We support Tracy in this decision to ensure security for his family. At the same time, we’re excited to get back out on the road and share our new music and the 25th Anniversary show with our friends and fans whom we have not seen in a long time.
We’re honored to have been doing this for 25 years and blessed to have the opportunity to go out on tour this fall. Without you, our friends and fans, we would not have lasted this long. Thank you. See you on the road soon.
Stryper
MURDER BY PRIDE – IN STORES NOW
July 21, 2009
25 years to the day after the release of Stryper’s first EP Yellow And Black Attack comes… Murder By Pride on Big3 Records!
“Murder By Pride”, the new album from Christian hard rockers STRYPER, available in the U.S. on July 21 through Big 3 Records. The CD will be released in Europe on August 28 via Frontiers Records.
“Murder By Pride” track listing:
01. Eclipse Of The Son (4:04)
02. 4 Leaf Clover (3:42)
03. Peace Of Mind (3:58)
04. Alive (3:36)
05. The Plan (3:10)
06. Murder By Pride ((3:18)
07. I Believe (3:43)
08. Run In You (4:15)
09. Love Is Why (4:07)
10. Mercy Over Blame (4:07)
11. Everything (4:26)
12. My Love (I’ll Always Show) (3:14)
13. My Love, My Life, My Flame (exclusive bonus track for Europe)
Commented singer Michael Sweet: “After years of speaking to fans and hearing comments like ‘more guitars,’ ‘more solos’ and ‘more screams,’ I decided to keep those comments in mind as I wrote each song. It was important to me to try to get back to that early sound of STRYPER yet at the same time, to remain relevant today. It’s certainly not an easy thing to do but as I listen to ‘Murder By Pride’, I think that was accomplished.
“I got the idea of the title ‘Murder By Pride’ from seeing pride consume dreams, goals and many times, lives. We all deal with pride and it can be crippling, so I wanted to write a lyric and a theme that would be a constant reminder of that. This record has been in the works for a long, long time and I can only hope that it was worth the wait!”
STRYPER will embark on a tour of the United States in September, hitting approximately 50 cities across America. This will be followed by international tour dates in January and February of 2010. The bands’s 25th-anniversary tour will be a two-set show. The first set will be new STRYPER material and include bassist Tracy Ferrie, along with original members Michael Sweet, Robert Sweet, and Oz Fox. The second set will be classic STRYPER hits and will be all four original members, including original bassist Tim Gaines. Michael Sweet Jr.’s band will be the opening band on the tour.
25 years ago (1984), STRYPER broke onto the scene with its debut EP, “Yellow And Black Attack”, and has since gone on to sell 8 million records worldwide and tour the world spreading an inspirational message through their branded sound of rock songs, heavy guitars, and pristine harmony vocals.
New Michael Sweet Interview in Christianity Today
July 7, 2009
www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2009/michaelsweet-mini-0609.html
Catching Up With … Michael Sweet
The famed Stryper frontman reflects on losing his wife to cancer, the group’s 25th anniversary, plus an update on his role in legendary rock band Boston.
by Andy Argyrakis | posted 6/30/2009
How are you balancing your music with the grieving process?
Michael Sweet: When Kyle was diagnosed two years ago, we basically started grieving then. Because we did that together, it made it a little easier to move forward at times, like going on tour with Boston. She gave me her blessing, encouragement and really pushed me along in making that decision. Now she’s gone, but I feel like the past two years have been such a low that I feel now like it’s time to pick up the pieces and move forward. People tell me not to do anything, but staying busy is the way I’m dealing with it.
How are your kids taking it?
Sweet: Tough, really tough. I’m constantly trying to encourage them through the whole recovery. We’re all battling it and we could go in our rooms, close the doors and all just stay there. But I feel the need to stay busy and active, because when I’m not, I feel like I’m going to lose my mind. The same goes for my kids. My 22-year-old son and his band Flight Patterns are opening the next Stryper tour. When I asked him, his chin just about hit the floor and his eyes popped out of his head. I see him with new purpose now and it’s pulled him out of his shell. My daughter, a senior in high school, is a dancer and is home schooled. She’s coming out on the tour as well, working on school during the day and probably handling merchandise at night. It’s going to keep her active and busy, which is so important so we don’t just sit around and dwell on things.
What’s been your most poignant observation during this period?
Sweet: It’s made me realize how precious life is and how short life is. Life is a gift, but sometimes we abuse it because we don’t seize every opportunity or moment in the way God intends us to. So many times we take life for granted and get caught up in all the activities that we become distant from God. But now I’m learning how to truly live life to the fullest and love to the fullest. I don’t want to waste a moment.
What are Stryper’s plans for its 25th anniversary?
Sweet: We have the new record Murder by Pride coming out on July 21 and are going on a 50-city tour this September through November. The first set will focus on new songs from Reborn and Murder by Pride with our new bass player [Tracy Ferrie] and the second will feature all the old, classic songs with our old bass player Tim [Gaines]. We’ll put on yellow and black for that.
Are you digging out the old Spandex?
Sweet: No way, never again on Spandex! But we’ve got some custom yellow and black threads—really nice stuff.
What is Stryper’s sound these days?
Sweet: We’re going back a bit more to our roots of harmony guitar solos and harmony vocals. We brought back more of what people like about the band. We fell away a little bit on Reborn because we wanted it to be a little more modern, and in doing that, sometimes you unfortunately lose sight of who you are trying be. I’m not saying we did that, but I think we unfortunately shot ourselves in the foot by not having more guitar solos and things people really liked about the band.
How has becoming Boston’s lead singer added to Styper’s fan base?
Sweet: A lot of Boston fans are now Michael Sweet fans and they’re incredible. I’m hoping they come out to the Stryper shows. At the Boston shows [last summer], I would see Stryper shirts and Stryper fans coming out.
How does it feel singing for one of classic rock’s most legendary bands?
Sweet: I’m still pinching myself! Here I was participating in what was supposed to be the last Boston show ever [paying tribute to departed frontman Brad Delp] and then I was out with them singing on the 2008 tour. It was really wild, but there was so much joy between the band and the fans and the tour was successful beyond anyone’s wildest expectations.
What’s next for Boston?
Sweet: There’s a new album coming out that being worked on right now. It probably won’t come out until 2010 and a tour is being talked about for 2010 as well. I played some songs for [co-founder] Tom [Scholz] and he really liked them. I’ve also written some others that I’ll be singing on and they’ll be a couple of other surprises.
Quick takes:
Where are you from originally?
Whittier, California
Favorite place you’ve traveled to?
Japan
Pet peeve?
Clutter
Your most annoying habit?
Clearing my throat
Favorite website?
www.wunderground.com
Last good book you read?
The Bible in 90 Days
Last good movie you saw?
Music and Lyrics
Band/artist you’re listening to the most right now?
Keane
Band/artist that comes closest to your sound?
Stryper’s been influenced by Queen’s harmony vocals and Van Halen
Age you became a Christian?
12, but I fell away and rededicated my life at 20
Favorite Bible verse?
Isaiah 53:5
New FiftyThree Five Records (Stryper T-Shirt)
June 8, 2009
FiftyThree Five Records T-shirt
Printed on a high quality, gold, 100% cotton T-shirt by Alternative Apparel. This shirt features a unique, vintage logo for FiftyThree Five Records – Stryper’s self-run Record label.
(I wonder what this t-shirt implies for the upcoming release of Murder By Pride?)
Revised iTunes download schedule for “Murder By Pride”
May 19, 2009
Here is the revised iTunes download schedule for Stryper’s album “Murder By Pride”
5/26 – 4 Leaf Clover
6/2 – The Plan
6/9 – Alive
6/16 – I Believe
6/23 – Love Is Why
6/30 – Mercy Over Blame
7/7 – Run In You
7/14 – Everything
7/14 – My Love (I’ll Always Show)
7/21 – FULL ALBUM AVAILABLE ON iTunes
Update regarding iTunes.com release of Murder By Pride
May 18, 2009
Message from Dave Rose at Deep South (Deep South is Stryper’s Management):
Due to the delay in the release of the song “Murder by Pride” on iTunes last week, we have decided to keep it available for download for another week. We have learned (and by “we”, we mean everyone… Big3, Deep South, and iTunes) that adding and removing songs on iTunes is not as precise time-wise as everyone would have liked it to be. Even iTunes was quick to admit this is something brand new for them, so unforeseen “glitches” may occur, but everyone is working hard to smooth this out.
The next scheduled song to be released is “4 Leaf Clover” on May 26. In the meantime, you can still download “Murder by Pride” until then.
Check back here for a revised release schedule of each song for the iTunes promotion shortly.
For those new to this promotion, Stryper is releasing a song per week through iTunes until the full album Murder by Pride is released on July 21, 2009 (exactly to-the-day, 25 years after the release of The Yellow and Black Attack EP). All involved on the technical front have asked for your patience as they refine the system to be able to deliver each song on schedule. In the meantime, your best bet is to check iTunes weekly for new Stryper songs.
Dave Rose
Deep South Entertainment
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