This is an interview with members of Buck. I originally
spoke with the guys at Cornerstone after a kicking fun performance. But the tape broke. So I had
to do a new interview. It ended up in the March/April issue of 7ball .(Five Iron Frenzy
was on the cover). It is also worth noting that the interview that appeared
also had contribution from Jo Hannah-the one here does not.
Buck lives up to there name, like the horse that launches it's rider off it's back, Buck charges ahead with aggressive assault of ska, swing and alternative punk. The band's live show involves music that makes you want to dance, with lyrics that express both scriptural truth(the song "Fruit" comes directly from scripture) and their experiences in their walk with Christ. "You can really help somebody by telling them what God taught you about certain things. It's a pretty good feeling." Buck is a band that is also dedicated to ministry, both to the those in the church, and those outside it. One of the most visible aspects of Buck's ministry so far has been their dedication to discipleship. "It's very surprising how many kids go to Church so long without realizing what it really means to be a Christian, not just go to Church," lead singer Dan Reynolds points out, speaking from his own experience. Although he grew up surrounded by Christianity, Dan realized in high school he needed to dedicate his life to Christ.
The music of Buck is a combination, from traditional ska, third-wave ska, swing, and alternative. In fact, to try and pinpoint bands that have influenced these guys produces a lengthy list that includes the Brian Setzer Orchestra, Reel Big Fish, the Mighty Mighty Bosstones, the Specials, Bim Skala Bim, Five Iron Frenzy and many others. Rick explains "there's just so many different musical tastes in the band, that everybody has brought there own tastes to the band." Former PFR front man Mark Nash produced the debut, an experience the band is still thankful for. "He really took us into the studio and narrowed down our sound and got it into something tight. He weeded out the parts that didn't need to be there," notes Rick. Dan puts it even simpler. "Mark Nash did an awesome job. His job is to bring out what we have...and that's exactly what he did." Rick adds,"He really pushed us not to settle for anything, and I think that's why everything sounds as good as it does." And with the musical mix, Buck feels that they are free to pursue any musical direction that they desire.
Buck was started by Dan with his brother Dave(who plays trumpet) in high school, playing "about once a year." The band went through a major change when they chose to change their focus, becoming a Christian band. "We lost a whole bunch of guys because they really weren't Christians. Then we had like a ten or eleven piece band for a good year." But when the band opted to go full time, they lost five or six members. The addition of Al Brown(trumpet player and formerly of the Insyders) and lead guitarist Josh Wheeler put them up to the current roster of seven members.
Before a show, the guys in Buck enjoy indulging in a non-musical passion. Street Hockey. Dan excitedly says,"We usually try and get places early, set up the goals and start playing." Basements, parking lots or wherever is convenient, the band will play. "It's a good way to keep in shape," mentions Rick, and for the guys in Buck...that is important. Catch a Buck show and you will see an intense frenzy of musical action. A Buck show involves a lot of movement, energy, and when they can find them, beach balls. But there is another side to the show as well. Often the band closes with a praise and worship portion of the set, singing familiar praise songs with the audience. Rick explains,"Sometimes it's to build a show. Or sometimes we'll do a full show and then afterwards, if the kids are yellin' for us to play more or do an encore or something like that...we never do encores because we don't feel right doing that kind of stuff." Rick continues,"But if they want, we'll stick around and lead some worship or something like that. It depends on what the Spirit's leading."
Buck's dedication to showing the reality of Christ to their audience, both those who have grown up in church and those who have not, is at the forefront of the band's shows. As Al Brown explains,"We're trying to emphasize the reality of being a Christian, the every day commitment and responsibility involved; that it's not just going to church." The opportunities to keep doing so are looking good. Along with Buck's busy concert schedule, they have song that was co-written with common child Marc Byrd("Next" , which appears on their debut) that may be on the next "WWJD" record.
God's plan for Buck is not yet fully realized. At this point, they hope to be used to help people discover His reality themselves. Of course, the boys also intend to put that hockey gear in their "big bin of fun" to heavy use!