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Rock / Reggae / Punk

"~ When Angels & Serpents Dance ~ 2008!!!~"

San Diego, CALIFORNIA
United States

MySpace URL: www.myspace.com/payableondeath

Member Since: 4/17/2005
Band Website: www.payableondeath.com
Band Members: Sonny - Vocals, 'Wuv' - Drums, Traa - Bass, Marcos - Guitar
Record Label: INO/Columbia Records
Type of Label: Major

There’s an old saying that goes, “People miss opportunities because they come disguised as hard work.” Throughout their already illustrious career, the members of Payable On Death have had amazing doors not just open, but sometimes fall down in front of them. It is important to note that this was often the result of, and only after, years of hard work that brought them to those doors to begin with. Their story is a studied lesson in persistence and staying true to a vision and following it relentlessly.

The P.O.D. story began in 1992 when a couple of guys from the streets of San Diego, united by a love for their hometown, pounding, grinding rock ’n’ roll, and a deep faith in God that went deeper than shoutouts or liner note thank-yous, decided to form a band and take a shot at changing music history.

Faith has always been a key element of the P.O.D. story, but it’s all too easy to misunderstand it as just another tale of a Christian rock band that crossed over to mainstream success à la Amy Grant. In fact, P.O.D.’s rise to prominence has more in common with U2, for like U2 they were a band that stood proudly on mainstream terrain, refusing to accept the paradigm that a steadfastly secular entertainment culture had handed them—namely that groups sharing P.O.D.’s fervor for God could play their music, but they’d have to do it out of the earshot of mainstream music fans in the cultural gulag of Christian rock. Once there, it was almost assured that nobody except for fellow God-lovers would ever hear their music, for it was recorded for religious labels, played on religious stations, reviewed in religious magazines, and played for the public at religious-oriented venues across the nation and the world.

P.O.D. understood that paradigm and from the beginning simply refused to go along with it. They had been given the gift of music, and they intended to have it heard by as many people as possible, whether or not they shared the band’s beliefs. But that wasn’t the way the world worked in 1998, and to get there, P.O.D. would have to forge new ground. And they did.

When Essential Records, a Nashville-based Christian-oriented music label, offered P.O.D. a $100,000 recording contract, the band was in no position to refuse easy money. One of the guys was living out of his car. Another was facing trouble at home, increasingly unable to make various important payments. But to sign with such a label would have been to send a message to the rock world at large that this was “Christian rock,” and by definition not for everybody. The band thought it over, and vocalist Sonny Sandoval spoke for them all when he politely but firmly told band manager Tim Cook to decline the offer. “God has a bigger plan for P.O.D.,” he said. And it turned out he was right—A&R rep John Rubeli from Atlantic Records caught a show at The Roxy on the Sunset Strip in L.A., and the band was quickly signed to a major-label deal and history was made.

The group’s Atlantic Records debut, The Fundamental Elements Of Southtown, proved that Sonny, Wuv (drums), Traa (bass), and Marcos (guitars) could rock with the best of them, and their music skillfully wove in elements of rock, rap, and reggae. But a whole new storm would soon erupt when some devout fans, spooked by the album’s surreal cover art, demanded that the record be removed from certain retail stores. Others of a more secular nature decried the band’s refusal to keep their faith out of their songs. And the battle for the soul of P.O.D. was on: In the words of another singer named Mark Heard, who once fought a similar battle with his own music, they were too saved for the sinners, and the saved didn’t want them around. P.O.D wasn’t going to move, but America was about to.

As Providence would have it, a little song the band had written called “Alive” was released on what was until then just another day in a 365-day calendar—September 11, 2001. Few songs have ever captured a moment or appeared to have been so divinely guided as this one. Even as Americans watched their TV sets in disbelief, flooded with grief and mourning the loss of 3,000 fellow Americans, DJs across the country were balming the wounds with a song that began “Every day is a new day/I’m thankful for every breath I take . . . ”

Taken from the album Satellite, “Alive” referenced a God who allowed circumstances, sometimes painful, to develop as part of a master plan birthed in love and compassion for those that loved him. Such as the tragedy of 9/11, and a song that He had appeared to birth for that occasion in the hearts of four young rock stars—perhaps the most unlikely of all of God’s messengers.

In ancient Israel God spoke to His people through prophets, and today he seems to be speaking again to a modern world through songs like Barry McGuire’s “Eve Of Destruction,” Bob Dylan’s “Slow Train Coming,” and P.O.D.’s “Alive.” But unlike prophets of old, if these messages aren’t accompanied by compelling music, the message will have little effect. P.O.D.’s subsequent releases—including Payable On Death (2003) and Testify (2006)—continued in this tradition of delivering timeless wisdom in a contemporary package, both at the same time proving their relevance by entering the Top 10 on the secular Billboard 200 chart (and 1 Top Christian Albums).

This collection takes the listener through a variety of stages of P.O.D.’s career, including the transitions of guitarists from Marcos to Jason Truby. From the frolicking “Rock The Party (Off The Hook)” to the gritty “Southtown,” from the soaring anthem that is “Youth Of The Nation” to the moody “Goodbye For Now,” P.O.D. delivers a strong set that reminds us of what an important place in the modern rock pantheon this band holds.

—Mark Joseph

Greatest Hits (The Atlantic Years) Released: 11.21.06 The release of a greatest hits album caused everyone to look to the past and reminisce over the good times brought by the old hits. Each song carried so many memories for the band and the warriors, of good times with family, friends, and even the bad times in which the songs served as comforters. Excitement built around unheard Testify track "Here We Go" and newly recorded song "Going in Blind," for which the theatrical music video brought back memories of the band's past hit videos. With the band's movement to a new label and the closing of "The Atlantic Years," the Warriors felt the dawning of a new era for the band, as incredible potential was just over the horizon.

Testify Released: 01.24.06 Testify was released with much anticipation to see how the band had further meshed their talents together, and the result was a beautiful concoction of melodies sure to satisfy anyone's thirst for P.O.D.'s diverse catalog of spirit-filled reggae, punk, hip-hop, and rock. Single "Goodbye For Now" dominated the TRL charts, hitting 1 as usual due to the Warriors' always-determined promoting style. The band's reinvigorated spirituality flourished throughout the album, especially in the song "Strength of My Life" inspired by Psalm 27, and "Mark My Words" inspired by C.S. Lewis' classic "The Chronicles of Narnia." The cover boldly displayed a cross situated within the album title. Warriors were able to purchase a limited edition that featured a song-by-song commentary by the boys along with more pictures and a code to get to a website with more goodies. The band's musical maturation brought new expectation for what was to be a bright future.

The Warriors EP Vol. 2 Released: 11.15.05 Since recording the next album was a long masterpiece in the making, The band once again decided to release an EP of new songs to satisfy The Warriors' cravings. The EP was again named in the beloved Warriors' honor. The Warriors were delighted with strong reggae songs Such as "Why Wait?" and a cover of "Eyes of a Stranger," originally by Payola$. Lyrically strong songs such as "If It Wasn't For You" inspired the Warriors' souls. Only 40,000 copies were made. This album Brought deep anticipation of what was to come in Testify soon!

Payable On Death Released: 11.03.03 Payable On Death debuted Jason Truby's beautiful guitar playing skills and guest featured guitar master Phil Keaggy. This album demonstrated P.O.D.'s knack for writing reggae tunes, much to the Warriors' delight, yet still had the trademark P.O.D. sound of blending hip-hop, jazz, funk, and rock. The band called the music "beauty heavy" and the description was fitting. The video for "Will You" hit 1 on TRL in October and the visually amazing "Change The World" video was shot later in 14 different countries. The first 1 million copies of the album came with a Playstation 2 videogame package that featured the non-album track "Space" as an "Amplitude" game, a 50 minute documentary "Inside P.O.D. Culture", and one of three art cards, approximately 1500 of which were signed by the band. This was a new direction in some ways for the band and the new sound reached many new fans it was a great way for the Warriors to get to know Jason and welcome him to the Warrior family.

Satellite Released: 09.11.01 Satellite was released the day that tragedy struck the U.S., but P.O.D.'s uplifting album inspired, encouraged, and comforted listeners. The "Alive" video hit 1 on TRL 12 times and was played a total of 58 times! The song also hit 2 on the modern rock radio charts and snagged P.O.D. a Grammy nomination. By October 16, the album hit platinum, double platinum in February 2002, and triple platinum by August. When "Youth of the Nation" was released, it soared up the radio charts to become the 1 modern rock track. After "Boom" was released, it was often used in many action movies and for sports clips during news broadcasts. Satellite was released while Americans grieved 9/11 the cd was a comfort for many hearts and minds for months and it was a very encouraging album to many and still is. The bands fan base more than doubled during this time and seeing the impact they had worldwide was astounding to many of the fans.

The Fundamental Elements of Southtown Released: 08.24.99 This highly anticipated major label debut was well-received by the Warriors. "Southtown" was played on MTV's show "120 Minutes", P.O.D.'s MTV debut appearance. The "Rock the Party" video hit 1 on TRL in July of 2000 because of the very dedicated Warrior fan base. The video was only the third by a rock band to hit 1 on TRL! The album was certified gold by April 2000 and P.O.D. was invited by Adam Sandler to record the lead single for his movie "Little Nicky," which resulted in the popular "School of Hard Knocks" video. In November 2000, TFEOS hit Platinum. This was an exciting time for the Warriors and the band as things just exploded and there was such a strong sense of pride within P.O.D.'s fan base seeing their favorite bands in places they never imagined.

The Warriors EP Released: 05.04.99 This EP was released to give the Warriors new P.O.D. tunes to listen to while waiting for the first Atlantic Records album to drop. The band named the album after their dedicated Warriors. Only 30,000 copies were made and this EP is now a highly sought-after collectors item. The Warriors highly enjoyed new songs such as "Southtown" that were accompanied by an accordion introduction. The buzz for the Atlantic records release was high and this was one of the many ways the band gave back to the fans before blowing up and creating thousands of newer fans Worldwide!!

Live Released: 1997 The band has always felt as if they are more of a live band than a studio band. Warriors felt exactly the same way and because of this, P.O.D. decided to record their 1997 performance at Tomfest in Washington. Any person who experiences P.O.D. live walks away stunned, and this live recording blasts the sounds of a show that was not to be forgotten for many OG Warriors that day.

Brown Released: 1996 When Brown was released, the industry was even more impressed by their musical growth over the past couple years. The music was more intense, the lyrics more developed, and the band's underground popularity soared. They independently recorded a video for "Selah," showing footage from a pit crazy hometown show and the band performing in front of cars from the local San Diego car club and some of their neighborhood friends. The band sold 30,000 copies on tour. Due to the intense buzz that was created around the country and the relevant style of this album Diamante distribution began to distribute P.O.D.'s albums, soon many warriors were able to buy the album in local stores. The band toured the country and back relentlessly and many experienced this album live.

Snuff The Punk Released: 1993 This first album by P.O.D. was a groundbreaking release. P.O.D.'s unique blend of "hard core/thrash and street hip hop" started a new sound of rock music, deviating from the straight rock sound that was popular in the early 90's. This album already gained the attention of record labels even though it was the band's first album. Many bands sprung up after hearing this sound, but not many could claim the roots or street credibility that this album and the boys from San Diego brought forth. The band packed their bags and hit the road in a cross-country tour and sold copies of the album out of the trunk. Many old school Warriors can recall owning this album on tape. Attending small shows and hanging out with the band. The realness of P.O.D shined thru on this album and started it all.