Wakeup Sleeper, named to reflect Ephesians 5:14, is comprised of James Chester (guitars, vocals), Jesse Loux (drums), Evan Smith (bass), and Phil Marsalona (guitars).
For years, vocalist, James Chester, had been crafting songs to express truth about the character of God. His first collection of songs for the church, Increase the Decrease, was released in 2006 under the James Chester Band.
Believing he was called to lead worship and continue in writing songs for fellow worshippers, James asked God to provide local musicians with a like-minded heart. A chance meeting at a local church with drummer, Jesse Loux, answered what James had been praying for. Just months later, the current lineup had established a common vision and a strong bond.
In July 2007, Wakeup Sleeper cut a three song EP at Milkboy Recording Studio. The songs prove that four guys with distinctly different musical influences ranging from Damien Rice to Radiohead to mewithoutYou, are a strong team that attempts to shift the musical boundaries of what the traditional church considers worship.
Similar to other postmodern worship bands, Wakeup Sleeper hopes to be relevant to culture, lift up the role of art in the church, and reshape the sometimes-misconstrued views on worship. At its core, the group desires to explore what it truly means to live a life that overflows with worship of Christ. This goal is reflected in their rhythmic anthem, 'Let Everything,' which vows devotion to God in every aspect of life. It's a reminder to the church of what the role of a worshipper is - turning your life over to God in adoration. "Worship for me isn't just about giving back to God what he has given me. It's about living your life in a way that brings honor and glory to His name all the time," explains bassist, Evan Smith.
"The somber dissonance of 'Glory' is by no means unintentional. It's a song that came out of my thoughts from a study on the book of Hebrews," says James. The music conveys a very thick and solemn reality of being in the presence of God- the very God who changed the course of history by sending His son. "The song writing process for me," says James, "is an outpouring of what God is teaching me at the current time. I try to write about more than just how great God is. He is eternally great – that is true- but his words to us are deep, and the things we have to say back to him are about much more than just rejoicing. I want to give those things a voice for us as worshippers."
"The Turning EP," is currently being sold on itunes. 'Proskuneo', the Greek word for worship, which means 'to turn and kiss,' inspired the title to this latest project. It's a statement Wakeup Sleeper wants the church to hear above all the music: worship requires turning away from ourselves and towards God.
Please visit www.wakeupsleeper.com for more information on Wakeup Sleeper.
Great music, guys! I'd love to work with you sometime, so please think of Frigo Recording when you get ready to do your next project, whether you need us to track and mix, or simply mix your tracks. We do great work, and have the experience to back it up.
We have nearly 20 years of recording and mixing experience, with major label credits on many gold, platinum, and multi-platinum selling albums for top name artists, producers, and musicians, so please check us out and keep us in mind for your next project.
Hey thanks for adding us, & if you could do us a favor & spread the word- the more youth workers & youth we have connected to each other the better! & thank you for all that you do in our world, Peace, LPC Youth Network
so I got to talk to you guys a bit this past weekend at LC and you guys definately rock!! You pump me up, and i was sooo excited for God! I was part of Central Baptist, and being able to rock out and praise Him no matter what the circumstances are. An update on our leader Flo who broke her femur.... She had her surgery Monday and it went well. She's still in a pretty fair amount of pain, but with the morphine, she seems to be doing a lot better. We loved dancing around in the front row, and getting everyone else excited for God too!!! Thanks guys!
i'm that u guyz arent gonna be at my winter retreat, this year to northbay. i'm goona being going after u ppl leave!! so sad, for the past 2 years u've been there. i'll miss u guys!
AHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!!!!!!!!!! i totally didnt know you guys were coming to winter retreat again this year to do the worship. Im pretty sure you all dont realize how happy it makes me to know that you all are doing the worship =] of course you guys are going to rock, but worship is always one of my favorite things at winter camp =]=]=] so i guess thanks for coming WOO!!
Love, Lindsey
P.S. we need to play our annual big booty game. Good times, good times.. =D
hey james, i know you were wanting to hear some stuff that came from my studio -- goeth unto http://vikingcamel.com. it's an assortment of stuff in the player. in a few weeks, the tracks from Calling Out Closer will be up too. anyway, catch ya later. :) - jeremy
Hey James, Jessey, Evan and Phill i miss you guys so much and cant wait to see you. Oh and i got a sick poster of you guys were giving you guys one too when phill comes home. well i cant wait!!!!
Hey Guys!! Your music, and new name is great. i love it. So in my new school, I think im in a class with Kristi's cousin Jamie? She was talking about her cousin Kristi, ad Husband James. And i was like James Chesterr???? it was great. so ya.. it was funny =]
Ive gotten a dozen phone calls since your concert at our church last night and I have to tell you - every comment was positive.
Your faithfulness to your ministry, to each other, and to all of the people you met here in Berlin was immediately evident. Continue with God's grace and know you have 250 new fans in Berlin.
Hey James and Kristi. I hope you two are having a great week. I just wanted to let you guys know, that sunday was really great, i still have the sheet from it, i really do love that passage. Good job with the lesson and worship james! hahaha and good tech kristi! Your so talented :P
