If now is the first time you have been introduced to the CrossRoad band, then this is the question you should ask yourself.
CrossRoad is a contemporary Christian group based on the East Rand. They travel from church-to-church, leading worship and ministering through their music.
CrossRoad is made up of four members: Luke Powell on lead vocals and piano/keyboards; Richard Pratt on backing vocals and all guitars; Kevin Hill on drums and percussion and Richard Powell on bass.
The band started as the evening worship team at Trinity Sunward Park back in the mid-2000s, playing every Sunday night.
“In 2010 we felt the call to go out and spread the music that we’d been writing,” said Powell.
“This led to us recording an album of original songs and going out on the road, and we haven’t looked back.”
According to Powell, it’s a great honour to be called to minister through music.
“It’s something that we’re very thankful for; we take it seriously, but we also have a lot of fun playing together,” he explained.
“I think the sense of brotherhood is also a huge part of what makes the band work.
“We’re basically like a small church group. We see ourselves as disciples first and musicians second.”
Powell and Pratt write the majority of CrossRoad’s songs, although they also do a few covers.
“Part of our success is that we don’t have a typically modern worship sound. We tend to write rock-pop flavoured songs that are focused on Jesus,” said Powell.
This is mostly due to their influences – Powell has always been influenced by Billy Joel, Queen and Bob Seger, while Pratt’s guitar playing draws from classic rock bands.
“Our music influences come largely from the ’70s rock era,” said Powell.
They also draw inspiration from Christian artists such as Casting Crowns, Jeremy Camp, Phillips Craig & Dean and Petra.
And so they write old-style rock songs with lyrics straight out of Scripture and prayer.
So far, the band has released four albums, named Rock of Ages revisited, A New Beginning, Walking with the King, and Born in Bethlehem.
Powell also has a solo album called Just a Man.
CrossRoad has travelled all over Gauteng, to more than 60 churches. Now they have been invited to the USA in October 2016, to tour Missouri with their latest album, Walking with the King.
“Walking with the King is a collection of songs about God’s love and grace, and how He walks with us in everything we go through.
“There’s something for everyone on the album, including the rock ’n roll title track and trademark guitar-driven rock in Holy Party and Soldiers, powerful ballads like You Walked a Mile in My Shoes and Endless Mercy, light-hearted doo-wop such as My Poor Heart is True, and the special cover of Chronos’ very powerful Hammer No More.”
CrossRoad has also just released their Christmas album (Born in Bethlehem), which consists of classic Christmas carols with a rock ’n roll twist.
The band has about 12 Christmas carol events lined up in the next few weeks, to promote the album.
“Our trip to the USA is our next big mission. We are busy raising funds for that at the moment,” said Powell.
“Playing overseas is going to be the ultimate for us. It means sharing our music with different people of a different culture.”
They are also planning trips to Cape Town and Durban in 2016.
“Our goal is for our music to always bring people to Christ. When the music isn’t doing that anymore, then we’ll know our time is up,” he added.
CrossRoad would love to minister at your church, either during a service or at a breakfast or event. Bookings can be made by calling Richard on 082 460 2979.
Watch video of Never Again; a song about grace, mercy and forgiveness:
For more information:
Facebook: www.facebook.com/crossroadchristianband/?fref=ts
Website: www.crossroadband.co.za/
Twitter: @CrossRoadBandZA
