Backstage Pass: AEffect: Music on Purpose

Published 11:14 pm Thursday, May 31, 2007

The members of AEffect say there is no right way to say their name. Guitarist, Richard Anderson says it’s up for interpretation.

“The name just hit me late one night. The music we play is because of the effect of God’s love, and we want that to affect our listeners,” Anderson explained.

The five member rock band started out when guitarist, Tyler Thomas, and drummer, Korey Waller decided to have a random jam session.

“We started playing in one band, then later quit, and started this band. We got Allen Parker our bassist, and then soon we had Richard Anderson, and Brian Caples,” Thomas said. “I think the approach in our band is different from the bands I was in before. Most bands seemed to just play music, and then you wouldn’t see them until next week. With us, we’re all best friends besides just being in a band.”

Within their music, their message is that life can be hard even as a Christian. Lead singer Brian Caples talks about an issue he’s passionate about.

“I’m really concerned about the suicide rate among young people. Depression is a huge deal with youth today; there are so many kids I know that deal with it. It’s something I personally try to get across in our music, that there is a purpose for you, you’re not alone, a lot of people have felt the way you have before. We’re trying to teach them that there is love in Jesus Christ,” Caples explained.

Bassist, Allen Parker says you will find one thing in common with all AEffect’s music.

“Every one of our songs is based around a positive message, and that’s the most important thing to me. Whether it’s a Christian message or not, there will be some kind of life lesson,” Parker said.

Richard Anderson says that while AEffect’s music maintains a positive message that it’s not sugar coated at the same time.

“When we perform, we start with music that displays the darker moments of life, but we always end with a message of hope. We try to show the audience that no matter how hard life gets that there is always hope,” he said.

If you want to check out AEffect you can see them live at the Chili House here in Meridian Saturday, June 2 at 8 p.m., and also go online and check out the band’s MySpace page at www.myspace.com/getaeffected.com. Also visit www.meridianstar.com and see the extended interview with AEffect in the Meridian 360º section.