Benjamin / Star Song

Benjamin

"God's spirit will break down barriers between fathers and sons, mothers and daughters, races and nationalities, church denominations and political persuasions, and lift those who truly seek him above it all to a higher place. Our mandate comes from Ezekiel's revelation of a great creature with four heads, four sets of wings, and instead of legs, a wheel within a wheel, representing the unstoppable, unlimited power of God's blood-bought people in the last days. We believe that God will give Those who sell out to Him the power of the ox, the strength of the lion, the wisdom of the eagle, and the ability to understand of a man."

Breaking down barriers has been a persistent calling of the new ground-breaking group Benjamin. "For years, rock 'n' roll--and a lot of pop-- has been building barriers between kids and their parents," explains Benjy Gaither, founder, vocalist and songwriter of the band. "Benjamin is in the business of building bridges."

Made up of Anderson University graduates and long-time friends Jon Arnold (guitar), Beth Apple (vocals), Larry Babb (drums), Scott Dieterle (bass), and Jeanne Stafford (vocals), Benjamin eagerly plays wherever audiences are open to their radical message of discipleship, unity, and commitment.

Music and ministry came very naturally to Benjamin Gaither as he was growing up. His grandfather, a Church of God minister, and his parents, Bill & Gloria Gaither, served as strong models of faith and ministry lived out very practical in every day life. To encourage the talent that appeared at such an early age, Benjy's mother sent him to piano lessons. A young college girl by the name of Sandi Patti took up the task of teaching young Benjamin to play. "I was such a horrible student, I made her cry," admits Benjy. "My mother made me write her an apology, and to this day Sandi still has the letter!"

Piano and guitar lessons shaped Benjamin's early training, and theory and music business further prepared him while in college. There was never a time when Benjy was not writing music. Later he began collaborating on the lyrics with his sister and mother. Ironically, Benjamin's plan to take some time off from music to get a management degree headed him right back in the direction of music ministry.

Well before the recording contract came along, Benjamin's band was playing in 50-60 cities per year. It was during Benjy's summer internship at Star Song that president Darrell Harris became aware of the band. Several record companies expressed interest in them, but only one said, 'We'd love to see you live."

Benjamin knew that the band's live show was their strongest point. "I knew if a record company was going to believe in us, they had to see us live," he says. One year later, Harris saw one of Benjamin's shows, and offered a contract.

Today, Benjamin has found his own musical niche with encouraging lyrical themes and a variety of sounds that are uniquely his own. The musical influences that show through on Benjamin include everything from rock songs and pop songs to folksy sing-alongs and striking ballads.

Producers Bryan Lenox (Michael W. Smith, Angelo & Veronica), Brian Wooten (White Heart), and Richie Biggs successfully shared Benjamin's production to create an album with across-the-board appeal. "Making My Way Back Home" and "Open the Gates" will quickly catch the attention of AC radio listeners, while "The Wheel in the Wheel" and "Don't Tell Him You Love Him" will draw rock fans. Smooth melodies and powerful vocals remain the focus of every song, such as in "Rain Down" (the first single scheduled for release to radio), and lyrical messages are consistently loud and clear.

A record of this caliber and with this kind of integrity does not come along too often. Being well-written, skillfully produced, and successfully performed, Benjamin is even more distinguished by its positive and thought-provoking messages.

"The music is aggressive, but fun," states Benjamin, and the band's live performances are "like a big roller coaster," he says. Those two factors, he hopes, will help them reach out to kids who otherwise might not be listening to Christian music. The intensity of the music translates into an energetic live show with a straight forward message Benjamin hopes will speak to young people who have grown up in the church, but may not have a strong personal relationship with the Lord.

"Our biggest goal is to disciple Christian kids," he explains. "We talk to kids who are Sunday/Wednesday Christians--kids who don't live out their faith, or are having a hard time with it." Having grown up in church himself, Benjamin feels that he can relate to the challenge of finding a real relationship with Christ.

Remembering his own struggles, he wants to encourage young people to seek God personally, to make a commitment, and to live out their faith. "They are almost harder to reach," concludes Benjamin, "but I feel a real calling to talk to kids who want to be Christians but aren't really sold out. Whether speaking to kids or breaking down barriers between parents and children, Benjamin certainly exhibits through words and music a spirit that will lift listeners "above it all to a higher place."

Thedon'Tell'Emshim-Sham

Don't Tell Him You Love Him

Rain Down A Fire

Shelter Of His Love

Before Life's Evening

Makin' My Way Back Home

Open The Gates Of Heaven

In The Beginning

Tonight

The Reason To Live

On The Other Side Of The Morning

Ezekiel's Lament

Ezekiel's Call