Music may move you, but does it change you?
Music that one records is usually impacted directly by present life circumstances. "Our debut album with Gotee,
Platinum is a direct reflection of where we all were at the time the Jesus Freak Tour ended. We were enthusiastic
about what the last three years of touring as dcTalk's band had produced in us. We wanted to be an extension of both
their music and their ministry, yet still be an entity of our own." Out of this was birthed Zilch. "Our first few months as a
new band were difficult."
Struggle always brings you closer to God and through our difficulties God has brought us closer to His purpose for
us....worship. As a result, we have a renewed desire to incorporate worship into every part of our lives from our homes
to the stage."
The new album from Zilch, entitled Millennium, will be in stores November 17,1998. "We wanted Millennium to be the
title of our second album even before we decided to make it a praise and worship record. We looked up the meaning of
the word in the dictionary and realized it was perfect for our new direction, Millennium means 'a longed for period of
Joy, Prosperity, and Hope.' That is the very essence of praise and worship."
The new record is a combination of classic, current and original praise and worship songs freshly arranged and
fashioned with Zilch's unique, modern rock/pop sound that is more progressive than the happy sounds of Platinum.
Some of the cover tunes included songs such as Bill Gaither's "Something About That Name," "Holiness (Take My
Heart)," and Delirious' "I Could Sing Of Your Love Forever." There are four original songs including, "My Refuge" and
"Holy One." "Originally, we were concerned about the current trend of bands using praise and worship. We didn't want
to jump on the newest trend in Christian music. Almost immediately though, God helped the guys in Zilch to see that
when it comes to worship, competition is inconsequential in the light of our great God. "We now have the desire for as
many artists and bands as possible to join us in the direct worship of our God. Worship is where the body of Christ can
begin to find true freedom and unity."
Millennium is being produced by Zilch with the aid of Brian Lenox as the vocal producer. Jeff Deyo will lead the album
vocally, however, like on Platinum, Jason and Otto will also participate in that arena. You can expect some
collaboration with artists/musicians like Micah Wilshire (Wilshire), David Davidson (Ben Folds Five, Flemming and
John), George Cocchini (Amy Grant, Michael W. Smith, dcTalk), Greg Herrington (Martina McBride, Reality Check,
Audio Adrenaline) and many others. Also appearing on the project arw Lisa Kimmey Bragg from Out of Eden, Wilshire,
and the Katina's.
Zilch have pulled from their roots during the writing, recording, and song selection process of Millennium. Individually,
they have all been heavily involved in worship as leaders and/or players at their home churches. As assistant music
director, Jason Halbert spent five years leading praise and worship at his home church in Beaumont, TX. Otto Price
directed the choir and played in the worship team at his home church in Atlanta for seven years. Jeff Deyo traveled as
a solo artist/worship leader for five years, leading praise and worship for camps, retreats, and conferences with
organizations like Teen Mania and Youth for Christ. They all have played or currently play in worship bands at their
home churches.
As they have grown both individually as well as a band, Zilch has begun to see their lives and talents in the light of
eternity. "Every decision we make should be born out of God's heart and love for not only us, his children, but also for
the unsaved. What a privilege it has been for Zilch to be a vessel of God and to be a part of making music that not only
moves the listener, but has the potential to change them.
