Having released their first album, Come Home in 2008, their popularity amongst old and new fans continues to thrive.
As depicted by the band, the album is about “worship, redemption and hope”. In today’s world where most of us are trying to hold onto faith and hope, sometimes by our fingertips, it’s refreshing to come across a group of young guys that can inspire so many people, through their music and lyrics.
Each track on ‘Come Home’ offers an intimate message for the listener, from “One God” to “Ever Wondered”, the words are simply moving. ::Harbourlight:: are currently working on their second album and undoubtedly it will be as rousing as their first.
With the release of ‘Come Home’, as a band you must feel relieved and thrilled all at once. What’s the best experience you have each had with the band thus far?
Shaun: Our first ever gig at the University of Johannesburg in 2008 — with about 1000 very loud students.
Craig: Same as Shaun, as well as the time we played at UJ and Wits for the Mission Week in 2009.
Josh: I guess there have been many. One that stands out — we were due to play an outdoor gig at Gateway shopping centre in Durban, and a huge storm was building up over the city. We were advised to opt out, but instead we decided to pray against the storm. The clouds miraculously changed direction and we got to play!
Ash: The CD launch event at Thaba Ya Batswana
Chris: Travelling to Durban last year, and to Cape Town in February earlier this year — our first time flying somewhere together
Do you have plans or are you working on a second album release?
Absolutely, we’re busy writing songs and coming up with some ideas in the studio at the moment. Recording will start later this year, and the album will release in the first half of next year. We’re really excited about the new material!
Besides being passionate about and very committed to Harbourlight, what else do each of you do?
Craig: I work with computers (that’s the simple version). Love golf, but don’t get the chance to play much.
Shaun: I work full time for the band which takes up most of my time.
Josh: I’m a vet. My wife and I love gardening together in our spare time.
Ash: I’m a 3rd year law student and I teach drums at a music college
Chris: I work at a social media firm in Sandton and I’m studying a B.Sc at Wits University
I’m sure you guys feel like one big family, how do you deal with your sibling- like fights?
We don’t really fight that often, but if we do, we just sit down and talk it out. Or we arm-wrestle.
What are your individual personality traits and does this influence each one’s contribution to the band?
Shaun — Focused, knows what he’s after
Craig — Relaxed and easygoing. Loves to joke around
Josh — Wise, daydreamer
Ash — Determined, funny
Chris — Social, creative thinker
Do you all have the same taste in music or does it differ?
No, we have quite a broad range of interests between us, but there’s common ground; we all enjoy the style of music that we play.
Besides the bands expressed vision of the verse from Psalm 24, what is each of your favourite or inspired brief quotes or message from the bible?
Shaun: Psalm 27:4 – “One thing I ask of the Lord, this, what I seek: that I may dwell in the house Lord all the days of my life, to gaze upon the beauty of the Lord and to seek Him in His temple.”
Josh: Psalm 37:4 – “Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart.”
Craig: Everyone spends time equally, and you’ll never get it back. Use it wisely and live every moment for God.
Ash: Romans 8:31 – “If God is for me, who can be against me?”
Chris: Philippians 4:13 – “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me”
Are there any other local or even international Christian bands that inspire you?
Tree 63, David Crowder Band, The Passion movement, Delirious, Hillsong
Over the years there have been people who have criticised Metal and Rock music, stating that it’s evil, as a Metal Rock Christian band, what is you take on this?
We wouldn’t call ourselves a metal band; we describe our music as melodic rock. However, we believe that it’s not the genre of music that makes it evil or good; it’s the heart behind it. God looks at the heart.
By Kim Simpson
