Home: T : True Vibe : Biography

Biography (courtesy of Essential Records)

There's always been a lot of light in the world of True Vibe.
Often, it's come in the form of a spotlight, such as the one that shone on the newly formed four-man vocal group during a live performance of the national anthem during an NBA playoff game, months before they even thought about having a record deal. Other times, it's come in the form of strobes and multi-colored lights, like the kind that bathed them as an opening act for multi-platinum selling Destiny's Child. Still others, it's come in the form of headlights, shining from a bus carrying the group from city to city, traveling on the success of their well-received self-titled debut album.

But, all of the time, the light shining on Jason Barton, Jordan Roe, Nathan Gaddis and Jonathan Lippmann is of the more spiritual kind, and that's the one they want to share with fans new and old on their sophomore Essential Records release See The Light.

In an era of seemingly disposable pop music, True Vibe takes a more classic approach to its vocal style. A quartet in the truest sense of the word (featuring two tenors, a baritone and bass), True Vibe revels in its ability to deliver not only high-energy pop music, but also heartfelt contemporary ballads and the occasional a cappella tune. Through their music, they seek to show how God's love has altered them and how it can change the lives of everyone with whom they come in contact.

"Based on the record's title, See The Light, you might think that we plan to lead others to the light. That's not the case," Jason says. "We're here to encourage people to live life in a way that ignites a fire within."

On See The Light, the members of True Vibe have made a conscious effort, primarily through lyric, to peel back the layers and reveal the things that are important to them, be it relationships both temporal and spiritual, interaction with peers and each other, and the simple joys that life in Christ can bring. It's a vulnerability that's often hard won for young men living in the beginning of the 21st century.

"People often view vulnerability as a flaw or a weakness. I believe that by opening up, you are revealing your true self, allowing others to see you for who you really are," Jordan says. "When we're in the studio and especially up on stage, we pray that people will see us for who we really are."

Thanks to the collaboration of producers Dan Muckala (Aaron Neville, Mandy Moore), Todd Collins (Out of Eden, tobyMac), Pete Kipley (Rachel Lampa, Plus One) and Take 6's Mark Kibble with Jonathan Lippmann on "Not What I Say," True Vibe remains firmly in step with the musical styles of today. True Vibe also teamed up with songwriters including Scott Krippayne, 4HIM's Mark Harris, Dan Muckala and Mark Kibble to pen several songs on the project.

Concerning the title track, Jonathan notes, "Mathew 5:16 says: 'Let your light so shine before men, that they may see your good works and glorify your Father in heaven.' This means that a godly life gives convincing testimony of the saving power of God. This song is meant to encourage believers to step up and be bold in allowing our lives to serve as a testimony to Jesus Christ."

Jason describes "You Are Holy" as one of his favorite tracks on the record and an important element of the overall message on See The Light. "I think we have come to realize just how essential worship is not only to us, but also to our listeners. We don't want this record to be something that people just bob their heads to while driving down the road. We want them to experience something more than 'good feelings;' we want them to have an encounter with God. What better way to experience God than to worship Him?"

The up-tempo "Supernatural" reminds us just how unbelievable some of the everyday miracles of life, and especially a life in Christ, can be. "As humans, it is sometimes hard for us to imagine the miracles that God can do and does daily," Nathan says. "God's daily grace is a miracle in itself; it's truly supernatural."

Singing together is what True Vibe does best, an interesting notion considering the difference in background … be it geographic, age, experience, interests … the members have. But having come through a very successful two-year period where the opportunities to grow together were legion, True Vibe is a stronger outfit than even they ever thought possible.

"We've poured our hearts and talents into this project," Jordan says. "We all grew up learning music the classical way, but with different influences. See The Light is a representation of the various styles we appreciate."

"Each of us brings something different to the table, but for the past two years we've all been experiencing things in much the same way," Nathan says. "Be it touring, ministering overseas, receiving letters from people about their spiritual journey-because we share so much, we learn to celebrate our differences."

At the same time, the members of True Vibe can't deny their own personal growth, both as musicians and as men. "I can look at every one of these guys and see something that wasn't there two years ago," Jason says. "Whether it be speaking on stage or singing or songwriting—I see definite improvement in so many areas. I don't think that would have happened had it not been for the time we've spent together."

With See The Light, True Vibe invites you past the facade of show business and into the hearts and lives of four talented young men, asking you to take hope, comfort and encouragement in what you find there. "In my daily walk with Christ, I am constantly reminded of His forgiveness," Jonathan comments. "I am blown away by how Christ pardoned my iniquities by being a living sacrifice. I have been forgiven, and now I live for Him! That's what our music is all about."