The traditional rhythm, blues, and jazz foundation that first birthed modern rock in the 1960s is no longer. The requisite horn section, once signature to Big Bands of decades past, is now obsolete. Selectric Records’ latest signing, super-charged phenomenon Cross Culture, is one of several up-and-coming bands to synthesize music’s past and present, resulting in a contemporary rock-funk sound. The band showcases this growing trend on its debut label project, Proof Positive.
Self-described as eclectic and energetic, deep and intricate, it’s difficult to pinpoint any single source of Cross Culture’s musical influence. “Our versatile sound goes hand in hand with the band’s name,” comments singer and songwriter Justin David. “We cross traditional cultural boundaries by mixing standard rock with touches of funk and Latin groove.”
The history of Cross Culture dates back to 1998. Justin and drummer Chris Wright attended high school together in Columbus, Ohio. Upon graduation, they co-founded the band Color. Two months later, Color, influenced heavily by the ska movement, had grown to seven members and incorporated a three-piece horn section comprising players of diverse ethnic backgrounds. That summer, the band sold 1,000 copies of its self-produced EP, The Water’s Leaking, cementing its signature riff-laden funk/rock style. In 2002, Color downsized to its current members, Justin, Chris, as well as guitarist Dan Harrass, and updated its name to Cross Culture.
“Cross Culture has a similar meaning to our former name Color,” Justin says. “We represent multiple races and musical heritages. Among the three of us, we also listen to a broad range of music. All of those personal preferences are reflected in our versatile sound.”
The concept works well for Cross Culture. The band freely draws from many well-loved musical sources to create music that offers something for everyone, especially on its national debut release, Proof Positive.
Produced by Grammy-winning duo John and Dino Elefante, Proof Positive kicks off in signature Cross Culture fashion with the full-throttle, seize-the-moment anthem “This Moment in Time.” The album maintains unwavering momentum from one intricate track to the next, including stand-out song and first music video, “Swing.” To temper the album’s overall intensity, Cross Culture includes a jazzy, melodic tune, “The Way It Should Be,” which speaks of decision in the middle of failure. Among Cross Culture’s most musically diverse cuts is “Wave,” an effective amalgamation of surf rock, Latin horns and rap. The hybrid style of “Wave” successfully relates its universal message about perseverance amidst life’s ups and downs. This seems to be the pervading theme of Proof Positive, that absolute brokenness can breed strong, effective new beginnings.
Cross Culture makes its faith-based beliefs honest and transparent in its music. “One of These Days” is a prime example. Justin explains, “I went through a bit of an adolescent slump, and my world suffered because of it. I felt like I was headed for disaster. I had been told by so many outlets that unless the clothes and the shoes were just right and I had the right walk and the right friends, I would amount to nothing. This song talks about our aspirations to grow and to become better individuals than anyone said we could. Better than what everyday life expects of us and could ever achieve.
We want our listeners to know that there is something bigger and more meaningful than the status quo. Regardless of their history or past mistakes, they are worth something. It’s a life-changing truth that we hope comes across in our music.”
Aware that being a band on stage is something bigger, the members of Cross Culture draw on personal experiences to set their purpose as a group. "We strive to be an example to others individually and as a band. We are driven by our faith in Jesus Christ, and living the "Culture" of the Cross."
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