2008 Woodie Awards
Still Small Voice and the Joyful Noise draws from religion, Radiohead
JOHN BARRETT
Issue date: 7/17/08 Section: Variety
"There are tons of transformative moments and so many different musicians, both local and from out of town, so your perspective shifts constantly," he said. "It's a good place to actively pursue music."
As Still Small Voice's chief songwriter, McKenzie uses his
experiences in the Athens music scene as a key inspiration for his music.
"A common theme in my songs is about growing from experiences," he said. "That way, there's more of a connection - a deeper understanding with a positive result. The journey is important, but the end result needs to be focused on more clearly."
Whatley echoed McKenzie's positive message.
"There's a trend in music that tends to pull out and emphasize problems, but you can't expect music alone to fix all the problems in the world," he said.
With that in mind, Scurry offers advice she has learned through her music.
"Misery is easy and ultimately a weak way to live," she said. "It's easier for people to stay in that miserable state than work to get over it and move on from it."
The band naturally channels the "joyful noise" of their music into their live performances.
"We just go out and play to the best of our ability," McKenzie said. "Each song has its own kind of arc, where we get to that completely honest place in each song - something that's coming straight out of us. So we try to maintain that level of sincerity and honesty throughout the show."
Still Small Voice and the Joyful Noise will continue to promote its EP, "Love for Our Enemies," live while
preparing to record its first full-length album, slated for release in early 2009.
The members hope their performance will indicate their positive message as well as how close the members are.
"We're best friends and musicians," Scurry said. "And there's nothing more fun than being up on stage with your best friends."
Whatley ascribes an even closer connection with each other and the Athens community.
"Our band is a family, and it comes from an even larger family of friends that have played with us," Whatley said. "So for us, Still Small Voice highlights that aspect."
As Still Small Voice's chief songwriter, McKenzie uses his
experiences in the Athens music scene as a key inspiration for his music.
"A common theme in my songs is about growing from experiences," he said. "That way, there's more of a connection - a deeper understanding with a positive result. The journey is important, but the end result needs to be focused on more clearly."
Whatley echoed McKenzie's positive message.
"There's a trend in music that tends to pull out and emphasize problems, but you can't expect music alone to fix all the problems in the world," he said.
With that in mind, Scurry offers advice she has learned through her music.
"Misery is easy and ultimately a weak way to live," she said. "It's easier for people to stay in that miserable state than work to get over it and move on from it."
The band naturally channels the "joyful noise" of their music into their live performances.
"We just go out and play to the best of our ability," McKenzie said. "Each song has its own kind of arc, where we get to that completely honest place in each song - something that's coming straight out of us. So we try to maintain that level of sincerity and honesty throughout the show."
Still Small Voice and the Joyful Noise will continue to promote its EP, "Love for Our Enemies," live while
preparing to record its first full-length album, slated for release in early 2009.
The members hope their performance will indicate their positive message as well as how close the members are.
"We're best friends and musicians," Scurry said. "And there's nothing more fun than being up on stage with your best friends."
Whatley ascribes an even closer connection with each other and the Athens community.
"Our band is a family, and it comes from an even larger family of friends that have played with us," Whatley said. "So for us, Still Small Voice highlights that aspect."
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