A Little Poor Rich Folk For the Soul

Jonathan: So your band’s name is Poor Rich Folk. Can you give a little background to how this name came about and the history behind it?

Luke: Our name came from 2 Corinthians 6:3-10 when Paul is talking about his and Timothy’s struggles for the Church. He talks about all the hardships they’ve endured while continuing to faithfully serve the Lord and the Church. The last thing he says is that they “have nothing, and yet possess everything.” Poor rich folk. We, of course haven’t experienced the kind of hardships Paul did, or the faith he had either, but it’s more of an attitude. Something to strive for. We want to be people who could be described by the words in that verse. And we want to serve God and the Church with that same endurance and faithfulness.

Jonathan: What stirred in your heart that you felt that your calling was to the music ministry for Christ?

Randy: I’ve always had a thing for music. It probably came from my dad playing me to sleep with his guitar at night when I was little. I think that music is one of the greatest gifts that the LORD has blessed us with. It is used to express things that cannot be expressed simply by stating them. There is power in the lyrics, in the chords and even the arrangement. Music is something that non-believers can connect with just as much as believers, and that makes it an amazing tool.

Andy: I have known all my life that music was where I was supposed to be. Even before I started playing drums I knew I wanted to be involved somehow with Christian music. Growing up in the church of Christ and hearing countless sermons on using the talents God gave you was always a frustrating experience though, knowing what talents I had been given and knowing that I couldn’t use them in my current situation. Poor rich folk has been the exact outlet for music that I had always wanted.

Jonathan: Is it ever hard being a 3 man band? Such as driving places, carrying equipment, being at shows, or any of that?

Andy: I honestly can’t imagine it differently right now, cause it’s just what I’m so used to. I have heard the phrase, “I’m not carrying this hardware bag again” quite a few times, but that threat has not been carried through yet… thank goodness.

Jonathan: Have you seen any growth, spiritually in the group because you are playing together as band? How have you seen each other grow? Has it been a trying, yet good experience?

Luke: Absolutely. I’d say we’ve all grown a good deal. We’ve all had the opportunity to see God open doors and close doors along the way. We’ve operated as a support group and accountability group for one another. We’ve prayed together, worshiped together and experienced life together. We’ve experienced very similar convictions and learned very similar lessons all together at the same time, through the same circumstances. I’d say none of us is the same person we were, spiritually, when we started together.

Randy: Absolutely. Every time a song is written in the band it seems to open the others eyes to new things. I can’t count the number of times that Luke has played a new song for me and then engaged in conversations that edify and uplift me.

Jonathan: How would you describe your personalities?

Andy: All three of us are pretty laid-back guys. I think more than anything we just try to have fun at this, and we do a pretty good job of that I guess.

Jonathan: Has it been a trying, yet good experience?

Randy: I’m not gonna lie – there have been tough times. But God has truly delivered us from every conflict poor rich folk as a band has ever had. His hand has been at work in this band since before it was ever formed. I think that we have all gotten to the point where we don’t even worry about the next step the band will take because God has provided everything we’ve ever needed, so why should we not trust Him now? I also think that comes out in our music. It’s more than just folk music to us. It’s a way to express our hearts without having the music overpower the lyrics. Plus we just love folk music. As far as our personalities go, when we’re with each other we’re a bunch of sarcastic jerks. But in a good way… It’s good to have someone you can take shots at and take shots from and still walk away best friends.

Jonathan: If you could play with any one band or artist, who would it be?

Andy: Oh man, that is way too hard to answer. Pretty much anyone with some soul…

Luke: We opened for both Derek Webb and Shane and Shane at different times last year. I’d enjoy playing with either of them again. Jars would be fun too.

Jonathan: What is your favorite track from your latest release?

Luke: For me it’s Leaves Like Eve’s. It’s just always meant the most to me, out of everything I’ve ever written. I don’t think it’s necessarily my most creative lyrical work, or our best music. It’s just a really honest and open song for me.

Andy: It keeps changing on me. It started out as “fine.” Right now I would probably have to say “I do” I guess…

Randy: Wow…probably Everything She Loves…for this week at least…

Jonathan: What is your favorite scripture and why?

Randy: Psalm 150:6 “Let everything that has breath praise the Lord. Praise the Lord.” I love this verse because of the command it gives to every living thing. The whole psalm is talking about music and I love the fact that it says PRAISE the Lord as opposed to WORSHIP the Lord. This always reminds me that I should live my life as worship to the Lord, not just worship Him through music.

Luke: Ephesians 2:4-9 for me. I tend to forget on a regular basis, that I have nothing to do with my own salvation. The things I do to impress God don’t sway Him at all. I’m saved by His grace to His glory. At the same time, the things I do to anger God STILL don’t make him take that gift from me. He doesn’t give me what I deserve. What a great verse.

Jonathan: Any last comments?

Randy: No. I mean, I guess that was one, so…yes.