Interview with Cape Renewal - Northern Indiana Band Can Rock it Out

Cape Renewal is a band located in Northern Indiana. Trying their hardest to "bring about a movement to resurrect spirit filled hxc," they rave their talents towards their God. This five-man band consists of Joe Sabo(vocals & guitar), Ryan Sutter (drums), Chris Leonard (bass), Mark Burkey(guitar & vocals),and Nate Dale (guitar & vocals). I recently had the opportunity of asking Nate a few questions.

Carol: You've toured and played a lot around this part of the country. Who were some of the bands that have had the opportunity to play with you?

Nate: We've had the privilege to play with amazing bands such as Taking Back Sunday, From Autumn to Ashes, Calibretto 13, and Saved by Grace. We also played with Thursday which was incredible. Not only did they put on one of the best shows we've ever seen, but they encouraged us both on and off of the stage. There are many awesome local bands in the South Bend scene as well who are quite talented. We play often with Clark, who definitely has a lot of potential to get picked up by a major label. Through playing shows, we have been able to get really close with the Canterbury Effect as well. They are a blessing to us.

C: If I remember, where you're located is full of "garage bands." Where exactly are you located, and what's the Christian scene like?

N: There is not a Christian scene here. There are a few talented Christian bands though such as and Letters to Placerville. For the most part, the scene here in general is very amazing and very supportive of us and all of the bands that work locally here.

C: How did the name "Cape Renewal" come about? Is there a hidden meaning or significance in it?

N: Our mission statement comes from Romans 12:2, "Do not conform any longer to the pattern of this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind..." We wanted to take the concept of renewal and blend it with the concept of being harbored or engulfed in God's love...hence the cape.

C: What's going on with the Canterbury Effect and you guys? What's the experience been like, and how did you guys hook up with them?

N: Our manager Andy goes to school with Alan and Levi. When we played our first show with them, we really made a connection. It's been amazing. Jon is recording our album for us right now. We are in the mixing stages and we are very excited about how everything is coming out. Jon is a genius! Alan is helping create the artwork for it as well. If it were not for these guys, this album would be a lot different.

N: What bands would you say have the same style of music that you do? Or do you have your own style set up?

N: We feel like we have our own thing going, but you can definitely feel the influences of Glassjaw, Thursday, early Zao, Boysetsfire, Underoath, and Stretch Armstrong.

C: A lot of labels have tried to sign you, and you guys have tried to get a hold of a lot of labels. Who exactly would those labels be? Are you currently signed with anyone?

N: We have not yet signed anything. We have been talking to a few labels about setting up a deal. We've been really blessed with the progress we've made on the album. Since we have been doing the album since the beginning, we may release it on our own for now. However, there is a good possibility we may sign sometime this summer. We are not allowed to discuss, in any kind of detail, the offers at hand. [Totally understand!]

C: You're going to be touring in June. Who are you touring with, and where to?

N: Tour Tour Tour....nothing is finalized, but we're looking at August with Canterbury Effect and/or Symphony in Peril.

C: Final comments: questions. Or anything that you feel needs to be said about the band or...well, anything.

N: Shawn Jonas (ex-Zao) came in on the album and did some guest vocals for us on a track. We are very excited about the way it turned out. We are trying to bring about a movement to resurrect spirit filled hxc. Having Shawn's voice on the album will lend us credibility as he is (in our eyes) the definitive voice of spirit filled hxc. His new band, Symphony in Peril, is going to be a must see for the summer of 2002 as spirit filled hxc returns.

For the latest in news, tour dates, music, pics, and more check out www.caperenewal.com and then show your friends. Look for these guys in the future because they are going to go somewhere! They will be featured on an upcoming comp CD for Burning Records which will be distributed freely at Cornerstone this summer. Look for them and mention my name!

Cape Renewal - www.caperenewal.com
Ripoff - www.ripoffonline.net
Clark - www.clarkclarkclark.com
Letters to Placervile - www.letterstoplacerville.com
the Canterbury Effect - www.canterburyeffect.com
Symphony in Peril - www.symphonyinperil.com
Burning Records - www.burningrecords.com