August 2007 Artist of the Month

Email interview with Jon Parker, guitarist for Nodes of Ranvier
June 25, 2007

www.myspace.com/nodesofranvier

Nodes of Ranvier formed in the fall of 2000. The band started as an outlet for fun and expression by its members. The band makes music with the intention of enjoying what they create and hoping that others will enjoy it as well. Nodes has gone through several lineup changes in its existence with the newest line up being: Jon Parker (guitar), Josh Ferrie (percussion), Kyle Benecke (vocals), Brady Murphy (bass), and Jake Stefek (guitar). Past members have included: Tyler Maine, Jeremy Schwartz, Zach Poppinga, Nick Thomas, Jon Schuld and Thomas Hentges. In the Spring of 2002, Nodes of Ranvier released a split CD with the Iowa based band, Innocence Broken, on winterinjuly records. The following summer they released a full length album on Facedown Records, "Lost Senses, More Innocence". July 2003 brought a new album from Nodes of Ranvier that they feel best represents what this band is all about in all aspects... musically, emotionally, and visually. Due to the bands' confidence in all aspects of that album they simply named it "Nodes of Ranvier". In April 2005 Nodes have again claimed their territory with "The Years to Come". Nodes of Ranvier have also toured the U.S. numerous times and continue to tour at least 6 months a year. Nodes has had the privilege to have shared the stage with: Bleeding Through, EXTOL, Living Sacrifice, Zao, Misery Signals, Bury Your Dead, Every Time I Die, Norma Jean, Evergreen Terrace, Me Without You, Caliban, Glass Casket, and REFLUX.

Dennis: Nodes of Ranvier, what does the name mean to you guys?
Jon: When I was a Junior in High school I took an anatomy and physiology class and that is where the name was discovered. At this point the band hadn't even played its first show. The meaning of the name of the band really has no meaning to the band. It has become a moniker for us and the way most of the things this band has done are a bit "left of center".

Dennis: What has the transition been like going from a Christian oriented label to getting on with Victory, who have been incredible at helping bridge some of the market?
Jon: The only real transition is getting used to Victory's much larger operation. They have a very large work force and instead of calling one or two people, I now call dozens. Both labels have done their best to see to it that this band moves forward. Facedown was a great home for our first three records and Victory is the next step in the ever-changing evolution of this band.

Dennis: "Defined by Struggle" is an amazing album! The overall concept is defined within the title. What gave you guys the direction and motivation to show light in those dark times of struggle and chaos?
Jon: The Motivation was basically everyday life. This band has struggled through its entire career. For me, seven years of putting 100% of myself into something as stressful as this band has taught me the value of perseverance. On this album, more so than any other we've worked on, struggle has been the catalyst for  our musical material.  

Dennis: Your lyrics are very open about your faith in God. Tracks like "Wrathbearer" is very clear with the lyrics stating, "Fools that laugh and mock beware, most will surely weep in hell.." I love that boldness but also know that it comes with a price tag.  Do you guys ever get challenged by your boldness?
Jon: Before I answer this question let me first explain that not everyone in this band is a Christian. We have a great respect for each other and in that we are not really setting out to be a Ministry. The lyrics on this record are near and dear to some of us and this particular line is not meant to be taken as some sort of judgment. The idea behind the song "Wrathbearer" is to show the life of someone who is diametrically opposed to the idea of Christ as a Savior and then realizing in a moment of humility their own need for him. It basically tells the story of a heart being changed. Many of us have seen this is our own lives.

Dennis: The last several years and come with a lot of changes with the lineup. Who are the original member still remaining and how would you define the mesh with the current mix?
Jon: I am the lone original member and I say that with no pride attached. The people I've been able to work with in this band has made the experience even richer. It would have been nice to have optimal conditions from day one so that less changes could have occurred but people gotta do what people gotta do. We have always taken what we've been handed and challenged our own bounds with the energy it takes to simply continue on. The current line up is something I am very proud of. I don't think we have ever had this kind of musical comradery and I believe no matter what you might think about the record you can hear what I've just explained on this disc.


Dennis: Do you ever question your faith? How do you overcome that?
Jon: I question my faith on a daily basis to some degree. That's what makes it faith.  This is not to say that I question faith in and of itself. It's not about loop holes and justification of things I should avoid but rather a means to constantly understand and solidify what it is I call Truth.

Dennis: What is the hardest thing about being on the road touring?
Jon: Trying to perform in different settings every night yet trying to be consistent in our performances. It would be nice someday to get to the point where we can control more of what we are putting out to the audience.

Dennis: If you were on a deserted island and could take 3 things with you,  what would it be and why?
Jon: 1. My girlfriend because she is amazing company and from what I can tell, deserted islands are quite drab.
2. My MP3 Player because man cant live on bread alone.
3. Solar powered electrical converters.....because I was thinking about this darn question too long.

Dennis: It seems like more people are searching for spirituality more than ever.  What advice do you have for those that are in that process?
Jon: Find it for yourself. Don't follow the leader in this area of your life. It's good to have positive role models but remember that Christ is our example, not other "Christians". It's key to have a very personal side to your faith.

Dennis: If you could tour with any band, past or present, who would it be and why?
Jon: I think we all could agree that being around in Black Sabbaths hay day would have been pretty cool. The sounds that that band was producing at the time were truly like nothing else anyone had heard before. It would have been cool to have been as surprised as everyone else when they first came onto the "scene". Metallica around the Master of Puppets release would have been mind blowing as well and for this I should need no explanation.  Haha.