With young bands, it's not uncommon to have members rotate in and out--for bands to break up and re-form using players from other local bands. The revolving door of players is something that comes with the territory, and has the double-edged sword of getting the best musicians together, and of stymieing band momentum.

Wisconsin's WithoutExcuse hasn't had that problem.

Sure, the pop/punk outfit has seen its share of personnel transition. But at its core has been a deliberate, God-led mission to take the band through various stages of growth. And, perhaps even more rare, the former members become the band's mentors, advisors and biggest cheerleaders.

The culture and legacy developed over time has propelled the current iteration of the group to new heights as they're rapidly gaining attention for their latest project, Clearly Seen [buy on iTunes]. 

Not only did I ask questions of the individual members of the band, but we got some answers from them as a band. Just picture the entire band answering in a creepy unison voice together. This group is united, indeed!

Tell me about Wausau, Wisconsin. What's it known for? What's the music scene like in your neck of the woods? 

WithoutExcuse: Wausau is known for the "Art." There's a lot of focus on the arts. There's The Grand Theater, Arts Block, art festivals, the Big Bull Falls Blues Festival and lots of events that feature music and art of all kinds. 

Rachel Mattson (lead vocals): Every week there's the Concert on the Square, Marketplace Thursday where they have bands. It's a very music and art friendly city. 

Devin Schmidt (guitar/lead vocals): It's very diverse. You can hear any type of music you want somewhere or sometime in Wausau. There are a lot of cultures, people groups, and variety in music. 

How did the current lineup meet? Did any of you have experience in previous bands?

Rachel: (Placing hands on Devin's shoulders) Well, we met... oh my gosh, that just reminded me of a Christian Mingle ad... "we met..." Sorry, I've had a long day with no humor in it.

WithoutExcuse: This is actually a difficult question. Each time a member has transitioned out of the band, God has brought a new member to the band. So, it's difficult to say how each of us met. Our members who have transitioned out, aren't really gone though. For example, Riley, Isaac, Zach, and Dalton are all such a huge part of who we are as a band today. Though they have all gone on to college, they still come back from time to time to either hang with us or help us. Riley is going to play a show with us in October. We're hoping to do a reunion show with them next summer. 

Although you're new in some respects, your band is six years old, and has gone through a lot of transition. What would you say is most different about you guys from when you started, and what has stayed the same throughout?

WithoutExcuse: What has stayed the same is that WithoutExcuse was founded for music ministry and we're still all about ministry. Our original sound is somewhat different from what it is today, but we've always had strong male and female lead vocals. Another thing that is the same is that we've always had a passion for writing our own songs, and the songs all seem to speak to young people and young people issues. 

We kind of see ourselves as having three phases. There's the Original WithoutExcuse with stylistic guitar and airy/flowy melody and lyrics about drowning and desperately needing God. Then, there's WithoutExcuse Season 2 where Danny (our founding member) replaced original members because they all went away to college. Season 2 is where the band members really started to develop the style and sound that WithoutExcuse has today. It was a time of growth, both musically and spiritually.

From Season 2, the members have one by one transitioned out as God led them to new paths and ministries. Likewise, He has also transitioned new members in. Although, our former members are still very much involved. Rachel came in as a Season 2 member and is our longest member. Dalton and Rachel really transitioned the band from Season 2 to WithoutExcuse Today. Most Season 2 members stay in very close contact and remain WithoutExcuse family--still very much involved.
 
What does your founding lead guitarist, Danny, mean to you guys now, even as he's doing his own thing with his band? What's his role?

Dillon Knoblock (guitar/keys): Well, he's my brother, and I guess, for me specifically, it's just neat to have him as our founding member. I look up to him. I want to follow in his footsteps. It's cool that he started the band.

WithoutExcuse: Danny has shared his knowledge and experience with the band. He introduced us to people like sound and recording engineer, Josh Stoll, who produced our last three albums. He gained a wealth of knowledge when he toured and brought that back to help us develop as a band. Danny is very talented and has an ear for details. He's collaborated on the production of our CDs and is still available to us for advice and consultation. We're very proud to carry on the ministry that he and his group of friends started. 

Clearly Seen is the new record you put out at the beginning of the summer. How has it been received, and what are you adding to the worship conversation with its release? 

Devin: I've been really struck by how much I really appreciate everyone that comes to our shows, buys our music, tell us they like it. I mean, you hear bands say all the time that they really appreciate the fans, but the release of Clearly Seen [buy on iTunes] has really made me realize how much I truly appreciate the support of our fans. 

All of the songs, in one way or another, tie back into the message of Clearly Seen. From seeing humanity as in desperate need of our Lord, yet also being fiercely and unconditionally loved by Him. To understanding that we can't rely on the world, and the temptations of the world and flesh will only lead us to fear and darkness, whereas Christ, as our "Sun/Son" or guiding light, leads us to love and light and a life of satisfaction with our Father. As well as just living in light of the pure joy of the Gospel, as in the song "Happy Day." All of the songs point to how we can see this life and this world for what it truly is!

The Lord has been showing me the concept of "seeing clearly" in multiple ways since the CD was released. And we hope that the Lord will reveal the same truth to the listeners and help them to see Him clearly. 

What are some Bible verses that guide not only your band/ministry, but the new album as well?

WithoutExcuse: Our main verse, that we usually say at our shows, is Romans 1:20. It's where our name comes from. "For since the creation of the world, God's invisible qualities--His eternal power and divine nature--have been clearly seen being understood from what has been made so that men are without excuse." It means that God reveals himself to us in the beauty of nature and His creation. We have no excuse but to know He exists. 

Beau: My favorite verse is Acts 1:8: "But you will receive power when the Holy Spirit comes on you; and you will be my witnesses in Jerusalem, and in all Judea and Samaria, and to the ends of the earth." I feel like this is what we do; we're going out there and sharing the Gospel. 

Describe your sound to someone who's never heard you. (Describe your live show, too.)

WithoutExcuse: We're pop/punk. We have a pop style, sound and lyrics with a bit of kick or edge. We've been told that the edge is what makes us unique. I think it's been infused because of some of the heavier sounding bands that have inspired us. 

Devin: We've been called "power pop," but I don't like that. It makes me think of the Powerpuff Girls. 

Beau: Yeah, Just me personally, I don't find "power pop" as appealing as "pop/punk." 

WithoutExcuse: Our live shows are high energy and fun. We try to get everyone up front, jumping around. We like to slow down and have a time of worship, and then we kick it up again, jump around, and just have fun. Sometimes we throw in a Twenty One Pilots cover. 

Often we'll be asked to lead worship for youth retreats or other events. Those are all about worship and not entertaining. We really try to bring the audience in and get them into the worship, but it's all about Him and not about us. 

How can people be praying for you? 

WithoutExcuse: We would love if people would pray for the ministry of WithoutExcuse, that we honor God and follow the direction He's taking us. That He gives us opportunities to share the Gospel. Pray that God would continue to work in us and mold us.

Personally, Rachel, Devin, and Dillon are all taking college courses and could really use prayers for their ability to manage everything they're involved in. Beau could also use your prayers as he is working very hard in high school.

Buy Clearly Seen on iTunes here.