Rock is making a glorious comeback these days, and while some bands who decided to try out an EDM flavor in their music will go running back to their guitars, the bands who had an unfaltering dedication to rock music will have a leg up as they hit the ground running--bands like up-and-comers 6th Day Made.

Showing hints of U2, Bon Jovi and even Depeche Mode, the trio that makes up this Michigan-based rock outfit is passionate about good rock music, biblical truth and giving anyone who will listen the chance to encounter the Holy Spirit. They've taken their music across the country to numerous venues and festivals, and now, with the release of their two debut singles--"The Story of Love" and "Tell Me Why"--a larger audience than ever will get to experience rock music as it's meant to be heard. 

Frontman and guitarist Mark Maggard introduced his band to the Christian music world by answering nine questions about the band's beginnings, heart and future. 

What's your origin story? How did you all get together and decide playing music was something you wanted to do on a serious level?

Jeff Trent [drummer] and I met in 2007. We were each in a different Christian band performing at the same show. After the show we were talking and really got along well and realized how much we had in common. Jeff is such a remarkable student of music as well as a great drummer. Then in 2008 I was introduced to our bassist, "Doc" [Randy Healy] by a mutual drummer friend and the first time we played together we recognized an anointing. In 2014 Jeff, Doc and myself began playing together and each of us share the passion, calling and commitment to do this at the highest level. In 2015 we instituted 6th Day Made.

What are your day jobs? What are your secret identities when you're not playing music?

Jeff is a Senior Designer with Axis Engineering. Although he's not officially practicing, Doc is a Naturopathic Doctor. And I work at an electronics factory.

Tell us about where you're from, and what your involvement is at your local churches. 

Jeff resides in Dundee, Michigan. Doc lives in Birch Run, Michigan and I live in Davison, Michigan. Each of us attend different churches and Doc and Jeff serve on different praise teams often. I am a seminary graduate with a pastoral diploma and have served in many different capacities locally.
 
Explain your live experience for those who haven't seen it.

The 6DM live experience is rock music that exalts the Savior, evangelizes the lost and edifies the saints. Our mission is the church's mission. When you encounter 6DM live our hope and expectation is that you'll encounter the Holy Spirit.

It's great to hear rock bands in this pop/electronic age still holding it down. What's the state of rock music these days? Have you ever felt pressure to change stylistically, and why didn't you? (Glad you didn't!)

I think the state of rock music will always be rebellious and changing. However, I've noticed that modern music always seems to look back to and incorporate and implement vintage music. 6DM hasn't really felt the pressure to change stylistically. As it is, we play in many diverse styles including reggae, jazz, pop, latin, metal and more.

What have been some of the best moments for you all as a band, and why?

Our best moments include our Bible studies at rehearsal and adhering to Philippians 2:13, which says, "It is God which worketh in you both to will and to do of His good pleasure." 
 
Talk about "Tell Me Why" and "The Story of Love"--your two singles. With all the songs you've likely written, what made these two be your debut songs, and what were you trying to say through them about yourselves and about God?

When we read about Jesus on the cross we picture it in our minds. "Greater love hath no man than this; that a man lay down his life for his friends." "The Story of Love" is a love song--but not an ordinary love or song. It's a song of Love in the highest. A song of God's love for us. So, like the song says, "Let the world hear." 

"Tell Me Why" is simply following the Lord Jesus' instruction in Mark 5:19 when He said to "tell how great things the Lord hath done for thee, and hath had compassion on thee." With "The Story of Love," we are agreeing with 1 Peter 2:9 that we are a "chosen generation, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a peculiar people; that should show forth the praises of Him who hath called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." 

With "Tell Me Why," we are proclaiming what Jesus did for us and that the Bible is God's self disclosure and absolute truth. We thought "The Story of Love" and "Tell Me Why" would be good debut songs for singles and radio because at the time they best represented 6DM musically, lyrically, stylistically and spiritually. 

What's your calling as best you can tell? 

Our calling is to exalt the Savior, evangelize the lost and edify the saints--with music.
 
What's next for 6th Day Made, and how can people be praying for you?

6th Day Made is working on a new DVD and a full length record. Pray that the Lord will empower us to be effective.