For sibling pop trio City of Bright, music has been an instrumental part of life from a young age. Officially forming their band in 2012, the group began to grow in their artistry through unique opportunities and open doors. Now several years later, with a name change and debut project behind them, they're excited to share their second studio EP, Fearless.

We recently talked with the band about the heart behind their new EP, the reason for the name change, some of the pivotal moments that led them to this point in their career, and what's next from them as they celebrate the release of Fearless.

You began in 2012 under the name "The Salah & Shekinah Band." Talk about the new name, City of Bright, and why you chose that to represent you.

City of Bright: When it came to choosing a band name, a lot of thought and prayer went into it. We chose City of Bright because it represented the heart of the band. Like it says in Matthew 5:14, we want to be that city on a hill, a light that shines brightly and cannot be hidden. We want to spread the message of the hope found in Jesus wherever we go. 

City of Bright is a brother/sister group. How does the dynamic in a band change when you're working with family? What are some of the pros and cons to it?

City of Bright: Truly, we think there are more pros to it than cons. Being family, we all still love each other at the end of the day, no matter what happens! We have been playing music together since we were kids, and we've always had the same heart towards pursuing being in a band together. There's such a precious thing about being in this together, the way we flow together in writing sessions, to interacting on the stage, to piling into a packed 15-passenger van and finding any way to sleep we can! It's just beautiful doing it as a family. We always have each other's backs.
 
In 2013 you won a contest that allowed you to perform with Sidewalk Prophets at Winter Jam. Talk about that experience, how it helped shape your career, and in what ways it led you to where you are now.

City of Bright: It was a great experience. We didn't find out that we won the contest until the week of, so it was a bit of a whirlwind. Couldn't have asked for nicer guys to do it with, either. They were so kind in the process. It being our first experience with that large of a crowd, we were terrified! Once we hit the stage, all the nerves went away and we had such a blast singing with Dave and the band. 

Being from a small town, it definitely showed us that God can open big doors no matter where you are from. He knows the dreams you have in your heart and will connect you with the right people/places at the right time when you honor Him with your gift. Truly was an experience we will never forget and it was kind of a launching pad for where we are today. Truly thankful for the friendships God has given us that have helped shape our careers and who we are as artists. 

The new EP is called Fearless. Talk about how this EP came to be, the heart behind these songs and the main takeaway you want listeners to have.

City of Bright: Together, we spent time writing numerous songs over the span of about a year for this EP. Honestly, a couple of them were written in really challenging seasons for us. "Fearless" became such an anthem and a song of declaration, so it was a no-brainer when choosing it as the title track. We would say the main theme is hope. We always have hope in Jesus, no matter what circumstances we are facing, His strength is made perfect in our weakness, and He always has a plan for us. We can stand in confidence knowing that He goes before us. We pray this EP encourages listeners to pursue what God is calling them to do.

You guys have always stayed in the pop realm, but how has your sound and style evolved since the beginning of your band? Who are some of the artists that have inspired your sound over the years?

City of Bright: We started out with a little more of an acoustic pop kind of sound. As we moved into the first EP as City of Bright, we went a little more keyboard-driven synth pop. This record, we really have hit what we think is the sweet spot with our sound--kind of a mix between our first two! It is really hard to say who the artists are who have inspired our sound. We have a lot of bands that influenced us growing up like Superchick, Barlow Girl, etc., but we really have strived to come up with a little bit of a unique sound, with the mix of our harmonies, combined with quirky synth lines and fun pop drums. 
 
What's next for City of Bright? Are you touring this EP? Is there a full-length record coming?

City of Bright: You will find us doing various festivals and shows this summer. We do have plans to tour this EP, which you will find out more info on that soon! As far as a full-length, we do plan on one in the future. You may be hearing something else special first! 

How can fans be praying for you in this season of your ministry?

City of Bright: Prayers for the Lord's leading as we move forward, that He will open the right doors for us. And that creativity will continue to flow as even more songs are written. And lastly, for safety as we travel.