"Hey listen, you're missin' what I say" declares central Pennsylvania-based pop band WatersEdge in their award winning song, True Religion. In addition to their fun, catchy, and energetic sound, WatersEdge grabs the attention of their listeners with a message that speaks to today's pop culture. With their first full-length studio release, the band makes it clear that they are passionate about being real with their audience as they take a conversational approach in many of their songs.
The group's debut release, UpsideDown, combines a modern pop rock sound with reggae and soul influences. The songs True Religion and City Lights feature ukulele and reflect the band's happy-go-lucky attitude as they discuss the reality of modern day distractions and how life can feel like being in the middle of a big city. In contrast, God I'm Coming takes a more intimate approach as it reflects on the reality of feeling worn out and weighed down by everyday issues. Moreover, the title track, Upside Down, is an anthem for those feeling like they just can't get a break in life, encouraging them that God has not forgotten about us.
WatersEdge was formed in the Fall of 2009. The three man outfit includes twins Joshua and Caleb Fritz, along with percussionist Emmanuel Graham. The band got its start playing shows at local church and youth events, and by the Summer of 2010, began traveling across PA. A turning point in the band's career occurred that July when they took third place at GMA's IMMERSE songwriting competition in Nashville, TN. In the Fall, WatersEdge had the opportunity to warm up for national recording artist FFH, and their backstage conversation led to an immediate friendship. "That friendship opened the door for me to produce their forthcoming record," recalls FFH frontman Jeromy Deibler. Through the experience gained from working alongside Jeromy, the band is set to take their music to a national audience.
At the end of the day, for WatersEdge, it's all about the message people walk away with. Josh, Caleb, and Manny are honest when they speak to their audiences. "We love to relate to our crowd," states the band. "By the end of the show, total strangers end up feeling like they really know who we are." It is this real connection with their fans that is the springboard for their ultimate goal. "We like to tell people about how God has made Himself real to us, why we're Christians, and the difference He's made in our lives." WatersEdge realizes that their music speaks a lot of blatant truth, but living by their own standards strengthens their witness. "We try to make sure that our music is true to who we are and what we represent. Our responsibility as a band is to live by the standards we set in our music."
It's clear that WatersEdge is serious about making a real impact in people's lives, and their approach certainly reaches the everyday person right where they are at. Given the band's outlook on sharing their message, they are open about the relationship between their faith and the music industry. "We are who we are, and that's what we write music about. We don't really see a defining line between being a Christian and being an artist. Our goal is to make music that reflects what we are passionate about." One thing you can expect from WatersEdge is that this passion is sure to leave a lasting impression on its fans.