Downhere says "Farewell"

I had some sad news relayed to me today. I just discovered that the Canadian band, downhere was calling it quits. I seem to be a bit behind the times as the band made the following official announcement back in July.

Hello friends,

It is with many memories and deep feelings that we relay to you the decision we have made over the course of the last year. January 1st 2013 will mark the end of our traveling ministry for the foreseeable future.

It has become very clear to us that this chapter of our journey, initiated by God, is drawing to a close. While we mourn the end of this season we also celebrate over a decade of ministry. It has been hard work and our families have paid a big price. The friends, songs, experiences, and lives changed as a result of hearing the truth of God’s love have sustained us through many years and miles.

For those of you who know us well, you know that this is not a band break up. In fact, we are open to playing a select few shows or events in the future. After many years and miles spent together we have become a band of brothers who love each other dearly. There is not one single variable that has initiated this change; rather it would seem the same sovereign hand that has guided us together for this season is now leading us in different directions. We are grateful for the role you have played in our lives. Your encouragement and support over the years has carried us through thick and thin.

We have always wanted to finish well. We believe that means finishing together, as a band… and that is what we are going to do. We are working on setting up a few wrap-up shows this fall – more information will be forthcoming as things get solidified.

Sincerely, 

Jason, Marc, Glenn, & Jeremy

It's unfortunate that downhere never seemed to obtain the accolades that they so richly deserved. I've spoken with many professionals in the music industry regarding this band.  All were of the same opinion, downhere was above and beyond what other Christina bands were producing. Lyrically and musically downhere was a unique and defining talent in the realm of Christian music.

downhere in concert, Mississauga

My wife and I headed down to Mississauga on Saturday to see the band downhere perform at The Portico Community Church.  It was debatable for some time about going.  One of the few significant snowfalls we have had this year decided to let loose on Saturday January 28, the day of the concert.  We put the SUV into four-wheel drive and drove out of the heavy snow entirely within 30 minutes.

downhere had previously agreed to a fifteen minute interview that will be airing on The Antidote.  It was great to have some direct conversation with the band members.  Unfortunately for me (but fortunately for himself), Jason Germain was at home with his wife, expecting the imminent arrival of their new child.  A fellow (can't recall his name) filled in for Jason on the keyboard and provided some vocals during the concert.  downhere is a dynamic band and has two superb lead vocalists with Marc Martel and Jason Germain normally alternating taking the lead vocalist role.  Glenn Lavender handles bass for the band and also took out his trumpet later on in the show.  Not to be forgotten is downhere's long standing drummer, Jeremy Thiessen (and no, Jeremy is not related to fellow Canadian and Relient K vocalist, Matt Theissen).

I've spoken with a number of people in the Christian music industry about this band and they all rave about downhere's obvious talents.. Style-wise they bear a similarity to Casting Crowns and MercyMe, but that's where it ends.  As a well-known music industry individual said "there's no comparison".  Lyrically, vocally, and musically this band stands ahead of it's peers.

Marc Martel

Marc Martel has garnered a lot of attention in the media over the past few months and has become a youtube sensation with his performance of Queen's "Somebody to Love".  Last time I checked it was at 5.7 million views. Marc will be taking the role of Freddie Mercury on stage for the Queen Extravaganza tour this summer.  A recurring comment on youtube is that Marc IS Freddie Mercury.  The similarity in vocal styles between Martel and Mercury is astonishing.

The evening was entitled "Journey to Jamaa" and was sponsored by World Vision.  downhere took the stage to provide a few choruses that the audience participated in.   Next up was the short film "Jamaa".  The film is inspired by the real life story of Margaret and Derick, two orphaned children from Uganda who make the journey from Kampala to Kasangombe in search of their aunt after the death of their mother to AIDS.  Produced and filmed by Michael Landon Jr. and Brian Bird, the story illustrates the positive effect of Christ's love and how child sponsorship can enable children living in dire circumstances to succeed.  An intermission allowed the audience time to view information packages for children who are waiting for sponsorship.

Glenn Lavender

The Juno Award-winning Christian rock band returned to the stage for a second time and dialed things up with a number of songs from their new release, "On the Altar of Love" and few tracks from their previous releases.  The crowd vocally participated during each of the songs.

It may have been a surprise for some to hear downhere include a cover of Queen's "Somebody to Love" during their encore, but considering the recent media attention on Marc Martel, it was understandable.  What I want to know is if downhere was to open for the Queen cover band on The Queen Extravaganza tour, would Marc get double pay?

Seriously, if you never seen downhere, do so.  This is an incredibly talent band musically, lyrically and vocally.  They are not to be missed in concert.

Set List:

How can any band exist without a merch guy?

 1.  For The Heartbreak
 2.  The More
 3.  My Last Amen
 4.  Living a Dream
 5.  On the Altar of Love
 6.  Let Me Rediscover You
 7.  How Many Kings
 8.  Bleed For This Love

Encore:
 9.  Somebody to Love - Queen cover
10.  Mighty To Save - cover of Hillsong

Marc Martel is Freddie Mercury

It came as no surprise to hear the news this weekend that Marc Martel, vocalist for the band downhere, will take front stage as he portrays Freddie Mercury.  Martel will be on stage for the next year as he handles lead vocals for the Queen Extravaganza tour.  Martel vocals were featured in an audition he did for the role.  Marc's video of his performance of "Somebody to Love" was, bluntly put, astounding and 5 million YouTube viewers agreed. In LA last week, Martel did a formal audition with former Queen drummer Roger Taylor who made the final decision to let Martel take the Freddie Mercury spot.  Mercury passed away 20 years ago as a result of contracting AIDS.

I posted this video before, but it's worth a second look.

The Incredible Marc Martel

Marc Martel, one of the two lead vocalists for the Christian band downwhere. Marc has the greatest voice in Christian music.  I know Christian rock has many outstanding vocalist, but none in the same caliber as Marc.

Check out these videos.

Marc leading leading downhere on "Rediscover You"





Marc performing opera with his rendition of "Nessun Dorma" by Puccini.





Marc entered a contest to perform with a Queen cover band on the Queen Extravaganza Tour.  His audition has gone viral with over 3.7 MILLION views since being posted Sept 20th.  You'll be amazed!



"A Christian singing Queen?. Is he still a Christian?".   I'm sure that question will be asked many times.  Read how Marc responded when this topic was raised during a Wall Street Journal interview.

Martel's band, by the way, is a Christian rock band. Will singing the songs of Queen help, or hurt him in the eyes of those with strong opinions about Mercury and his sexual proclivity? Martel feels this is a non-issue. "Freddie Mercury wrote songs that were real and true. Rock and roll reaches people because it's honest, and doesn't shy away from the issues. You can have a great voice, but people can spot a fake from a mile away. Our music may come from a biblical standpoint but we don't shy away from true experiences  - doubt, loss, pain, sorrow - we want to deal with all of that. Queen's repertoire deals with those emotions and feelings too and I love singing their music because at the end of the day, it's just true".

Read the complete article here. 

downhere - On the Altar of Love - review

I first became aware of (and a fan of) downhere with their single "A Better Way" from the Wide-Eyed And Mystified CD back in 2006. I was captivated by both the depth of the lyrical talent and the incredible vocal talents, provided by Marc Martel and Jason Germain. Martel gives downhere clean rock vocals while playing off Germain's vaulting falsetto. The band is rounded out by Glenn Lavender on bass and Jeremy Thiessen (no relation to Matt Thiessen of Relient K) on drums.

downhere is set to release their seventh release, On The Altar of Love, August 23rd. This alternative/rock/pop Canadian band was formed at Briercrest Bible College in 2001. That same year the band released their first CD, the self-titled downhere, after signing to Word Records. downhere has garnered a profusion of awards for the music industry. Nineteen Covenant awards, three Juno awards and one Dove award attest to the talent downhere offers. Stylistically similar to MercyMe and Casting Crowns, downhere surpasses their contemporaries on the crowded airwaves.

Social commentary and faith issues take precedence on On The Altar of Love. The album takes the listener back to the basics of their faith and leaves you reconsidering what the priorities are in your faith.

Overall this pop-friendly album gives a fairly singular feel with little variation in tempo or tone, the only exception being the rock driven "Seek". Even though this album hasn't provided any particularly exceptional tracks, such as hit songs "My Last Amen", "Surrender" or "A Better Way", it does have a number of solid tracks.

"Rest" could easily be sung each Sunday morning at church. "Come to me, all you who weary and heavy-laden and I will give you rest" (Matthew 11:28) are quoted directly in the anthem song. Lyrically simple, the song speaks to all believers.

A melodically beautiful piano into leads us into "Let Me Rediscover You", the superior track on the new album. The lyricist laments his weaknesses and his yearning to be bonded to God in a profound way.

Your spirit hovers over my waters
Your love burns longer than the sun
The skies of thunder echo you wonder
Your praises can't be over - sung

The whole Universe is witness
To only a part of what you've done
So let me rediscover you
And breathe in me your life anew
Tell me of the God I never knew
Oh, let me rediscover you

You see my weakness, my pride, my blindness
You wield your power through them all
Of all the mysteries, still, the greatest to me
Is that you're faithful when I fall

How can I say I know you
When what I know is still so small?
Let me rediscover you and breathe in me your life anew
Tell me of the God I never knew
Oh, let me rediscover you

Musically, the '70's return as downhere delivers the ultra-pop song, "Living The Dream". I'm sorry, but I can't get past the poppy, bouncy, music to appreciate the lyrics.

"Seek" is the only rock based song found on On The Altar of Love. It describes how God seeks us “like a kid with a crush” to unite with Him.

The title track carries a county music base. It tells us to lay down ourselves including our possessions and obsessions at the altar of love. "Love will ask of you more than treasure/When you’re willing to trust/Blessing far outweighs the loss/When you lay it all at the altar of love".

A good album? Yes, however my expectations have been placed at a high level after the previous, superior, albums. Should it be added to your collection? Absolutely.

1. "Only The Beginning"
2. "Rest"
3. "Let Me Rediscover You"
4. "For Life"
5. "Living The Dream"
6. "Seek"
7. "Glory By The Way Of Shame"
8. "Holy"
9. "For The Heartbreak"
10. "Turn This Around"
11. "The Altar Of Love"
12. "Reveal The Kingdom"

Discover downhere music