For this month’s feature, we got to talk with the Siby Varghese Band. In the past three years, the band has set out to change people’s lives by carrying the message of Christ to them through music. Anointed and talented, they tour all over the states and minister to various groups. In this interview, they share with us a bit about the music, themselves, and most importantly their focus in all this—God.

How and when did the band form? How did each individual member come to join?
Siby realized the call on his life for the music ministry during PCNAK 2005 in Rochester. In December of 2005, Siby got together with our current A/V guru Ben Cherian, who we affectionately call Bear, to begin working on an album (more on that later). For the album, Siby called on his friends Billy Mettil (keyboards), Brad Mettil (guitars and bass), and Dany "D-$" Wilfred (drums). For about a year after the release of the album (March 2006), Siby performed and lead worship at various venues in PA, NJ, NY, OK and TX with his friends who helped on the album along with Bear (electric guitar and bass) and Steve T. Samuel and Johnson Kuruvilla on drums. After Siby's injury in April 2007 (more on that later as well), the summer was a time of recovery, reflection and reorganization. In September of 2007, Siby, Brad and Billy decided to formally become a band—putting aside many fears and concerns and trusting in the God that had put an undeniable burden in their hearts. Soon after, Dany joined and so did Siby's brother-in-law, Joby Alexander. Also joining the ministry were Bear as A/V Tech, Liffy Varghese (Public Relation) and Staicy Alexander (Event Coordination).

Tell us a bit about the role that each member has.
Siby is the lead vocalist and plays guitar as well as occasionally tinkering on the keyboard. He is more than just a singer, but rather a worshipper who enjoys bringing people along with him as he lifts up his heart-cry. He also has an uncanny knack for forgetting words despite having a laptop with all the words on it.

Brad plays electric guitar and provides vocals. His lead and solo parts are not for show, but instead an extension of his grateful and humbled heart. He is also the best dancer in the band by far.

Dany is the drummer and provides vocals. We call him "D-$"—not because he has money or because he wants money, but because having him behind the set is like money in the bank. His playing can be ferociously intense or disarmingly subtle, but whatever the beat, he is keenly aware of the grace that empowers him. He, also, is known for losing things and blaming it on other members of band.

Joby plays electric guitar and bass. He brings an unmatched versatility and years of experience to his playing—and his encouraging and calming influence. He is also the elder statesman of the band and voted for Abraham Lincoln.

Billy plays bass, keyboard and occasionally provides vocals. He also shares from God's word when the band is permitted to do so.

What inspired the name of the band?
Siby's name is in the band name for a reason. He initially responded to the call of God in a very Abraham-esque fashion, not knowing exactly where he was heading, but fully trusting that God was in control of His steps. The unofficial reason is that it was extremely easy to come up with and required little to no originality.

What can you tell us about the process of creating your debut album (in technical/creative terms as well its role in the making of the band)?
The first album was released as a solo/self titled album by Siby in March 2006. The process was incredibly quick which had its pros and cons. A re-release of the original was put out during a mini tour in December 2006 with three additional tracks along with the original tracks remastered. About three of the songs on that CD were actually written by Siby on a plane ride back from Florida after leading worship there. It's as if God came down to him on that plane and showed him how indescribable and unexplainable He truly is. A recurring theme in that CD was the sense of a loss for words when trying to explain God. Almost all of the band members were involved throughout the writing and recording process of that solo album. And this may sound weird, but for some reason, anytime Dany is sleeping while Siby is writing a song, Siby gets inspired! Two of the songs on the CD were written while Dany was sleeping in front of Siby.

What about the next CD? Any news on upcoming concerts/events?
The next CD should be released by August 2008. The theme of that album is based on the verse in John 3:30 and the whole idea that God is greater than our selves. In our lives, in our worship, in our thoughts, in everything...that God would take center stage and all honor. We are still booking concerts and events while we record the next album, but it's tough because all of us either work or are in school, and some both. So schedules get incredibly tight, but we've set out to do this all the way and we know God will honor that. We are also planning to tour with a well-known band on the east coast during the summer after we release our EP, so look out for that as well.

The Siby Varghese Band has a growing fan base within the Malayalee Pentecostal community and others—have you all, as a band, ever experienced times when that sense of support was not there? If so, what kept you all going through such stages?
Honestly, all the support we have received is greatly appreciated, but that is not what we value most. Neither are we constantly trying to gauge how we are perceived. We are not concerned about the numbers of the crowds or the amount of CDs we get out. We are chained to the message that He must increase and we must decrease and to the mission of helping prodigals on their way home and celebrating with them in song.

Can you share with us one of your most difficult or greatest moments as a band?
The whole experience, so far, together as a band and a ministry as a whole has been an amazing journey, and we've been learning a lot from each other. The coolest part about it is that even if we weren't a band, we would still be a close group of friends and a bunch of goof balls! It's not just a job or just a duty for us. It's about relationships and growing in this Christian walk together as friends and family. We spend a lot of our time on talking about practical aspects of the ministry and living a Christian life that reflect what we represent and do on stage. And so with that said, this whole experience has been one great difficult and amazing moment!

But back in the summer of 2007, there was a pretty big incident that happened to Siby that can be considered a bitter/sweet moment for the band... more sweet though. Siby was diagnosed with compartment syndrome after a basketball tournament. He nearly had his left leg amputated, had to undergo 6 surgeries, and it was questionable whether or not he would ever walk normally again. During those 3 months, God began to work in the hearts of Siby and the band. There were a lot of questions and doubt that came up, but God took control of the situation. One night, out of nowhere, Siby regained motion in his left leg and began to walk. The testimony is available on the band website.

What are some atypical aspects of being in a Christian band that you might share with other aspiring musicians within our community
We would never attempt to say that we have apprehended anything, but we press on toward becoming better ministers, musicians, songwriters, spouses, siblings and children by the grace of God. So, we feel supremely unqualified to offer any advice to aspiring musicians as we feel we are aspiring ourselves and always will be. However, we will say that music can and will get boring! Therefore, if you do not passionately love Christ and are not completely awestruck and changed by his sacrifice, then as soon as you run out of chord arrangements or run into writer's block or practice the same song for the billionth time, you will be immensely unsatisfied. Only God can satisfy. Music is just extra tasty icing on a grace-filled cake. (Also, being on the road can make you hungry).

For more information on the Siby Varghese Band, check out their website, www.sibyvargheseband.com.