Ready For the Big Time

12 Stones Are Seizing the Opportunity

>> 12 Stones are: Aaron Gainer (drums), Kevin Dorr (bass), Eric Weaver (guitar) & Paul McCoy (vocals) (from left). >>

We've heard one thing regularly come from fans who've gotten to see Creed this summer: get out early and check out 12 Stones.  When Creed finally made it's way to Los Angeles to play their make-up date, 12 Stones had prior commitments and couldn't be there, so we'll be waiting a while longer to see them live.

Though we'll have to wait for that, we did get the opportunity to speak with 12 Stones' lead singer Paul McCoy and get some background on what the band is all about.  Here's what Paul had to say:

VOX: First, where does the 12 Stones name come from?
Paul McCoy: Well, 12 is a very meaningful number in the Old Testament.  It represents the twelve tribes of Israel and also, in the Bible, between Joshua and God.  The Lord instructed Joshua to get twelve stones from the river Jordan.  To us it's a symbol of strength and has a deep, spiritual meaning.

VOX: How does it feel to be considered one of the "next big things"?
PM: Well, it's all well and good, but we're not putting our hopes in the hype.  It'll be great if it all works out, but it's hard to put too much faith in something that may not happen.  We just want to keep moving forward and give it our best shot.

VOX: You guys have to be excited about the mass exposure you get from touring with Creed.
PM: Oh, yeah!  It represents an unbelievable opportunity.  We're ready for it.
VOX: Wind-Up has definitely been supportive.
PM: Yeah, they're great.  It's like a family there.  My favorite thing about them is that they're in it for the music.  They believe in the bands they sign and they stick with 'em.  We just feel like we fit right in there.

>> 12 Stones. >>

VOX: Let's talk about the music - tell me about "Broken".
PM: It's a very personal song.  It's my own way of keeping myself in check.   It's a song about inner strength and believing in oneself…not letting things fall through the cracks.

VOX: How about "In My Head?"
PM: Yeah…that's about not being able to escape one's consciousness and personal responsibility.  I'll leave it at that.

VOX: What got you into music?
PM: Music for me is just the biggest and best release.  I played sports as a kid, I was really into soccer, but it wasn't enough for me.  Music is what kept me going through whatever was going on.  It's always been a very positive thing for me.   My mom was into music, as a singer, and it just got into me.  It's been very natural for me.

VOX: Are you guys into the Internet and do you think it's an important tool for the band?
PM: Oh, yeah, it's been extremely helpful.  Having the bulletin board there where fans can get in touch with each other has been great and the Internet has been huge in getting the word out there.  The street team has been amazing.

VOX: Do you answer e-mail from fans?
PM: As much as possible, we do.  It's getting so that we have so many things to do…but it's great to get to respond to fans.

VOX: What should fans expect when they get to see 12 Stones live?
PM: A heck of a show!  We know that the fans have opened up their wallets and bought a ticket and they expect a great show, so we want to give it back, leave it all out there on stage and hopefully make it memorable for the fans.  We don't hold back.  Be ready!