Combining the intensity of modern rock with all the emotion involved in traditional praise and worship, Falling Up is here to prove their radical style is not a fleeting attempt at sticking to a trend, but a true declaration of the passion they hold for their ministry.
"Our mission is to tell everyone who listens to our music and goes to our shows about the love we have in Christ Jesus, to show people that Christians can be real and honest," explains lead vocalist Jessy Ribordy. "It is to glorify God in every aspect of our lives and this band, and to show people through our lyrics, music, love, and lifestyles that there is more to life than what the world has offered us."
This enthusiasm is not only a welcome ray of light in what can be a cynical industry, but it is the attitude that has carried the band from its start, nearly five years ago, to its growing success today. Begun as a dream of Ribordy and guitarist Tom Cox while they were still freshmen in high school, Falling Up was so named because it was the title of the first song Tom and Jessy ever wrote. Its topic dealt with how imperfect people are, but how sufficient the grace of God is to compensate for that imperfection. The song set the tone for things to come.
It was a group of their old buddies that came to be their big break to pursue what they love on an even larger scale. Their friends, and now labelmates, Kutless, were there growing up alongside the boys in Falling Up in Albany , Oregon . After supporting the band for years prior, the members of Kutless pitched the Falling Up demo to BEC Recordings owner, Brandon Ebel, who eventually signed the budding group to his label in the summer of 2003.
In the time that has followed, they have recorded their 11-song debut album entitled "Crashings," out February 24, 2004, with Producer Aaron Sprinkle (Kutless, Anberlin). Describing their sound as "pash rock," the group combines their influences of rock, hip-hop, R&B, and metal to complete their project into anthems of dynamism and adulation.
"We try to make our music really passionate," Ribordy elaborates, "We love strings and violins. We have a lot of hip-hop grooves, rock melodies, and heavy parts. We want our music to be lasting and exciting. We think that every time a fan listens to it they will find something new."
Something the fans will not likely miss on the release is one sensational collaborative hit entitled, "Jacksonfive," which features guest vocals by Ben Hulbert, Paul Wright, Jon Micah Sumrall of Kutless, and Ryan Clark of Demon Hunter. "We totally don't deserve to have all of these rad performers on the song," says Ribordy of the enormous experience. "It was such an honor to work, write, and share ideas with all of the guys."
Yet even amongst all the catchy choruses and rockin' grooves, Falling Up has not left its message to lack substance. "I just write about what has always been on my heart," Ribordy clarifies, "I don't write off of an experience that has happened to me, or an emotional time in my life. Not that that is wrong to write about that, but I choose to write about things that just need to be said in this life, things that just can't go on in silence. Sometimes it's really symbolic and sometimes it is as clear as day."
What will be sure to be apparent to listeners though is the sincerity Falling Up holds as a necessary element of their ministry. "We want kids to feel like they are a part of what we are singing and playing about, "Ribordy concludes, "We feel that if they can connect with the music, they will understand our hearts and our dreams. We think kids will be able to listen to our music and not just have a fleeting emotional experience, but a memory that will stick with them forever. We believe that our influence on the kids will not just happen with our music, but our lives that we live every day. We want to be 'Falling Up' on the stage and off because that is who we are, and we think that an example is the most important influence of all."
JESSY
Hey, my name is Jessy. Many people tell me that lead vocalists are usually calm, cool, and collected. But I am not like that. Oh sure, i may seem like I am calm and collected, but when a stage assistant hands me a microphone that he says is worth more than my life and if I drop and break it, he will kill me, I am not so calm and collected. When this happens, two things run through my head, 1. If i drop it he will probably hurt me, and 2. If i drop it he will probably kill me. Then i am faced with a number of different choices that i could choose to get out of the situation which are A. I could grab it quickly out of his hand, fumble it, drop it and break it, causing him to punch me, and hey who doesn't think it's cool when you get punched. B. Tell him " no thank you, i will use a banana connected to these little sticks instead." and then half way through the show, peal the banana and the crowd would cheer and cheer so greatly! C. I could put a sleeping pill in his bottled water hoping that he would drink it, but then i would accidentally drink the water, but it would be okay because i could stow away in a dark corner for some SECRET SLEEPING! Or D. fake and act like i am animated clay instead of a real person, and it would be a really good prank because i would move and walk all jerky with quick and sudden movements, and when i talked it wouldn't quite match up with my lips, and maybe that would make him depressed that i was clay instead of real person.
TOM
Hey everyone tom here! My full name is actually Thomas Charles Cox Jr. I just turned 20 years old (can't believe it). I've lived in Albany Oregon my whole life. I came to know that there is more to life than just what the media and people tell me when I was in the 6th grade. There have been many struggles in my life but one thing that is always constant and always strong is the love that comes from Jesus Christ. If you don't understand what I'm talking about that's cool, just try to understand every once in a while. He means more to me than anything else on this earth.
I've been playing the guitar for about five years. Jessy actually taught me a lot when I first started. Ever since I've been able to pluck a string I was given dreams and passions that surpassed anything I had ever experienced. A passion to see people moved by music, music that's inspired by that small whisper in the wind. Jess and I kept trucking along even though for good couple years we were horrible. But hey that's when all the learning and character building began. Anyway, I'm just a normal kid that tries to play guitar. I love sports (b-ball, football, ultimate Frisbee) and I'm still constantly learning. I can't wait to get out there and meet all of you that are reading this. You're the reason I do what I do. That's all from me. If you have any questions email me. I can't promise that I will respond but I will try my best!
All the love
Tom
Rom: 3:23
JEREMY
Hey my name is Jeremy, I play the bass guitar. Let's see, I've been playing for about 3 years, but I've been surrounded by music since I can remember. I was in middle school band and piano before that (my parents kind of forced me into it). As a matter of fact I didn't enjoy playing music until I learned the guitar when I started high school. Then one day, my parents decided to get me a bass guitar, and ever since that day I've been in Falling Up. Ever since then time has been flying, it's crazy where God has allowed us to go in such a short period. It's crazy, well hope to see you at a show.
JOSH
Music has always been a very important aspect of my life. Bands like: The Dave Matthews Band, Switchfoot, Deftones, Michael Jackson (musically), and Blindside inspire me. I've been playing drums since my 8th grade jazz band. I started taking it very seriously my junior year in high school when a small group of friends and I decided to be in a band and see where we could take it. Once things started to take off, I had a change of heart and wanted to give back the gift that was given to me. I then joined a worship band that helped craft me into the Christian I am today, a year after that, I joined Falling Up. Being in Falling Up has not only challenged me musically but has also challenged me spiritually.
JOE
Hello. My name is Joseph A. Kisselburgh. I have black hair that is growing out. You can see the roots coming through. It's awesome. Also, I love driving. If you didn't already know, my car broke down two weeks ago. So, as you would have guessed, I'm "car less". I play the guitar. If you haven't already checked out Jeremy's biography, you should. I haven't yet, personally, but I'm getting there, I'm getting there. Jeremy's quite the kid. I love: The Beatles, The Police, Incubus (Morning view), Dave Matthews Band, Death Cab for Cutie, Mae, Number One Gun, Emery, Two Thirty Eight, Norma Jean, Beloved, Zao, Third eye Blind, Further Seems Forever, Dashboard Confessional and I really enjoy Sting. Did you know he got saved? Yes! That's something worth dancing about. Here's my theory. You know when you think unconsciously and there's words that you think in your mind. Or when you just think words or phrases subconsciously. That's a language in itself. An unspeakable language. In fact, I think it might be the same language that Jesus spoke to the masses, since it says all the different races understood him. Just a thought. Just remember, there's so much more to live for than money, or things, or popularity, or nice cars. Some times I get caught up in worrying about money or getting a new amp since I don't have one, and I just waste all my energy on this stress and concern. And I'm telling you it's empty and fickle. And no matter how much I ignore God, or try to write my own life, he's always there when I realize my blind eyes. Anyways, if you're reading this, you should come to a show. Or if you ever have any questions or just want to drop a line, please email me at: . Sweet.
MIKE
If a person could go through hell on earth, I went through it. Divorced parents, banned from every school in my county, major drug use, constant alcohol abuse, four time felon, drug dealer, gang member, Mafia lieutenant, holes in my socks…Time was money, money was power, and power was depressing. I had the world in my hands, but was the most miserable person on the planet. I was chillin in my apartment one night, and realized I had nothing to live for. I started staring at a pistol grip 12 gauge I use to sleep with, and found myself praying to God. I told Him that He could have my life, or I was going to end it. After showing Himself to me, I dedicated my life to His work. He has guided me to play keys and cut scratch for Falling Up, and I couldn't be happier. These guys give 100% of themselves to this ministry and love God with all of their hearts. I'm completely confident in the work being done, and am excited to see how it will progress.
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