Christian metal band wins national contest

Three months after forming, a group of teenagers from Pasco County has won a national music competition.

By claiming top place in the Rack Room Shoes Rock2School contest, the Christian metal band East of Elsewhere is moving closer toward a career in the music industry.

Besting competitors from 27 states, the New Port Richey quartet's videotaped rendition of Journey's "Don't Stop Believin" won an online poll that entitled them to a $5,000 prize for their school and a limo ride to the Rack Room Shoes in Gulf View Square mall Thursday.

The prize money will be divided between Mullins Music, the nonprofit community music school in New Port Richey where the band formed, and Dayspring Academy, the school that bass player and vocalist Amanda Blankenship, lead guitarist and vocalist Tommy Henthorne and guitarist and vocalist Nate Hollins attend.

Those three met up with drummer Maddie Butler at Mullins Music's Rock Week this summer. The day camp gives young musicians a crash course in performing, songwriting and recording. Although the 13-year-olds played in separate bands during the camp, they discovered a common enthusiasm for music.

"We always tell the kids that they have to have fun when they play," said Eric Mullins, who founded Mullins Music with wife Marina. "These kids are passionate about music."

The four also share a passion for Christian music.

"We believe Jesus is everything," Nate said. "You can depend on him for survival."

The group writes and performs original songs such as "Mind's Eye" and "Tear Me Up," based on Biblical verses and an original arrangement of the classic "Carol of the Bells." The band also incorporates humorous touches into its shows, such as a heavy metal spin on the "Veggie Tales" theme.

Through their hard rock look and music, the group wants to challenge the traditional image of Christian youth.

"We don't fit the image of perfect little church kids," Tommy said.

The members also want to challenge the concept of a typical metal band.

"In this genre of music, many of the bands aren't necessarily Christian," Nate said. "We are."

All members of East of Elsewhere have previous musical experience, ranging from school band participation to home-based lessons.

"I started playing when I was 6, and I've been singing my whole life," Amanda said.

The group has played several shows already and is scheduled to play Dec. 3 at Mullins Music. Band members also plan on making a CD.

"We're good friends and we want to stick together as long as possible," Nate said. "We'd like to make this a career."

For information about East of Elsewhere, visit the band's MySpace page: www.Myspace.com/East ofElsewhere.