How did the band come together, and what brought each of you into the world of music?
The band originated from a few crazy interactions. When I say it out loud, I know it had to be a “God thing”. Harry met Swift during an audition for their church’s worship team. During the audition, Swift and Harry hit if off and Swift invited Harry to play bass for a Lenny Kravitz Tribute project he was developing. Ray was the guitar player in that band and had a long standing playing relationship with Swift in other projects. One night during rehearsal, Harry started playing the song “Bend” that he wrote about his special needs child. Swift and Ray quickly jumped in and the band’s collective focus shifted from playing covers to focusing on original material. The crazy thing is, Swift and Ray, who had performed together in other projects for years, were both ready for a change in the direction of their musical paths. They both wanted to make meaningful music with a spiritual message and this song became the genesis of the band.
After writing and recording a number of songs with hired drummers, the band was connected with Jeff Wood through their producer, Corey Lowery. Corey was a co-owner of the studio the band recorded much of their first album with Jeff. Corey asked Jeff to listen to some of the tracks he had recorded and told Jeff they were looking for a full-time drummer. Jeff was immediately connected with the band’s style and message. Once we connected with Jeff, things just clicked and we’ve been writing, recording and performing ever since. We’re truly a band of brothers and we’re all blessed to have each other in our lives.
Can you share a bit about each member’s musical background and influences?
Shawn “Swift” Johnson (Lead Vocal) spent several years performing as a backup singer/dancer with Little Richard. The crazy thing is, he was influenced by Little Richard prior to working with him. Swift had one of Little Richard’s gospel records on vinyl growing up, which was incredible. I also grew up listening to The Winan’s, which were also very inspiring.
Ray Hemms (Guitar) came from a very musical family that had him playing violin as young as 5 years old. Ray’s father was a brilliant keyboard player that played in the RAF during World War II. He passed away when Ray was 7 years old, and he was told that his father played piano in the bomb shelters of London to calm people as the German’s bombed the city. Ray started playing guitar at age 14. Ray was inspired by legacy classic rock players like Gary Moore, Jimmy Page, Hendrix, and Cream. Later in life he was turned on to Ty Tabor from Kings X and has never looked back.
Jeff Wood (Drums / Vocals) got into music at a very early age. Jeff’s stepdad and uncle played in a band. Jeff picked up a little here and there from watching his dad and uncle perform. He played drums in a handful of bands for several years. At one point, Jeff’s best friend, who was the guitar player in his band, started another band with an amazing drummer, leaving Jeff out of a gig. A few weeks later, Jeff was as to perform with the new band at The Roxy in Atlanta; but as a bass player. As a result, Jeff spent the next 10 plus years playing all over the southeast in about 4 different bands, made lots of great music and friends along the way. When Jeff’s last band, The Ajax Heavies, broke up he was really burned out on the “business and being in a band”, resulting in almost 15 years off before joining Hope’s Anchor; proving that it’s all been God’s timing though. Jeff grew up listening to a wide range of music but was really influenced by British Metal like Iron Maiden etc… Guys like Nicko McBrain, John Bohnam, Cozy Powell, Ainsley Dunbar and Tommy Aldridge.
Harry Wolle (Bass / Vocals) started playing bass guitar when he was in high school. Like most of my contemporaries, was greatly inspired progressive rock bands like Rush and Yes. Harry was really inspired by the likes of Geddy Lee and Chris Squire. He always loved their tones and the way that they attacked the bass. He’s always loved players that created melodies and countermelodies within the context of the “groove”. Dug Pinnick (King’s X) is another player that proved to be a big influence, mainly due to his heavy grooves and tone. Harry spent several years playing in original progressive rock bands in the southeast. His “by chance” meeting of Swift Johnson proved to be the catalyst of the band.
What’s the story behind the band’s name, Hope’s Anchor?
Years ago, Ray was attending the Passion Conference in Atlanta, GA; shortly after the band worked out the song “Bend”. The screens behind the stage started showing different names used to refer to Jesus Christ. One of the references as the “Anchor of Hope”, which referenced Hebrews 6:19 stating, “This hope is a strong and trustworthy anchor for our soul”. We loved this verse and just inverted it to come up with Hope’s Anchor.
How would you describe the overall sound and style of your music?
We’re a pretty heavy, groove oriented rock band. Basically, a rock trio with heck of a lead singer. You could call us Christian Rock, but we like to refer to ourselves as four Christians in rock band. It’s heavy, it grooves, and we love it.
What inspired the creation of “Called out My Name”?
The song originated from a dream that Harry had about writing music. He was asking prolific writers how they did it; how did they write such heartfelt, authentic songs? They all referenced the same person, and, in the dream, Harry looked everywhere for her. We he finally found her; he wasn’t sure she, and the experience was real, and, in the dream, he was told, “if you write it, I’ll make it real”. When he awoke, he was really moved by the dream; to the point of writing, it down. Was he searching for God or was God reaching out to Harry? Harry shared the idea with the band and Swift likened the New Testament story of Saul’s conversion to Paul after meeting Jesus. Stating that Jesus “called out Saul’s new name, Paul” and met him right where he was in his walk of life. That was the genesis of this song, and we hope that listeners will take time to “listen” with their hearts and not be afraid to hear their names called, right where they are.
Could you walk us through the creative process behind writing and recording the single?
Most of our song ideas start in rehearsal where we use the first few minutes playing something off the top of our heads. If we lock into something, and if Swift or Harry land on a cool vocal melody we will record it and start to develop it into a song. It’s a fun process that always seems give us something to work on.
How do you maintain a positive and collaborative atmosphere within the band?
We’ve been together for a pretty long time when compared to other bands (16 years) and I think the main key to our longevity is that we treat each other as equal partners in everything we do. We allow each of us to be ourselves in the creative process of our music. We know each band member has a lot to offer and have resigned ourselves to the idea that every song we write is better when another band member pours into it. We seem to have a lot of “juice” in the bottle because there are never a shortage of ideas. Our big problem is focusing on a select few to finish and develop. I guess that’s a good problem to have for a band.
Are there any challenges you’ve faced as a group, and how have you overcome them?
We’ve had many different seasons in this band. We’ve grown into brothers, learned how to give each other space as well as get in each other’s space when needed. The one thing we’ve found is that as soon as we take our focus off of God, things get uncomfortable; from just communicating as a band, let alone writing or playing. When that happens, we take inventory of what our focus is really on. We’ll pray about it together and course correct. You can feel the difference immediately. Bottom line is we’re pretty useless without God in this band.
Are there any memorable fan interactions that have left a lasting impression on the band?
There have been several gigs that we’ve left feeling pretty empty. You play a bar or club in front of 20 people that may or may not have gotten onto it. Then you get home a find out someone was there that just ended up there by accident or “by chance“ and a lyric or song meaning had a huge impact on them and pulled them out of a depression, or some dark place, helping them see that God is still there and loves them; I can tell you that’s the most important thing we’ve ever been involved in. We have a motto of, “play for an audience of One”, which means play as if we’re playing for God. If we do that everything seems to work out, for everyone.
Looking back, what have been some of the most significant moments in Hope’s Anchor’s journey so far?
In 2017, the band one an award at the International Christian Film Festival for best music video for the song, Bend. It was a really cool experience to be recognized for the song that proved to be the genesis of the band.
What’s next for Hope’s Anchor in terms of new music or upcoming projects?
We’re in the process of releasing singles from our latest EP, The Church is Leaving the Building. In fact, Called Out My Name is the 2 nd release from this EP. We have several more being released in 2024 and look forward to continuing to write new music well into the new year. The band is also scheduling spring and summer festival dates throughout the southeast United States. Dates will be available via our website.
