Pray For Surf Interview with Destiny Forever
PFS>>> Before we get to your new release, take us back to the beginning. How did the friendship of three teenagers turn into the band Destiny?
I was 12.
PFS>>> Did Destiny perform? Record?
PHILIP>>> We did play gigs at local schools and private parties. My mom made us costumes that resembled something the Jackson Five might wear-caps and all. Our parents drove us to gigs. We only knew a limited number of songs, so one time, John's dad, Bill, turned the clock ahead one hour so we could get out early.
DAVID>>> Yes, as teenagers we performed at different parties and shows. Our favorite gigs were at all girl schools :) John began to pursue his career in show business. Through this, he met people who had the means by which we could record. One such person was Rick Springfield’s manager. He invited us over to his home to record. All these opportunities are very memorable and meaningful to me.
PFS>>> Now, decades later, a new name.. What is the significance of the name change?
PHILIP>>> Destiny Forever comes from a gift that John gave my brother for his 60th birthday. John had a drum head made with our picture on it (as kids) and it said Destiny Forever on it. The original name was Destiny.
DAVID>>> I recently turned 60 years old. I invited John to my party. I also thought it would be a great time to reunite and perform together. It had been decades since we had done this. John, Phil, and I played without missing a beat. We performed cover songs including some of our favorite ones from our teen years, including some Beach Boy songs.
John’s gift to me for my birthday was a drumhead with our picture on it from when we were teens. On the drumhead was written, “Destiny Forever.” About a year ago we received a recording deal to record a song I had written for my daughter’s wedding entitled, “Rearview Mirror.” I had sent the track previously to John to play drums on it. He did a great job as usual. Phil and I decided that rather than calling the band, “Destiny,” we should call it “Destiny Forever, and the rest is history. :)
PFS>>> and a new single...
- David, tell us about the songs you wrote for songs the new release.
DAVID>>> “Rearview Mirror” was our first release. This song was written for my daughter’s wedding. When the kids were young, we would take roadtrips up to Mount Hermon, Ca. Mount Hermon is a Christian Conference Center located in the Redwoods of Santa Cruz County. Every summer, for 20 years, I would head up there to lead worship for a week of family camp. On the way up, I would look in the rearview mirror and see my children. Each year, they would grow up right before my eyes as I looked in the rearview mirror. This is the sentiment of that song.
Our second release, “Forever Mine” was written as an anthem of hope. All our songs are about sharing hope and love through music and message. “Forever Mine” speaks about each person’s destiny and how our destiny is forever as long as we are with the one we love.
- Philip, give us a glimpse into how the three of you work together in the studio
PHILIP>>> My brother writes a great song, I tweak the arrangement a bit and add some instruments. We then get into the studio and we play the song. That's where the magic happens. Whenever we get together, we turn into those 3 little kids in the garage. It's just magical.
- John wrote: "This music video isn’t just about the song; it’s about the authentic connection we share."
PHILIP>>> I agree. The video for the first single, "Rearview Mirror" had a reunion component to it. Although, it has a deeper underlying theme, it was special to do that song together.
DAVID>>> When you become friends with someone in your childhood years, it can become a forever friendship. John and I are forever friends. Although our careers have led us in different directions, we still hold a place in our hearts for one another. I consider John as my brother. He means a lot to me. I pray for him every day. I pray that God would bless him and his family so that they can experience his love and grace through Christ.
PFS>>> (forgive the pun) What is the destiny of Destiny Forever? (Performing? Recording more music.?)
PHILIP>>> I am not entirely sure at this point. Initially, to release songs that inspire and spread hope.
DAVID>>> I like puns! We are hoping to record a 5 song EP. We have two songs in the can. However, we also are taking it one day at a time, trusting the Lord for his timing and guidance. I hope that we could perform live some time. I believe this would be a great way to showcase the songs and reach more people.
PFS>>> John's screen (General Hospital, Full House) and stage (The Beach Boys) careers are well known. David and Philip, you have each had a career in rock music and in Christian music. Recent church music has adopted and adapted the rock genre and many worship bands sound like many popular artists. How does the role of a worship leader, even one utilizing modern music, differ from being the lead singer of a band? How is the experience different for the audience?
PHILIP>>> Honestly, I have come to a point in my life where it's all the same to me. No matter what role I'm in, I try to honor God with all that I do. I learned a long time ago that music is not the destination, but a vehicle to something greater.
DAVID>>> I currently serve as the senior pastor at a church I planted 20 years ago called The Gate Christian Bible Church. I am the main preacher / teacher and also help lead worship every Sunday. I also am in my last couple years of attaining a PhD in Theology from Gateway Seminary. I am the CEO of another non-profit called The City Gate, which offers support and resources to Christian churches and ministries in our community. I have written and recorded over 10 albums as a Christian artist. Many of my songs have been sung in churches all over the world and have been played on radio stations all over the world.
Before entering full time ministry, in 1993, I was working as a professional musician and also teaching music in the public and private school systems. I had the privilege of touring with some of the most famous recording artists in the world, including Richard Carpenter of the Carpenters and Mike Love of the Beach Boys. During this time I was searching for meaning in life. I tried all kinds of things including alcohol, drugs, and relationships to fill the void in my heart. One day, in the summer of 1991, I prayed a short prayer, “God, if you’re real, please show me.” Shortly thereafter, I received a phone call. The man on the other line said, “Hello, is Bob there.” I answered, “I’m sorry, you have the wrong number.” Before he hung up, he said, “Jesus loves you man.” I thought to myself, "how could Jesus love me? I have done so many wrong things." The following week I was in a mall. I walked past a man sitting on a bench. He looked at me and said, “Hey man, Jesus loves you.” I looked back and he was gone. A few days later I was in a crowded parking lot and noticed a bright pink VW bug. Written all over in fluorescent paint were the words, “Jesus loves you.” I remembered my prayer and believed. From that moment on my life changed. I was baptized and started serving in the local church through music. In 1993, God called me to be assistant worship pastor at Saddleback Church in Lake Forest, California. I have served in full time vocational ministry in different churches throughout America, culminating in the church I currently serve as pastor, The Gate Christian Bible Church in Mission Viejo, Ca. No matter the audience, I want to shine the love of Christ through everything I do.
PFS>>> One more thing you'd like us to know ...
PHILIP>>> I'm grateful for the time I spent with the Beach Boys. I have John to thank for that. He introduced me to Dean Torrence of Jan and Dean when I was 20 and through that, I was able to meet Mike Love and eventually, Carl Wilson, who invited me into the band.
PFS: You may know I've been impacted by the spiritual vibe of The Beach Boys music. Is there a passion that drives you? Is there a message in the DNA of your songs/singing/work?
DAVID>>> Whether it be through sermons or songs, my passion is to bring the hope and love of Christ through everything I do.
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Philip Bardowell
www.facebook.com/philbardowell
David Bardowell
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