Hearts of Saints have been touring across the United States from New York to Texas. They’ve been getting great press in England and Europe and selling albums all over the world. Not bad for their first album and for a band from my home town Paducah, Kentucky! They are on the Top 10 download list at wallpop.com with their song “The Secret”, who they share the list with super bands like Black Crowes, Moby, Alkaline Trio, and Underworld. Their sound has been compared to the likes of The Killers and Old School U2. Craig Felker is the lead vocalist of Hearts of Saints. He is one of the most genuine people you’ll ever meet. I’ve been friends with Craig for a number of years now and I’m proud to have an interview showcasing him and his band Hearts of Saints!
David: Who is your greatest influence musically and what are some of the Artists you are listening to right now?
Craig: U2 because they are so innovative and everything they have to say is relevant. Their music has hope and Bono is a great front man, and what a legacy they’ve left behind!
And right now I’m listening to Phil Wickham, Switchfoot, Needtobreathe, Muse, and Paper Route.
David: If you could make a record with any person/band, who would that be?
Craig: Jon Foreman (Switchfoot), Brandon Flowers (The Killers), Avett Brothers, and The Edge (U2). I love the raw honesty of Jon Foreman and The Avett Brothers, melodies and electronic sounds of The Killers, and the guitar of The Edge. If you could put them all together the sound would be unbelievable! I love bands that play and entertain!
David: You and the band have toured across the United States, and getting press in England/Europe, selling albums all over the world and gaining a mass following. How has that affected your personal life?
Craig: As a guy who is married, there are moments when you lose humility. We played a show for 2,000 kids in Texas and then played at a camp for about 75 kids. With the entertainment business there are highs and lows, but my wife keeps me grounded and it’s not always glamorous when you’re staying in Hotel 6’s.
David: You have a very positive personality and message in your music. Hearts of Saints are a young band, where do you see the future going with H.O.S.? Can you see yourself playing together for 30 years?
Craig: I hope so; we’ve been together for 5 years now. We have all sacrificed so much to do this. It’s a lot of hard work, and we hope to leave a legacy. I hope our music becomes a part of people’s lives. We are in it for the long hall. I hope we have the privilege to do it. It’s more than a desire, we hope the people allow it and keep listening!
David: And one of my fun and favorite questions…what would you consider the greatest comic strip/cartoon ever made? And how can you identify with the character(s)?
Craig: Donald Duck! As a child I loved him. He is always getting into trouble and running his mouth. I can identify with him because he has the best intentions but it’s always getting him into trouble So with that I want to be seen as real and authentic, because I’m not perfect in any way, shape, or form.
Thank you so much for taking the time to answer some questions Craig! Good luck with everything that is ahead! Congratulations on the success and achievements so far! And definitely loving the music! Hearts of Saints are on the Revolution Art (Provident/Sony) Music label and here’s their website: www.heartsofsaints.com
Copyright David Hurley 2010
