'In math, I've heard it said that seven is the perfect number-the number of completeness. We're still incomplete.' Matt Olson, explained the name of the band in mathematical terms. 'In a complete week there are seven days,' Luke Olson continued, 'We feel like we fall a few days short. Both musically and spiritually too.'
What once began as a childhood dream has slowly evolved into something much more tangible. 'Originally we were playing for birthday parties or in our parents living rooms. Throughout highschool, we had a lot of other commitments, so the band was never given priority. It wasn't until about the last year and a half that we really started to focus our efforts and take this seriously,' Jason Carr said.
Throughout their time together, Not Yet Seven, has had the chance to perform with the Everyday Sunday and Spoken, among others. Originally based in Las Cruces, New Mexico, they have primarily played throughout the state and also in Texas. Over the past year, though, they have traveled to Los Angeles and San Diego, on a number of occasions, to perform on college campuses.
Each member said that their Christian faith is a strong influence on their lives as well as the type of songs that they play. 'If we're not passionate about what we play, how can we expect our audiences to be,' Luke Olson asked, 'Everyone of us believes that true life is found outside of fame, popularity, cheap thrills, or even Friday night parties. A truly satisfied life is found only in a relationship with Jesus Christ. Each of us believes that and so it only made sense to craft our songs around that idea.'
Luke Olson is the main songwriting force behind the band's sound, but says he choose material with his band mates in mind. 'I usually come in with an idea and throw it out to Matt and Jason. If they like it, then we all start to put our own personal touches on it and soon enough it becomes a song,' he explained. 'We want to play music that people can relate to. Many times we sing about the pain and trials in life, but in the midst of that is always hope.'
With its positive spiritual message and passionate songs, Not Yet Seven appeals to a broad range of people. Carr said, 'We can play during a highschool lunch or play for a crowd of people mostly over fifty, and usually get good response.' Luke Olson said the band doesn't aim for a specific sound. 'At its core, it's rock and roll. But in some places it's poppy and other times it's punk. We each have our own unique preferences and those preferences work their way into the songs, giving it our own unique sound.' Olson said.
That unique sound is captured on the band's new four-song EP, The Sun Will Rise. 'This EP was a big step,' Carr said. 'You can't really move forward without something for people to listen to.' Matt Olson elaborated, 'We spent a lot of time picking the right songs for this recording and then spend more time making each song as good as it could be. It was a long wait for all of us, including our fans. In the end, though, I think we have something we're all happy with and something that will open a lot more doors for us.' The CD was recorded at Aalysium Studios in Las Cruces and is now available.
The band is hoping that this only the start of something much bigger. 'It's great to sell CD's and shirts, but when we get a chance to just talk or hang out with the people that have come to our shows, that's what it so much more meaningful. It gives us a chance to hopefully communicate the hope that we are singing about. Whether it's a twenty minute conversation or just smile,' said Matt Olson. Carr added, 'We're hoping and planning to take this as far as God allows.' And with loyal fan base and a passionate determination, this may be just the beginning for Not Yet Seven.'
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