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Ian Eskelin makes his solo debut for The WAL with the celebratory clamor of Brand New Language. The release showcases the songwriting and production talents of this 23-year-old Chicago resident. Having served stints as a member of Code Of Ethics, and fronting the group Zero, Eskelin takes off with his own techno-infused pop music to lead the listener through a high energy, real-life journey of faith, struggle and sacrifice.
1993 has been a whirlwind of experience for Eskelin. In fact, if he were to write a postcard to his parents today, it might look like this:
Dear Mom & Dad,
How are you? It's been a crazy year. You know that in January I got overwhelmed with things - touring weekends with Code Of Ethics, going to grad school classes during the day and recording with Zero at night. So, I took a break, bought an around-the-world plane ticket, and spent the next four months traveling. It really helped me to clear my head and see what I'm supposed to be doing with my music. I came back, and three days later I got a call from a record company. Today, I'm getting ready to release my first solo record; it's called Brand New Language. Gotta go. Talk with you soon.
Love, Ian.
Raised in Charlotte, North Carolina, Eskelin cultivated his musical talent at a young age. While in Charlotte, he fronted a popular East Coast band called Business & Industry, which opened for the likes of C&C Music Factory, Information Society and Book Of Love. The group disbanded, however, and Eskelin left for school at Wheaton College in suburban Chicago. While there, he worked on various musical projects with a core community of musicians who have gone on to various successes.
Still, Eskelin's musical interests were in more pop-oriented groups like Depeche Mode and Erasure. "I want the music to be high energy, and have big hooks and melodies that make you remember a song," says Eskelin. He spent time writing, recording and touring with fellow techno-pop act Code Of Ethics, and also recorded Zero's Ravenous project, as well as working on drum programming for various Chicago area groups. In addition to this, he was pursuing his Master's of Communication degree at Wheaton.
"I was offered a full-time place with Code Of Ethics and a 65-city tour that started right away. I had other musical projects happening, and I had my Master's degree to worry about. I couldn't even spend time alone thinking about what I was supposed to be doing in my life. So, I took off and traveled around the world. I just went where God led me, and it blew my mind!"
The four months Eskelin spent traveling the globe gave him time to think, to pray, and to listen. "For once in my life I really feel called to something. I saw just how much music could affect people," says Eskelin. "I was in countries where Christian missionaries get thrown out, but if I were there as a musician, I could say what I want, because it's a cultural thing. Take Malaysia, for instance; if I go there and put on a great techno-dance show and blow their minds, then I've got an in! It's a totally western thing, and it's no big deal that the hooks of the songs are all about Jesus."
Brand New Language is lyrically up-front about matters of life and faith, and also contains a high degree of the day-to-day struggles of a living faith in a dying world. "It's all about my relationship with God. It's about the idea of giving yourself up to follow God, and not worrying about tomorrow. Let's face it, putting God first is the toughest thing to do, but it is an everyday process - one step at a time. God knows our needs and our desires, and wants to use us in ways so that we will thrive!"
Eskelin breathes energy, and his commitment to follow his calling is balanced with a constant sense of humor that brings him back to an even keel. "After traveling for four months with only a small backpack, the idea of using less and getting more really made sense. It made me want to look and explore the things around me to find what God has offered me, not to see how I can entertain myself. One time in Thailand I spent three hours walking through a jungle to find a legendary waterfall that turned out to be a trickle of water. My guide told me, 'Oh, it is hot month. Water all gone!' So much for a macho story of the big world traveler!"
With the experience of world travel, a dynamic debut project, and infectious sense of energy, fun and faith, Ian Eskelin is one of the brightest new faces in Christian music. With bold lyrics and real life sensibilities, this Brand New Language may be a fast growing Berlitz course in just a few short months.
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