SKYHAWK DRIVE Official Blog

THE GETAWAY LYRICS

2011-12-12T17:54:00.001-08:00

V1 - My footprints left a shadow. These shoes will never be the same

The front door left wide open. My past is on the wall like pictures in a frame.

We all know its common conception, i've been collecting thoughts

You said so, you've been forming opinions. reality tips and toes

Ch - Don't say that im not ever good enough. This town is a ghost after 10 o'clock

I'm leaving would you wish me well

Im walking away im not coming back don't tell me to stay right where im at

You're jaded. Ill make it. Watch as I take my getaway

V2 - Hearts racing you're keeping quiet, just waiting for this to fade away

Im sorry but im leaving. Complacency is dead I think its time for change.

We both know its a conscious decision we'll take this in ourselves

You said so, use your head and think through it or you'll regret it down the

road.

Just so you know, before i go I should say I love you so

The miles apart will press against this heavy heart

Just know each path I take will bring me back someday.

A SIMPLE SONG LYRICS

2011-12-12T17:50:00.000-08:00

V1 - Stop now I just need time to breathe

Slow down my head wont stop spinning.

And I wonder how I could feel that way, you're everything that I ever wanted.

Im amazed by you.

Ch - Oh I've struggled with all this doubt and im dying to write this down,

just to say im sorry somehow.

Oh I want you to know im sure that its you i've been dreaming for

and im ready for this now…just dont leave me out.

V2 - Break down, these walls i've built up so strong.

Wait now my fear's got me all alone.

And I wonder how I could feel that way, you're everything that I ever wanted.

Im afraid to lose you.

Ch - Oh I've struggled with all this doubt and im dying to write this down,

just to say im sorry somehow.

Oh I want you to know im sure that its you i've been dreaming for

and im ready for this now…just dont leave me out.

Br - And I know a simple song might not make it all better but ill try.

And I think that we could both make it together so lets try.

SOMETHING MORE LYRICS

2011-12-12T17:49:00.001-08:00

V1 - It started down a road, an unforseen path of thee unkown

Im looking to the sky and im wondering why and where i should go.

I tried the most, but all the doors I thought were open, closed.

Im calling myself out and taking off my crown from the first note.

Just say it say it yah x2

Ch - I Gotta move forward ill die another day

Im giving up im giving in to something more.

Only time will tell if the path I have is yours

Im giving up im giving in to something more.

V2 - I learned how to wait, but changing is a chance ill have to take

Even if i go down or get lost in the crowd i gotta have faith

Questions questions…they're runnin through my head all day and night

These confessions are the essence of my life.

Just say it say it yah x2

Breathe in breathe out sing it sing out X2

BROTHERS IN ARMS LYRICS

2011-12-12T17:48:00.002-08:00

Ch - Wake me before the dawn Brothers in arms

Stand till the fight is done together as one

V - A father. A son. from a city with a history to overcome.

The smoke clears from the shadows as the world descends

The silence decided its end.

Whoa whoa the silence decided its end.

The ground is shaking I can barely stand

The silence decided its end.

Ch - Wake me before the dawn Brothers in arms

Stand till the fight is done together as one

V2 - A soldier. his men, are carried back to the place where it all

began.

The smoke clears from the shadow as our fear sets in

The silence decided its end.

Whoa whoa the silence decided its end.

My ears are ringing oh the sirens sing

The silence decided its end.

Ch - Wake me before the dawn Brothers in arms

Stand till the fight is done together as one

WHISPER LYRICS

2011-12-12T17:48:00.000-08:00

V1 - You said be patient cause I got a lot to say got a lot to say

Well Im ready for your will ready for your ways.

Im at the point where its undecided, the path that marks my life is but im finding

I have a heart but its being hardened cause I feel left alone.

Ch - Whisper to me just say anything. Will I be safe. you got me do you got me.

I swear I thought I had this figured out. Was that you talking or was that just

my way out of a dream…please just whisper to me.

V2 - I've seen you speak a hundred times before when you shut the door

Another opens up but i've hit the floor.

I feel like I am just being selfish. I need some faith to see but thats the toughest.

I have a heart but its being hardened cause I feel left alone.

Ch - Whisper to me just say anything. Will I be safe. you got me do you got me.

I swear I thought I had this figured out. Was that you talking or was that just

my way out of a dream…please just whisper to me.

Br - You said youd never let me go. My God my God I know..

I need your help right now…cause I am nothing on my own.

Ch - Whisper to me just say anything. Will I be safe. you got me do you got me.

I swear I thought I had this figured out. Was that you talking or was that just

my way out of a dream…please just whisper to me.

New Beginnings

2011-09-12T17:57:00.000-07:00

I think its appropriate to start off this blog by saying hi! We are Skyhawk Drive. I feel like in a way, we have been on somewhat of a hiatus or period of time off . At least that's how it must seem to some of you. We've actually been working harder than ever before in this whole new season of our band. Ever since the band was started during my 11th grade year of high school (2006), we've gone through a number of member changes. Its been tough and there were times where it left us wondering if we could even still pull the band thing off. God has certainly kept us going with His direction and guidance, and I'm happy to announce the new lineup of Skyhawk Drive. Things are going to look a little different than before. We've added drummer Fred Lingenfelser (formerly of the band Calling Out Closer), and guitarist Jeremiah McCann (formerly of Sunday Obsession, Langley). Kris Potter is on guitar and backup vocals and Ridge Bingaman has moved out from behind the keyboards to play the bass full time. With the addition of a new guitarist, it really gives me the freedom to hold on to the mic and just be the front man for the band. I think I speak for everyone by saying we are so so excited about the future. God has really brought so many things together in order for this to happen and it just seems like things have fallen into place. I'm honored to be playing music with these guys and I can promise that the new live show is better then ever! So definitely keep an eye out for a show near you!!
-Ronnie

News from Josh

2011-07-29T16:29:00.000-07:00

Hey everyone! Unfortunately we have some sad news to announce. Our drummer Josh Swartz, who has been with us since 2008, has decided to leave the band. He wrote a letter below to everyone. He's been a great friend since he joined and will continue to be that. God brought josh to this band in a really cool way. I had met him in Canada in 2007 ( i think) at a huge youth conference with over 1,000 kids in attendance. A friend and I wanted to play at the talent show in front of all these people but we needed a drummer. We somehow were introduced to josh and he agreed to learn this song about an hour before our audition lol. We made it, played in front of everyone, and had a great time! He added me on myspace after we got home. A while later I posted a bulletin on myspace looking for a drummer and he was the first to respond. It was really an awesome God thing that we even met! He's been a blessing to us but we're excited for him in his new pursuit and will keep him in our prayers!

-Ronnie

(from Josh)

Hey there everyone reading this,

So im writing this to give some bittersweet news to everybody. As of a couple of weeks ago I announced to the guys that I was quitting the band. Somethings had come up that started having me really think about if the band was where God really wanted me and after some serious praying and thinking I just felt like God was telling me he has a different plan for me outside of the band and that it was time to move on to something new in my life. I have had such an amazing time in this band over the years i got to go to some awesome places and meet some awesome people while playing music with some great guys. But unfortnatly all good things must come to an end eventually and its ok because I feel God doing some awesome things and pulling me in a great direction and im excited about that!! Anyway I just wanted to say thanks to everyone who has ever supported me and the band over the years and all the Skyhawk Drive fans you all are such awesome people im so thankful for getting to meet all of you!! Also everything between me and the guys is fine there isn't any bad blood or anything like that. I know God has big plans for them and I hope the best for all of them and if anybody ever wants to talk to me or anything even though im not in the band anymore don't be afraid to im still here for anyone who would need someone to talk to. Anyway thanks again to everyone you have all made this such and awesome ride and always remember that no matter what YOU ARE LOVED!!!!!!!

God bless,

Josh :)

STUDIO BLOG: Day 9

2011-06-03T17:30:00.000-07:00

Well here we are=) Today was the last day in the studio. We started out the day with some starbucks then re-recorded some guitar parts for our last song. Once that was finished we did vocals. Today went by pretty fast. The whole lats two weeks has gone by fast. Its crazy how tight we've become with Ben and Nick and how comfortable we are in the studio now. If I could I would honestly stay for another week to record more songs. I have such a huge passion for recording and taking a song and polishing it to make it album worthy. Im really gonna miss the studio and the guys and all the new friends we made. Ive learned a lot while ive been out here. I've learned more about what it is to live out Gods love and to follow Him in this adventure He's brought us on. This has been a huge step for us as a band and I wanna thank you for reading this blog. I hope its kind of given you an insight to what it takes to make a record. Our fans are everything to us and even though music is our passion its our fans that really keep that going. A band is nothing without its fans. Now im sure you are wondering when you'll be able to hear these songs. I am gonna be honest and tell you I have no idea. The purpose of the production deal that we signed with Skies Fall was to record 2 songs to shop out to record labels. The studio decided to make it a 5 song ep which made us pretty happy. SO with that being said the next step is get this ep into the hands of A&R reps. As to when youll hear it, I hope it will be sooner then later!! Ive never believed in our music as much as I believe in this ep. Its fresh its new and its grown up. We have a lot of work to do though as a band. The next couple months are going to be interesting and if you can I ask that you keep us in your prayers. We are gonna need Gods direction above all else in the near future. So thank you all so much again for your support and love. You all mean so much to us.
God Bless,
-Ronnie

STUDIO BLOG: Day 8

2011-06-02T18:03:00.000-07:00

Wow its already thursday. Its hard to believe that tomorrow is our last day here=( Im gonna miss this. I've gotten sad every time we have to stop recording. I love it so much. Today was a good day. We recorded the vocals for Whisper. This song pushes me vocally. We decided on singing the first half of the verses an octave higher then what we wrote them...not only that but I had to sing them softly. For anyone who doesnt know anything about singing...its hard to sing high notes in your range softly without going into falsetto voice. So im going to be working a lot on my vocal range and capabilities when I get home! Im excited though! This song sounds sick. We did a few different takes of me screaming/growling/sounding more hardcore then I actually am =P Its quick but youll hear it. After that we worked on re-writting some parts of a song that the studio likes a lot but we as a band dont that much haha. While kris was recording harmonies for Whisper I went outside with an acoustic guitar and my macbook to write. We scratched some stuff and changed the chorus a good bit. We pretty much re-wrote the song 3 or 4 times. Its hard to scrap whole sections of lyrics and guitar riffs and re-write them completely. I found that kicking around a soccer ball around helps me write haha. We finally got something that the studio AND kris and I really liked. So thats the last song we have to do and then saturday kris and I are flying back to PA. Pretty stoked to put the finishing touches on everything tomorrow. Enjoy the pics!

Adding in some last minute string parts

oh yah =P

STUDIO BLOG: Day 7

2011-06-01T16:22:00.000-07:00

Day 7!! I cant believe its already wednesday! It feels like this has gone by so fast but at the same time it feels like its been forever!! Today we worked on probably my favorite song on this record. We spent a fair amount of the day tracking guitars. We altered some parts and added some parts. For lunch Ben grilled up some Brots (i think thats how you spell that lol). I've never eaten those before so that was kind of yummy...until ben told me what brots were made out of O_O. Then we moved on to vocals and that actually went by pretty fast. Kris sings a lot of great harmonies on this song. We didnt get to many pictures today because we streamed most of the afternoon on ustream. That was pretty fun! Ive never actually been on ustream so we might have to do that again sometime=) We finished the vocals and tomorrow we'll be doing vocals on Whisper. Ill be sure to get some more pics!

STUDIO BLOG: Day 6

2011-05-31T16:53:00.000-07:00

Day 6 in the studio!! Today was great! We started out the day by doing more guitar tracking. We spent a lot of time getting the right tones for this song. We tried a few different pedals and and few variations of gain and distortion, we even used a few different guitars to really nail the tone we were looking for. It was awesome messing around with so many different guitars and tones. After we tracked all the rhythm/lead/and bass for this song we moved on to vocals. It was a lot of fun working on this song. These new songs are so different then "Center Stage Shout Out" and you'll be able to hear that right away. The vocals alone are sung with so much more emotion and passion. Ben and Nick are helping me find my voices character and its really been cool. Ive been taking a lot of influence from Bano and Jared Leto's singing structure. Ben booked me a vocal lesson Brook Barrett Smith. She's done work with Brett Manning and actually made it to hollywood in american idol a few seasons back. It was the season with Daughtry on it and they have been friends ever since...sooo thats pretty cool! We went through some warm ups and we figured out a solid vocal warm up routine for my voice. She gave me some awesome tips and put me on the track to really proper vocal technique but at the same tip keeping my "rock" sound. It was great and im extremely excited to get back into the studio tomorrow to track more guitars and vocals=))
Enjoy the pics!!

My view from the vocal booth

STUDIO BLOG: Day 5

2011-05-30T15:35:00.000-07:00

I was really happy to get back into the studio today! Ridge and Josh drove back to PA on friday so its just been Kris and I chilling all weekend. Saturday and sunday were off days and we literally sat in Bens house and watched movies and tv allllll day. Ive never done so little in my life haha. Sunday we went to Bens church and really saw God move and speak. It was cool...then we went back to doing nothing. So needless to say I am REALLY excited to get back into the studio! Today was great. I laid down the acoustic guitar tracks for our first love song ever written! Then we went back in and added some sweet electric guitar tracks.Then we moved on to vocals! We again broke down each small part and focused in on intonation and pronunciation. I sang the song about a hundred times but it was great! They really pushed me to reach notes that I have never ever hit. It was crazy. Im stoked for the rest of this week (now that I actually get to be productive;)

STUDIO BLOG: Day 4

2011-05-28T09:45:00.000-07:00

DAY 4!! Today ridge laid down all of his piano and keyboard tracks! Ill say it again...it was really cool to hear these songs come together layer by layer. Ridge kind of knew what he was doing so Ben took josh, kris, and I out for lunch. The town that this studio is in is really cool. Its a small town but its right beside lake Michigan so its got some cool scenery and some cool places. When we got back ridge and I worked on some final piano and key parts for the 5th song. We actually got done with all that stuff an hour early! Nick stayed in the studio and worked on some bass tracking while ben, ridge, kris, josh, and myself went to play ultimate frisbee with a group of really cool people from bens church. That was a lot of fun to get out of the studio and run around. Sadly Josh and Ridge had to leave after that. Kris and I are now staying at Bens house for the week and focusing in on our song writing and vocals in the studio! Its gonna be a lot of fun and a lot of work. I dont think we've ever put so much thought and focus into our songs as we are now. We're all really excited about whats coming=)
I also just wanna throw in there a HUGE thank you to Anna who has been letting us stay at her house for the past week. She is a friend of Krises family and has been a huge blessing to us while we've been out here. She packed us a lunch for every day we went to the studio and has been our mom away from home! She owns the company RAW Materials and everyone who reads this should go check her stuff out!
http://www.facebook.com/pages/Raw-Materials/86791158997

STUDIO BLOG: Day 3

2011-05-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hey guys! Day 3 in the studio is over! Today really came and went. I learned a lot today. First I learned a little more about working with producers. Its cool that they help develop our songs but when you wrote something a certain way and it gets changed it kinda bums you out. I understand they are trying to get the best out of our songs but I dont know... they know whats best and im trying to see that so I stop getting bummed out. We got a lot of sweet guitar tones though today! The guitars sound huge!! So we are pretty stoked about that. Hearing the songs come together layer by layer is sweet and is definitely exciting! We played out of a sweet vintage marshall head and a mesa head and we did some work out of a vox too. Im stoked about the guitar tones though if you cant tell=) So we re-wrote some guitar riffs and altered some others and got through 2 songs on guitar! Tomorrow ridge is doing all of his piano and keyboard parts. Him and Josh are driving home on saturday morning and kris and I are staying another week to focus on vocals! Im stoked and here are some pictures! See yah tomorrow!

SURPRISE! haha I had to put this on the blog...sorry ben=P

STUDIO BLOG: Day 2

2011-05-25T18:11:00.000-07:00

Day 2.....to be honest day 2 was pretty boring. Nick, the sound engineer, and ben focused in on a lot of technical drum parts which left ridge, kris, and myself sitting and listening. Im pretty sure we're all drummers now though because of everything we heard and learned. We finished the drum tracks to the rest of the songs which was great! Ridge spent a lot of time on his ipad, kris did a lot of sleeping, and I was on facebook most of the day. I got on skype for a while with my girlfriend and she got to meet Ben via skype. She geeked out cause she's a skillet fan so that was cool for her=) Tomorrow kris and I will be having fun because we're tracking guitars! I cant wait! The amps they have in this studio are my dream amps. We're working on getting 5 songs done so hopefully the guitar tracking will go smoothly tomorrow! The raw drum takes sound great and I cant wait to keep these songs moving!! Enjoy the pics=)

This was my view all day

Kris sleeping and Nick attempting to wake him up

Ridge and his ipad....they are inseparable

STUDIO BLOG: Day 1

2011-05-24T20:06:00.000-07:00

So yesterday we left Pennsylvania at 7 a.m. to start our 10 hour drive to IL. We are blessed enough to be staying with a family friend of Kris for the first week of recording. Its really nice out here and she's super awesome for letting us guys stay here. Today we began out first trip to SkiesFall studio...we only got lost once =P When we finally got to the studio we met up with Ben (producer) and Nick (audio Engineer). I really started getting stoked when we walked into the studio. This place is legit and I feel really blessed to be able to record here. We started out the day with a lot of pre-production and breaking down our songs. We focused in on certain parts and altered them to get the best song we could. Its really cool to be working with a producer on these songs. Next we recorded a rough rhythm guitar track and I did a quick rough vocal track...singing at 11:30 a.m. is interested to say the least....also let me just say that im glad the rough tracks wont be heard by anyone;P Once that was done, josh used those to start laying down his drum tracks. Today we finished the drums for Whisper. Below are some pictures for your viewing pleasure! Needless to say we are very excited to get these songs finished=D See yah tomorrow folks!
-Ronnie

Message from Clay

2011-02-28T20:12:00.000-08:00

Hello Skyhawk fans,

For the past 5 months our friend Clay Sprecher has been playing bass guitar for us. I know some of you have gotten to know him really well over that time. If you saw him at a show youd remember him for sure because he had more energy then all of us. Clay is moving on from the band to continue his pursuit at Liberty University. He is studying to become a worship leader there. He has such a huge heart for Christ and we wish him the very best down there. He is going to do amazing things with the gifts and talents God has given him and we are all supportive and happy for him. It has been an honor to have him with us. He's been such a good friend of ours for a long time now and he will be missed. This is from clay...

To my dear friends and fans,

Firstly, I want to take this opportunity to thank all of you for how you have supported Skyhawk Drive as well as me personally. It is really you the fans along with the grace of God that makes this thing possible. It has been so amazing to meet and talk with as many of you as I can.

Unfortunately, I have to let you guys know that my involvement in the band is ending. God is moving and changing in the direction of the band as well as in my own life. While my involvement in the band has been short (just over 5 months), the experience has been life-changing. As I said, meeting each one of you was incredible. Each of you have a story that needs to be heard and I feel privileged to have heard so many. Never stop sharing your stories and remembering that Jesus is really all there is. When the things of this world pass away, Jesus will be the only thing left. Give your lives to Him, cast your cares on Him, and live for Him. I love all of you so much and I pray for as many of you as I can everyday. I have started relationships with many of you and I want you to know that even though I am no longer in the band, I am still here to talk with you and pray with you whenever you need. If any of you needs anything, please don't hesitate to ask.

Finally just to clarify, I am still friends with the guys of Skyhawk Drive and I continue to support them as I hope that you will as well. You can expect an awesome new album and stage show on its way that I am looking forward to hearing and seeing. I hope to see some of you around at shows, and look forward to being out in the crowd watching with you.

Love you guys,

Clay

First update

2011-02-28T20:01:00.000-08:00

Hey Everyone,
Welcome to the official Skyhawk Drive blog. This is now where you can get all of our updates about what we're up to and what we're working on! We will try and keep this updated as much as possible so stay tuned=)

-Skyhawk Drive