"When I look back at all the songs I've written, I can see the path my heart has taken through life. It's like writing a public diary, but one that only I can connect all the dots in. Each song carries the weight of a memory that birthed it, and some songs are heavier than they appear to be.

One thing I'm most excited about is that lately I find myself writing songs about redemption and hope more often than songs about struggle. Jesus has shown me a new scene when I look back at my life and musical history....through all the struggles and challenges, when I was searching for Him and trying to discover a meaningful, genuine spirituality...He was there beside me the whole time. And the moments when I was most lost were not wasted, they were steps that brought me closer to finding out who I really am: a completely loved, redeemed child of God.

I believe there is power in the struggle. It's important to WANT to know who God is and who we are. I hope that the songs I write help people along their journey and point them to the hope I've found. "Jesus loves you" -We throw that phrase around like candy, but it's actually the most incredible news you will ever hear. It means that the God of the universe wants to know you personally, loves you completely, and is walking beside you right now. He cares about your life. You matter to God."

Dave (or "Dito" to those of you who know him best) is the lead vocalist,
co-lead guitarist, and tallest member of the band. Born in Puerto Rico, his family moved to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia when he was four years old. 12 years later, they moved again onto a boat to pursue a family dream of sailing around the world (read about their travels at www.maxingout.com).

Many of Dave's songwriting influences stem from his international upbringing. "Living in Riyadh put me in a bubble as far as staying current with musical trends. I listened to ABBA way longer than anyone else in my generation. When I came to college in 1999 and found out they had broken up, I took it pretty hard." (joking)

Dave's musical background began as many children's do: playing the recorder at school. From there is was a natural progression to the clarinet....which was fun until he was selected to play snare drum for "Little Drummer Boy" at one fateful Christmas concert. And thus, a new love affair was born: Drums!

It wasn't until college that Dave picked up the guitar and began writing music. The rest is history.