A Closer Look:
A Rotterdam November
By: Kristin Sepeda

A Rotterdam November is an alternative – rock band from Boise, Idaho. The band consists of David (lead vocals, guitar), Jared (backing vocals, lead guitar), Dylan (backing vocals, guitar), Alan (scream/vocals, guitar and keys), Andy (bass), and Ryan (drums). ARN has been a band for a little over a year; they became a band in the summer of 2006 and added Dylan in the spring of 2007. How they got their band name is quite interesting. “Rotterdam is a city in Holland that was destroyed in WWII. Soon after, they quickly rebuilt the downtown area. Our band is about rebuilding. Jesus rebuilds us,” the band explained in a recent interview.
With the release of their self-titled debut album in December 2007, ARN has hit the touring scene right. They went on a west coast tour with Ever Stays Red for the “Rock and Reeds Tour.” Touring for a band is not only hard work but can also get very boring, but for ARN touring is something they look forward to. “While being on tour, I like to read, listen to music, hang out with the guys, see new places and meet new people,” Ryan shares. “I really enjoy the fellowship, not just with my band but also the promoters, the other bands, the sound guys and our fans,” Dylan adds. Being on tour also means a lot of driving for bands. “The road is sometimes really smooth, other times it’s really bumpy, depending on if the state we are in has enough money to maintain it,” Jared describes. “I like it; it gives me time to think. It also gives me time to communicate and have a closer relationship with God/Jesus,” Alan professes. ARN has an energetic onstage performance. They love being onstage and playing music. “The crowd’s reaction and then getting to meet people later is my favorite part of a live show,” David tells.
Not only is ARN a cool Christian band that loves music, but they also have a message to today’s youth. “We would say that our message is to show that there is something bigger and better out there. Don’t live for yourself because adventure comes from serving others,” The band conveys. We all have to agree that being a rock-star is a pretty sweet job, but for ARN it’s much deeper than that. “I felt God had a purpose for my life and even if what we do gets hard I would rather be 90 years old and know I did what God called me to do then if I lived a comfortable easy life doing something other than what I was called to do,” David explains.

Be sure to check out A Rotterdam November on myspace for updated information about the band and upcoming shows.
www.myspace.com/arotterdamnovember