For 6 years, the perseverance of the band Safe Haven, in spite of being an independent band, (term that is used for bands that do not have a promoter), has been one of great success. At the moment, they are in the direction of being at the border of success. With tours programmed around the nation, they recently had an acoustic presentation in Arizona, and they also have played in stages as an opening for famous North America Christian bands.

“This is very exciting, being an independent band, on tour, and having concerts in different states of the United States of North America is a miracle of a dream come true,” said Mani Sandoval (lead guitar) in an exclusive interview with GTFN.

The band began its journey in 2003. What used to be a means of escape soon became a successful explosion that would shake the fanatics of the Christian “Punk Rock” movement. Each member of Safe Haven, being of Latin roots, gives a rhythmical touch to their music. “The main singer, Gil Sandoval (vocals/bass), is a native of Guatemala. “My brother, Dan Sandoval (drums), and I were born here in the United States of America but our parents are from Guatemala”. “Josh Ledezma (guitar) also was born here in the United States of America; his mother is from Oklahoma and his father, I believe is from México” explained Mani to us.

GTFN: “What are your dreams and why do you say”: “Safe Haven has become the staple of what it is to dream and become what you believe”?
Mani: “That’s a great question. Before I talk about our dreams a want to explain why we make that statement. God has kept us together as a band, before we were just 4 guys playing in the garage, we never thought we would be touring national and abroad or anything like that, living like a musician, record albums, play really big concerts or even play our music album in the radio. You know, for us to become what we are now is pretty amazing because we started not knowing anything about anything in the industry, and we’ve been an independent band for 6 years, so being here and looking back from where we’ve come is kind of like becoming what you believe. When we started we didn’t know what we could become, but through the path we’ve seen by just reaching out what we want to become. We used to see how bands like Queens and U2 made an impact to the World, but living it as we are doing is incredible”.

It was not easy for Safe Haven, they had to fight many obstacles to arrive at where they are now; but their persistence, perseverance and desire in spreading the message to the Kingdom maintained them united and focused. “We worked hard but we were big dreamers, and that helped us stay put, because this way you become what you believe” Mani said.

GTFN: “What is Safe Haven’s main goal?”
Mani: “For the band, we don’t know how much time we have here to live, but we want to make a difference, to help a person; that’s the kind of people we are. We love music but if we can’t help anyone, if we didn’t care for another human being, if we didn’t love someone, or create any relationships… It does not matter all the other stuff we do, like recording an album, performing many different shows, etc., it wouldn’t be worth it. Because when you perform in Mexico, Hawaii or any other place, you have to be there for the people, you have to be able to relate to them. When you smile to someone, when you shake hands, you see a genuine response of love and people don’t ever forget that. And that’s one of our goals, to make a difference and an impact in people.

The main themes for their lyrics are to promote hope and how God can use you, how He uses them, and how He rewards the efforts of those who work hard. Mani: “You create like a connection through your lyrics and through your relationship with people, and at the end this is what it is all about!”

For Safe Haven, the most important way to create an impact in other lives through the band is that each member examines himself deeply, to know himself and know what God has done and can do with his life. To recognize his limitations and to surpass his fears because it is God that obtains in us what we have reached. “God speaks to us in many forms, we are not the only ones that spread the message, if we pay attention to everyone that approaches us, people of the industry or a fanatic, when they give an advice we know that it is God that is speaking and guiding us.” – Explains Mani.

GTFN: “Please talk to us about your new album Setting Up and Tearing Down”
Mani: “We released this album through the radio in the West. And to be an independent album, it has been of great impact, thank God. It is incredible, how the people have reacted to the same. It took us around three years to record, publish, finalize and release it, but still its music is fresh, modern and powerful. It was very difficult to prepare but as I previously mentioned when you persevere in something and obtain it you feel a very great satisfaction in the inside. Like when we attended high school, when you managed to buy an album of your favorite band, the satisfaction that you felt in having the new album, it is like that. But this is more powerful because you are doing it for the Glory of God and to reach many lives”.

GTFN: “Why is it mentioned in your MySpace that your music is like an epidemic?”
Mani: “Well, for that you have to see us perform, when people hear the music they really get into it, they feel it beat in their hearts along with all the strength we put into it. Is like an epidemic, it is contagious”.

It took them three years to obtain this production for many reasons, but the main one was economically. Being an independent band is very difficult to find funds to invest in an expensive project as it is an album. Also to obtain the quality of the product plus the exigencies of the producer can crash at any time. “But it was a great time, because at the same time we were in tour, in which we had the opportunity to create really powerful songs, which gave us new ideas to finish the album and unite us more as a band.” – Mani emphasized - “We got the opportunity to meet the producer of Mercy Me and other famous bands, whom taught us some points that helped us create an album with good quality.

At the moment Safe Haven is like a pilgrim, traveling from one concert to another making it impossible to participate with the group of praise and adoration in a specific church as they did in the beginning during seven years. But Safe Haven’s connection with God is not negotiable; their love for God maintains them always in the race and with an eye towards the future.

Safe Haven is composed by Gil Sandoval (bass and low voice), Dan Sandoval (drums), Mani Sandoval (lead guitar) and Josh Ledezma (guitar). If you love Christian Rock this is an album that you must have in your collection. With an incredible sound quality and a powerful message of hope and relationship with God.

The album is available in iTunes, the easiest way to obtain an album through the Internet or Raphsody, their page on MySpace (http://www.myspace.com/safehaven) or through their Web page in the Internet http://safehavenrock.com
Many congratulations Safe Haven and continue going forward. Many Blessings from GTFN.

Estella Vila Vega ©2008 www.GTFN.org