Josh MacIntosh of Avenir Sky talks Debut EP and Suicide Prevention

Based out of British Columbia, Josh MacIntosh started Avenir Sky just as a solo project but as time progressed, it was found that three worked better than one. Avenir Sky released their self-titled debut album on May 5th, 2017 and are hoping to speak high volumes.

---

Hey Josh! Thanks for taking the time to talk with us here at Breaking Stereotypes. We're stoked to be promoting Avenir Sky's newest EP. For the readers who don't know, who is Avenir Sky and what is your mission?

Avenir Sky consists of Josh Macintosh, Gian Peck & Matt Groening. One of the main things that this band stands for is hope. This world is getting crazier by the day and people are getting lost in the crossfire. If we can show love to the people around us, reach out to those who are hurting in whatever crazy situation they are in and give them hope, then our job is done.

On your website, it is stated that Avenir Sky started as a solo project. How did you guys move out of that status into becoming a full band?

Avenir Sky began when two dreams collided. Josh had been writing as an outlet for quite some time. He was playing a set at Bethel Church in Redding and Gian happened to fill in on drums that Sunday morning. Right from the intro of that first song, they both knew there was something in the air. So began the epic journey that is now Avenir Sky.

Yesterday, May 5th marked the release of your self-titled, debut album, Avenir Sky. What does this mean for you, Matt and Gian?

This feels like the end of a long journey and the beginning of another amazing adventure. We are so excited to finally release these songs that I have held close for so long. We can not wait to see what they do and where they go! This is a dream that we are seeing move into a reality. There has been many highs and lows but here we are, with this record as a testament to standing firm on promises. I know we have poured our hearts into this record and there is equal amounts of relief, excitement and anticipation.​

By talking with you recently, I know that lyrical depth means a lot to you. See the Sun has a pretty specific story behind it. Tell us a little bit about that and the story behind it.

That is a long story but the long and short of it is we all have seasons or times in our life that we feel low. Music has a way of connecting in ways that we never thought possible. Someone came up to me after a show and shared with me that a year ago he was going to commit suicide. He turned on the radio so that he wasn’t alone and one of the songs that we played that night came on the radio. It gave him hope and made him want to see the sun again. It blew me away and changed the entire course of what this band was. People are looking for hope anywhere they can get it and all the songs have this thread of hope running through them. My hope and prayer is that we could write a song that would be there for someone in their darkest time of need.

What other songs on the EP have a lyrical depth to them that you would care to share?

Well, let's talk about "Worth The Fall." Sometimes the scariest thing in life is to let go and risk it all. Not hold any thing back and throw all your cards on the table. To intentionally go after something that is so much bigger that yourself. This has been my life for the last seven years. Jumping off ledges, taking risks just to follow what I felt that I was supposed to do. I will say this, if you are feeling that God is calling you to do something crazy and you have no idea what is going to happen. Sometimes the biggest adventure in your life starts with saying yes, letting go and stepping out of your comfort zone. The adventure is worth the fall.

What does Suicide Prevention mean to you and why should it be so important to other people?

It means taking a moment to be present with everyone you are with. To actually see them and make them feel known because they have value. I have seen this happen over and over where people over the years have come back to me and said: "Remember all those years ago when you stopped everything and took time to talk?" Yeah, that meant to the world to me so thank you. Making people feel loved and cared for can stop some of the dark thoughts before they ever happen.

You have played with Bethel Music before which is obviously a group of worship leaders and bands. What made you take off from worship and start exploring into rock music?

For me I have discovered that there is no difference between the two. My heart has always been for worship and mainstream rock. Having played with Bethel and toured with Thousand Foot Krutch and Manafest, I have realized that what I carry in the worship world, I can also bring into mainstream. The experience I mentioned early, sparked the shift in perspective and ultimately the entire project.

Did you learn anything from being with Bethel that has helped you boost your devotional life as well as helping others?

I have learned that I cultivate in secret, shapes who I am in front of people. This means that what I carry isn’t meant to be kept inside the church walls but actually the opposite. It is meant to be released to bring change, not just for a group of people but entire cities and nations.

Finally, to aspiring musicians, young and old, what do you say to those who strive to be in your position for the same reasons?

I would say practice and learn your craft so that you can do anything. Find your why, the reason why you play music and run with it. Never forget it either. We are all called to different things but the one thing remains the same, to take what you have been given and change the world around you for the better and point people to the one who is the giver of all hope.

Follow Avenir Sky on Social Media

FB.com/avenirsky

Avenirsky.com