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ffh: brian smith

FFH has been rising in popularity the last couple years. Their song "Take Me As I Am" was the highest-charting independent single in Christian radio history. Their infectious acoustic pop got them signed with Essential.

Other hit songs have included "Big Fish" and "One of These Days."

Recently, I had a chance to do an e-mail interview with FFH co-founder Brian Smith. Enjoy!

crosshome: What makes FFH unique?

Brian Smith: I haven't really thought a lot about what makes FFH unique. But I'd probably say there are a few things that make us a little different. One, is that FFH is comprised of three guys and a girl and all of us share in the singing, lead vocals and BGV's and not only are we a vocal band, but we also play our own instruments. We try to be as versatile as we can.

crosshome: Many people wonder what FFH means. What's the history of the name?

Brian: FFH actually stands for Far from Home. When we released our first national single in 1998. We received a letter from another group in CA also called Far from Home. But they had the name first and lawyers. SO we just shortened ours to FFH. Which believe it or not, is a great conversation piece.

crosshome: How important is ministry to FFH?

Brian: Ministry is the core of FFH. I think that if someone told us we couldn't be out there reaching people for Jesus, that we had to just sing, that all of us would quit. In fact, our mission statement is to reach as many people for Jesus as we can, as quick as we can.

crosshome: FFH travels with many family members on its tour bus. What's a typical day like on the FFH bus?

Brian: Oh, boy!! A typical day consists of all of us getting up (of course). Some later than others. Then we all usually eat lunch together. After lunch we each have our own little thing we like to do or we have to do. Some of us go work out, some go golfing, some go back to bed, some just relax and watch TV, but most of us, I guess mainly the crew, begins set-up for the evening concert. At 4:00, we begin our quick soundcheck and then get ready for the concert. After the show, the autographs, and all the tear down, and as the bus is pulling away. We take time to pray for those who made commitments at our concert and also the upcoming day. Then we usually hang out and talk about the day and lots of other stuff. The ten of us get along really well, believe it or not we actually like being together. We have a great time!!

crosshome: With your rising popularity, how do you keep your ego in check?

Brian: When you're on the road 200 days out of the year, it isn't always that hard to keep our egos in check. Even though we love it, it sometimes gets grueling out there. We also have Jennifer's parents traveling with us, and my wife also travels with us. That helps to keep us focused. We have such a family atmosphere on the bus that it really helps keep us in check. And if for some reason we do get big heads, God always has a way of humbling us.

crosshome: What's your personal favorite FFH song?

Brian: I'd have to say my favorite FFH song is "I'm Not Afraid to Love You". This song talks about surrendering your life and your love to Jesus Christ. It's a very vulnerable song about the realization that you need the Lord, trusting Him, then loving Him with all that you are.

crosshome: "Found A Place" is your second major label release but you've actually recorded nine albums. What were some of the earlier albums like?

Brian: We began recording albums as soon as we could. Most of them were awful. We actually began as an acappella group, so our first couple albums were all acappella. They really helped us in the beginning. They got us from concert to concert. Hopefully, if you're lucky, you'll never have the chance to hear one!!

crosshome: What has been the response from fans on your latest CD?

Brian: The response to our new CD has been amazing. God has used four very average people to help encourage and uplift the church. It's been awesome to see how God is using each song in a different way to minister to people.

crosshome: FFH also produced a Found A Place devotional CD. Tell us a little about that.

Brian: The devotional CD began out of nowhere. It was an idea in the back of our mind. But when we were given this opportunity we jumped at the chance. It's great for people to get to know us and our hearts. We'd rather have people listening to us about stuff that really matters, than have people reading about what gum we like. It has also been a great tool for our concert ministry. At an FFH show anyone who makes a commitment receives an FFH devo CD. Our prayer for the CD is that people can be encouraged by it and also strengthened.

crosshome: A lot of Christian artists are making worship albums these days. Is FFH going to be next on the list?

Brian: I'm not sure about that. It has always been a dream of our to make a worship album. We love praise and worship. Whenever we get the chance to lead p & w we do. It is a time of our concert that the eyes are taken off of us and we take our eyes off of the audience and we join together to sing songs to our creator. It's awesome. It would be a privilege for us to be able to do a a praise and worship album.

crosshome: Brian, on the FFH web site you list your most memorable experience as the day your family adopted your sister Betsy. We'd like to know more about that.

Brian: The day we adopted Betsy definitely was a memorable experience. It happened when I was 5 yrs old. I can remember that day like it was yesterday. We drove to the adoption services and walked into the office and there she was, only 3 days old. It was a great day. Believe it or not, as I am writing this she is visiting us in Nashville from Pennsylvania.

crosshome: Thanks, Brian.

- Jason Mitchener

Don't forget to visit FFH's web site: http://www.ffh.net