Joseph "Jes" Steineger III
1. So what's the deal with you and Coalesce now?
I don't need it anymore. it used to be something that filled a part of who i was and it seems like i've watched it decrease since it started back up in 1996. No wthe feeling's gone and my life is peaceful without it, but that may have a lot to do with so much new stuff in my life now. Some things might make a person happy and they'll never know if other things make them more happy until they try new things.
2. What do you see yourself doing in 5years, 10 years?
I hope to get a Masters at Seminary, have an amazing family to come home to after working all day as an Underwriter at the mortgage company i work at now. :) Of course, i see myself totally different than i am now, because i hope to always [evolve][sic] when coming into contact with new truth and experience.
3.What turned a bright-eyed kid listening to Metallica into a freaky psycho smashing his guitars, or is that not a fair question?
Not a fair question... :)
4. Who or what has been the biggest influence on your music?
Growing up has been. I've stretched myself the expanse of the universe since i started this band. The expanse of the universe. Maturing is the only thing that's capable of being the source of my influence. I never wrote anything that didn't feel forced or contrived, it just came with the level of understanding i had at that time in my life.
5. How has religion played a role in your musical development?
Religion has played the loudest string in my life since i was 16, i just wish God could have.
6. What is your favorite tour story?
Funny that the 1st thing that'll always come to mind will be the one thing that makes me the punchline. The van was dead. Spencer was upset because he felt like he did it. Sean took ovr in getting the van under control in a 60 mile an hour coast down the highway. By the time it hit 25-30 mph he opens the door and jumps out to start puchins to keep the momentum. I, of course, want to look like I'm in on helping. I open the two side doors and view the scene. It's simple, jump, run, and start pushing the van. I jump, I run, but i run the wrong way. I started running towards the back of the van instead of towards the front. As soon as i touched gravel, i ate it. I did like 4 backwards summersaults until I got under control and picked myself up to catch up with the van. Everyone was laughing so hard, but i think i was laughing the hardest because it happened so fast and i was trying to catch up.
7. What if anything do you regret about the way things have gone with Coalesce?
Definitely my example. I've never been able to live the things that would make people happy, because of my weakness in determination. If i loved my band like i should, i wouldn't have ever made them feel isolated by their ways of life or my seclusion in always reading or being by myself. I should have put my strength in loving these guys while still maintaining the mindset i wanted. I've been the worst example to the 4 closest friends I've had the past 5 years.
8. What would you say is the best part of your life?
Nicole. She's been so fun to hang out with. I got to be everything I want to be with her. She challenges me so much because she will not back down in disagreement. She holds her ground and has her ways set. She has her goals and intricacies that i love to see so much. I'm up to my eyebrows in stuff to do everyday from 6am-10pm and i always have the desire to see her at the end of the day. She's so fun to talk to, she's fun to work with (when she's in charge), and she's fun to debate with because she isn't a push-over. Of all the things i don't deserve in this world, Nicole surpasses the top of the list. She's the waling epitomy of forgiveness and love, in my life. A true christian.
9. How has being in Coalesce changed your life?
It's always stood as the most common backdrop. No matter how low i was or high i got, it continued through it all. It gave me a place to not stress for 45 minutes. I can't remember ever being nervous really. It was something real natural to who i was. I've seen behind the scenes in the music world to know it;s not what i thought it was when i was 11 years old. I'll always be gracious for the vast amount of things i've seen/experienced due to Coalesce; good or bad, they've helped shape me and think about life (due to hardcore being the biggest forum for every belief and philosophy next to maybe college). It's taught me so much but i can't live the coalesce life forever. There's a time you have to move on to bigger and radder things and try not to disrespect the stairs you climbed to get there.
--God Bless...