Regardless of what kind of music you listen to, odds are there is at least one performer that you have fallen absolutely in love with. This performer is probably a stellar musician, a morally-sound person, and someone you feel you can relate to or get along well with.
For me, this person is Kyle Fasel of Real Friends. Real Friends is a punk band from Chicago and is known well for the song "Late Nights in My Car." They recently concluded a tour with New Found Glory, Dollskin, and The Early November celebrating New Found Glory's third From the Screen to the Stereo album.
Let's face it: punk and religion do not always mix well.
The punk industry spans from mellow pop-punk all the way to heavy metal punk and Real Friends sits somewhere in the middle. One thing I have learned about the punk family is that many members and performers are not Christian, and outsiders often see our genre of music as some sort of devil-like sound. As a Christian myself, I have always felt like an outsider in the world of punk music. I felt like I did not belong because people of similar beliefs did not view our music as moral or holy.
Kyle Fasel changed this for me.
Kyle is not only the guitarist of Real Friends but is a published poet and a dedicated Christian. He is very open about his faith on social media and sets an example of how to balance your relationship with God and a busy lifestyle. His poetry spans all sorts of emotions and can inspire change for any situation. He leads a life of love by example through Christ.
I was blessed enough to sit front row to see Real Friends perform this past weekend.
After the show, I was able to get a picture with and some autographs from Kyle. My heart was beating so fast and my hands were shaking. I've interacted with him over social media a few times, but this was my first time getting to talk with him in person. I know I reeked of sweat and was stumbling over my words, which was super embarrassing, but I was just so happy to have the opportunity to chat with him. I know he's heard it a hundred times, but I told him that Real Friends is my favorite band and that he is my favorite band member. Unfortunately, I was too nervous to tell him why.
He has shown me that I can still be a Christian and love others through my faith while enjoying punk music. Thank you, Kyle, for showing me I am not alone in this world.
