VOTA (formerly known as Casting Pearls) is Christian rock band from Lincoln, Nebraska featuring Bryan Olesen, a former guitarist with fellow Christian rock band Newsboys. Several of the band’s songs have been featured on rotation with several national radio networks such as K-Love, and are part of the international 180 Tour. We sat down with them for a Men of God spotlight interview.
Music
Who influenced you musically? (Bryan)
As a youngster rock bands like Van Halen and Queen. I became a Christian when I was 14 at a very legalistic church. Rock music was considered a sin. There was a period of time during my teenage years that I explored “acceptable” forms of music, which basically meant anything without drums or electric guitar. I dove into classical music. This was good for me. I really enjoyed Bach. It was tough but good to broaden my musical horizon. My first introduction to Christian music was a band called Pray For Rain, or PFR. They were a huge influence on me.
What does Vota mean?
We wanted a name that didn’t have a big meaning attached to it. We wanted fans to just let us be the definition. As they dive into who we are and our music, that’s VOTA.
What songs on the new album do you think impacts and encourages the Christian the most?
The song “Honestly” encourages and challenges the believer not to be afraid of being honest about your weaknesses. Much of the church is afraid to share their doubts and struggles. This song is a call to be transparent not just with our faith, but our doubts, not just with our strengths, but our weaknesses.
What is your favorite part about touring?
Bringing these songs to new places and audiences. I like traveling with my friends. Least? Being away from my family
How would you describe your particular genre?
I think this new album falls into a pop/rock/dance category
Faith
What do you think the biggest problem facing Christian men today?
Such a weighted question. For me, my biggest problem as a Christian man with a family is truly living my life by faith. I have a family to take care of. Carrying the weight of caring for a family can have an effect on so many of life’s decisions, such as choice of career, where we choose to live, how much we give to others in need. I’m always wanting to see far down the road, to keep my family in a safe environment and secure financial situation. I don’t want my faith in Christ to be an “addition” to my life. I want my faith in Christ to “be” my life. I want to be able to trust God when the path before me is dark and uncertain.
What has the Lord taught you through Vota?
Nothing has really come easy for us. There seems to be a new crisis every other day. These difficulties have sharpened and refined us. We’ve learned how to work together as a team. We’ve learned to trust God more and realize our plans and timing are not always His.
What is your favorite Bible passage and why?
The entire book of Galatians has been a favorite for me. My eyes have been opened to the gospel in a whole new level over the past few years. It has deepened my faith, ignited my soul, and to a greater degree opened my eyes to the beauty of salvation. This has been a huge inspiration to me for the writing of the songs on this record as well.
What’s next for Vota?
In 2006 we formed the 180 Tour. The 180 Tour is a public high school assembly program that encourages students in their character and decision making. Every school we visit we have an evening event planned where we invite students out to a concert where they can hear the gospel. We’ve visited over 200 schools in 20 states since 2006. We plan on further developing this ministry into a non-profit organization. Visit www.180tour.com for more information.
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