Code of Ethics
Genre: Pop/Dance/Alternative
Code of Ethics Bibliography: (click on each album cover to view tracks and Code of Ethics lyrics)
Code of Ethics Biography Since his early days as a Baptist minister's son, Code of Ethics' Barry Blaze has forged a way over the past few years, with his band, helping to introduce electronic dance music to the Christian market.
"The original vision was very simple: to do that kind of Euro-based, semi-club music I could take back to my friends at the time, the majority of which were not saved. It was really an evangelistic tool. I had no visions of grandeur, no record deals, nothing like that. It was kind of a whole new thing. I am happy that after all those years it's very widely accepted."
"I lived in a Christian home all of my life," says Blaze." "But I never lived honestly for the Lord. Although I had a head knowledge, there was absolutely no heart. About five years ago, through different circumstances that the Lord brought into my life, I totally gave (my life) up."
Not long after, God brought Code of Ethics together as a band under Blaze's direction, and what began as a small seed of faith has grown much since Blaze's early aspirations. Radio hits and tour dates throughout the world have marked Code of Ethics' growth in popularity throughout the '90's. The band has spent much time on the road with acts such as the Newsboys, has headlined their own tour, recorded three hit albums and garnered a string of #1 CHR hits.
With its new label, Word Records, Code of Ethics has released its most current project to incorporate new influences from the current vanguard of electronic dance styles and goes into a lyrical direction Blaze prior to this time, never foresaw for the group. The new album, Blaze, goes completely vertical in a praise & worship direction. "It's not your standard praise & worship record," Blaze says, "It's kind of a praise & worship record with a booster shot."
The boost comes from a vaccination of varied medicines sure to move listeners and concert-goers, while edifying the spirits of its attendant revelers. The album's title, Blaze serves to denote exactly why believers send their exaltations heavenward.
"It (the title) has to do with fire in our hearts for God," declares Blaze of the "massive, loud, huge thought" given from God that inspired him to take Code of Ethics into a praise & worship orientation. Just as the title identifies the impetus for a soul's deepest joy, so does it allude to a group who simply wants to lead its audience in praising and worshipping to its sleek electro-pop.
The name also serves to describe the effect of some of the collection's tunes, especially the faster ones. Fiery fun was kindled as Code of Ethics melded older school silicon chip mentors like Depeche Mode, The Fixx and Human League to current faves like Garbage mentors like Depeche Mode, The Fixx and Human League to current faves like Garbage and Crystal Method. On this project, Blaze collaborates with producer Sal Salvador, best known for his work with surf/go-go girl camp purveyors Jesus Music and other artists as a part of the Organic label. "Hallelujah 2000," showing a bit of his lyrical flair, was written through collaboration with Ian Eskelin from All Star United.
Among those collaborations with Salvador are songs with potential to become worship standards for our culture worldwide. Code of Ethic's foray into peaceful ambient techno, with "Move Me," comes readily to mind as a sing-along. "Exalted" and "Father," not only heighten their profile with the incorporation of hip-hop syncopation, but the dark clatter of industrial rock.
"Some of my favorite songs to play live are some of the songs where I can worship in them," says Blaze. "At this point in my life, I have a lot to praise God for. I want to involve people in that from stage."
From stage, Blaze won't be alone when he departs on tour in support of the new project this spring. Accompanying him will be a drummer and keyboardist, the leanest ensemble Blaze has toured with in years. However it is portrayed, the focus of their performances is toward the audience, to lead it into worship. "We want the whole praise & worship focus to start with us," says Blaze, "and then to spread to other people as we play."
"That the music has been used of God in somebody's life, whether it's to help them make a huge decision or to come through something though, means so much to me." shares Blaze. "Christian music really pulled me through that void when I first gave my life to the Lord. Some of us need something really strong, which (can be) music to pull us through."
Remembering his spiritual roots while forging fresh directions from his musical core, Barry Blaze's Code of Ethics is prepared to draw others along his spiritual and musical journey with this release, and for years to come.
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