The lead singer for the band P.O.D. is widely credited for the popularity of the relatively new girls name that is heaven spelled backwards.
Thats what we were told by all these different newspapers. They had done this research and it stemmed all the way back to MTV Cribs, Sandoval said of the episode featuring him holding his baby daughter and explaining her name to the world. Before her it was only recorded a few times.
His Nevaeh is now 16 and his metal band, P.O.D., is nearly 25, but the unshakable faith in God that inspired both remains despite it being a hurdle in the music industry.
P.O.D. stands for Payable on Death and is a reference to Jesus death atoning for human sin. The bands hits include the Grammy nominated Lost in Forever, about the afterlife; Boom, on rising from south San Diego to world fame; Alive, about being grateful for each day; and Youth of the Nation, written in the aftermath of high school shootings. P.O.D.s hard core, aggressive sound has been both embraced and despised by Christians, but Sandoval doesnt make music for Christians. Hes playing for the lost. The 42-year-old singer, just back from playing a concert in Mexico City, spoke to Inland 360 in a phone interview from San Diego before the band headlines the 15th annual Rockin on the River.Inland 360: When you were 18, you watched your mother die of leukemia and youve said that experience kindled your faith.
Sandoval: When she was sick I watched that faith. It was like wow, she is dying and yet her faith is huge, its strong. That was respectable. To observe it and watch her take her last breath it was a challenge to me. I wanted that strength, that courage, for me. I always had a problem with religion, I still do. I was praying, I want my moms Jesus. I dont want the worlds Jesus. I dont want this American Jesus. I dont want that. Thats not what I see in her heart. The challenge to me was to find it in scripture and fellowship. Its been a journey ever since.
Inland 360: Reading various comments to interviews youve given, some of the most vocal and hateful critics of your work are people who identify as Christian.
Sandoval: (Laughs) Yes. I didnt know that Christian music existed or that there was a scene. The band was booked at bars when I was not yet 21. Wed sit outside until it was time to play. We were always so open about our faith. It wasnt until this scene discovered that we were believers (that we played in a church setting). The first time we played, they shut us down. I guess once they saw us and our music, I guess it was a bit on the heavy side, and they shut us down. We played at skate clubs, parks and bars and go into a church event and were not received. (I thought) its like Jesus, I guess were supposed to go out into the world.
Inland 360: Is there a P.O.D. song you feel has reached more people than others with your message?
Sandoval: My faith is that God reaches the end of the Earth and its not for me to know or comprehend. ... Alive is one of those songs that I get the most about from people at shows. Theres not a show that goes by that I dont hear a story or testimony about it from people struggling with addiction, or in their own personal hells, where that song has really spoke to them. Ive heard that from a lot of songs. Ill be ready to give up and quit and a guy or gal will tell me, I was going to kill myself until I heard you guys. Thats a little extra fuel in the tank to keep going another 25 years.
Inland 360: Heres a quote from you, P.O.D. has crossed all boundaries when it comes to your typical rock n roll DNA, four non-white guys open about their Christianity and not conforming to the cookie cutter mentality of this industry. Have you found the music industry to be more prejudiced against your race or your faith?
Sandoval: Both, its like climbing one mountain and knowing theres another behind it. We were open about our faith. We didnt know wed be ridiculed for it.
Inland 360: What can people expect at Saturdays show?
Sandoval: Were always raw. Its five of us, we get up there and turn on our equipment and give it our all. For us, being together 25 years, this is the one thing that brings us together. We get to be unified as brothers. I dont change lives, the music doesn't change lives, God changes lives. Whenever I play I have the hope its going to change people, whether its the thousands that are there or just one person. It allows me to give it my all, knowing something cool is going to happen.
If You Go
What: Rockin on the River When: 3 to 10 p.m. Saturday, July 30 Where: Daves Valley Golf Center, 725 Port Way, Clarkston Cost: $32 in advance, $40 at the gate; kids 5 and younger free Tickets: A&B Foods locations and Rosauers in Lewiston; Heights Family Foods and Ricks Family Food in Clarkston and Tickestwest.com. Of Note: Food and beverage vendors will be on site. No outside food or beverages are allowed. People should bring lawn chairs or blankets for seating. P.O.D is the night's headliner.