Singer, guitarist and song writer Kris Hill enjoyed the release of
Redemption Family’s first full CD.  
The Lion's Roar / Megan Ferrando

Dubbed Redemption Family, a local Christian band of Southeastern alumni have upheld the meaning behind the name by creating a family within fans and themselves.

Emerging from a college student ministry on campus, Redemption Family held their first CD release concert at the Baptist Collegiate Ministry on Jan. 30 with local band Modern Language opening. The folk/indie/worship group is now pursuing their musical career, with their first CD release headlining it.

“The name of the band is Redemption Family, but we take the family aspect really, really heavy,” said Kris Hill, singer and guitarist. “It’s a big, giant family band. We have about four members and then a bunch of other extended family that can come in and play with us at any time.”

Some of the base members of Redemption Family include Hill, Nina Schultz on vocals, Barry Carpenter on harmonica and more, Travis Schroeder on banjo, Andrew Stoner on drums, and Jordan Beard on bass. 

“It’s been a long journey. Four years. It’s just a nice relief to be able to put music in people’s hands,” said Hill. “I can’t stress enough how excited I am we are releasing something finally. Our fans have been really, really supportive. They’re just die-hard. I’m really grateful for everyone who has helped us get to this point and for God giving us these abilities.”

Among those fans is Asha Wilson, a senior social work major, who is a member of the BCM. Wilson watched as Redemption Family grew and developed from their beginnings.

“When they first started, I never thought they’d be where they are, so it’s cool to see this is real” said Wilson. “I feel like the world is going to know about them. Not just Louisiana. Not just Hammond, America, but the world. And the world just needs to get ready.”

The band formed from the failure of another band and have since performed in multiple churches and house shows where someone will volunteer their house to create a venue for the band.

Hill writes most of the songs and finds inspiration in his relationship with Jesus. The band hopes to spread that message through their music.

“I really hope that they just see the joy Christ has that is given to us,” said Hill. “That’s what it’s all about; that people just see the love we have for Jesus. And hopefully that just shines.”

Redemption Family put themselves into their music and received positive responses from the full room of attendees.

“Redemption Family is very authentic and real,” said Wilson. “They love their audience more than life because we’re they’re family. It doesn’t feel like they’re the band and we’re the audience. It feels like we’re all just jamming in the living room. I think that’s really what they’re going for and they really pull it off.”

The band is chasing their dream of performing. Their music is now available on iTunes and their next concert will take place Feb. 8 at Restoration Church in Metairie. The show starts at 6:30 p.m. and includes a $5 charge.

“We got to make it happen because nothing else makes sense. We just tie that into the passion we have for Jesus and it’s all just cohesive,” said Hill. “We’re kind of reaching this point in the timing of everybody’s life where it’s kind of being more tangible to actually pursue it with everything we have. Especially from the idea of a more collective, extended family. We want to just travel, play and make it our life.”