Cats in the Cradle music video
New cover of Grammy-nominated song becomes a first for the recording industry
Popular family band follows up their successful #1 project with brand-new EP
For Immediate Release (Nashville, TN) — After nearly a four-year absence from radio, the Frye Family Band makes their return with the new EP, Things Unseen. The new project is produced by Michael Farren who has written songs for artists such as Laura Daigle, Reba McIntire, and Michael W. Smith, to name a few.
The seven-song EP features four songs co-written by band leader and dad, Tom Frye, along with two songs co-written by daughter Maggie Frye Neal. Additionally, the EP features a cover of the song “Cats in the Cradle,” marking the first time the song has been recorded as a duet by a father and son.
“Several years ago, Jonathon and I sang the song during our church's Father’s Day service,” says Tom. “We wanted it to encourage dads to savor every moment with their children. We heard so many positive comments from people who said hearing a father and son sing that song made it even more poignant. It is such a timeless and powerful song, and it fits so well with the message of ‘parenting on purpose’ we share during our concerts, worship services, and events.”
The band’s last CD, Reclamation, topped the CMW Country charts at #1 with “Creation’s Song” and hit #4 on the charts with “Song of Hope.” In the last few years, the band has expanded their reach in their various events, offering resources for families that go well beyond music.
“In addition to concerts, we have created what we call Family to Family events,” says Tom. “These events are flexible enough that they can focus on men, women, couples, parents, or families. I also have written small group studies for post-event use. Lisa and I have seen first-hand the blessings of focusing less on raising children and more on raising disciples. These events, by in large, are an effort to pay that forward. Additionally, I am also offering Worship Workshops for churches. They include a session on the role music plays in our worship services, hands on coaching, and accountability materials which I developed while serving as a worship pastor. At the core of both the Family to Family Events and the Worship Workshop is the desire to see others grow as both disciples and worshipers of Jesus.”
About Frye Family Band:
The Frye Family Band has shared the stage and studio with some of music’s top performers including guitarist Phil Keaggy, Statler Brothers tenor Jimmy Fortune, and bluegrass artists Daily and Vincent, to name a few. Tom Frye served as a worship leader for over 20 years, and all three of his kids were homeschooled by his wife, Lisa. Between Tom and his adult children— Kaylyn, Maggie, and Jonathon— they play twelve instruments, and have recorded six projects. They achieved a #1 song on the CMW Country radio chart with “Creation’s Song” and climbed to #4 with “Song of Hope.” The family also authored a book called 101 Devotions for Busy Families. For more information visit www.FryeFamilyBand.com.
The seven-song EP features four songs co-written by band leader and dad, Tom Frye, along with two songs co-written by daughter Maggie Frye Neal. Additionally, the EP features a cover of the song “Cats in the Cradle,” marking the first time the song has been recorded as a duet by a father and son.
“Several years ago, Jonathon and I sang the song during our church's Father’s Day service,” says Tom. “We wanted it to encourage dads to savor every moment with their children. We heard so many positive comments from people who said hearing a father and son sing that song made it even more poignant. It is such a timeless and powerful song, and it fits so well with the message of ‘parenting on purpose’ we share during our concerts, worship services, and events.”
The band’s last CD, Reclamation, topped the CMW Country charts at #1 with “Creation’s Song” and hit #4 on the charts with “Song of Hope.” In the last few years, the band has expanded their reach in their various events, offering resources for families that go well beyond music.
“In addition to concerts, we have created what we call Family to Family events,” says Tom. “These events are flexible enough that they can focus on men, women, couples, parents, or families. I also have written small group studies for post-event use. Lisa and I have seen first-hand the blessings of focusing less on raising children and more on raising disciples. These events, by in large, are an effort to pay that forward. Additionally, I am also offering Worship Workshops for churches. They include a session on the role music plays in our worship services, hands on coaching, and accountability materials which I developed while serving as a worship pastor. At the core of both the Family to Family Events and the Worship Workshop is the desire to see others grow as both disciples and worshipers of Jesus.”
About Frye Family Band:
The Frye Family Band has shared the stage and studio with some of music’s top performers including guitarist Phil Keaggy, Statler Brothers tenor Jimmy Fortune, and bluegrass artists Daily and Vincent, to name a few. Tom Frye served as a worship leader for over 20 years, and all three of his kids were homeschooled by his wife, Lisa. Between Tom and his adult children— Kaylyn, Maggie, and Jonathon— they play twelve instruments, and have recorded six projects. They achieved a #1 song on the CMW Country radio chart with “Creation’s Song” and climbed to #4 with “Song of Hope.” The family also authored a book called 101 Devotions for Busy Families. For more information visit www.FryeFamilyBand.com.
Q&A The Frye Family Band
New EP entitled "Things Unseen"
Q: It has been a few years since your last radio single hit #1 on the Christian country charts, why the long break from recording?
A: (Tom Frye) Several years ago, I met Michael Farren, an incredible producer who has also had an amazing career fronting the band Pocket Full of Rocks, and more recently, as a solo artist. He is also a gifted songwriter, having written songs for Michael W. Smith, Lauren Daigle, and Reba McEntire, among others. I reached out to Michael about the possibility of producing this new EP and was thrilled when he agreed. This project, “Things Unseen,” has been our most deliberate project to date, from the song selection and writing process, all the way through the production. Moving forward with this project was a huge step of faith for us, but in this process we have seen God at work in ways we would have otherwise missed.
Q: Talk about the inspiration behind each of the songs on the new EP.
A: (Tom Frye) “Good News” is one of two on the project co-written with our producer Michael Farren. Originally this song was written for my daughter Maggie who spent most of 2015 studying at Hillsong in Sidney, Australia. About halfway through her year there she was really getting homesick. I wanted to do something to encourage and comfort her – which wasn’t terribly easy from ten thousand miles away, so I wrote this song. The original version used some pretty poetic language, but when I took the idea to Michael he said it needed to be reworked in a way that is more plain-spoken. I remember him saying, “Imagine you are sitting next to a guy on a bar stool who has lost all hope, write it for that guy.” It’s a song that speaks to those who are struggling and reminds them that God is with them and for them in the midst of it all.
Our cover of “Cats in the Cradle” is unique because it marks the first time a father and son have recorded the song as a duet. Several years ago, Jonathon and I sang the song during our church's Father’s Day service, encouraging dads to savor every moment with their children. We heard so many positive comments from people who said hearing a father and son sing that song made it even more poignant. It is such a timeless and powerful song, and it fits so well with the message of “parenting on purpose” we share during our concerts, worship services, and events.
“Better Things” is simply a reminder not to allow the difficult things in life to drive us into our selves through self-medication or isolation, and to not allow the heartache of the past or the uncertainty of tomorrow rob us from living fully today. It’s a reminder that in spite of our circumstances, God is still at work in and through us. I really liked these lyrics when I wrote them, but I could not find the right melody. A few days later I heard Jonny pounding out this great progression on the piano and when I asked him what it was he said, “Something I just wrote.” I asked if he had lyrics, he said “no.” So we sat down and started working on pairing them up. The song really came together quickly from there.
When Michael was looking through our song ideas, “Martyrs Prayer” was another song that really resonated with him. The inspiration came from two news reports. On October 1, 2015, a student at Umpqua Community College in Oregon murdered eight students and a professor and wounded several others. I learned in the days following this tragedy that after entering the classroom he asked the Christians to stand, then proceeded to kill each one. Around that same time I also read a report of a Christian woman who had been captured by ISIS. After the terrorists were unsuccessful in convincing her to renounce her faith, they executed her. Her last word was simply to cry out “Jesus!” I remember thinking what amazing stories of faith these were as each of these people gave their lives rather than deny Christ. This song is my effort to honor these ten people and all those who have given their lives for the sake of the Gospel.
A: (Tom Frye) Several years ago, I met Michael Farren, an incredible producer who has also had an amazing career fronting the band Pocket Full of Rocks, and more recently, as a solo artist. He is also a gifted songwriter, having written songs for Michael W. Smith, Lauren Daigle, and Reba McEntire, among others. I reached out to Michael about the possibility of producing this new EP and was thrilled when he agreed. This project, “Things Unseen,” has been our most deliberate project to date, from the song selection and writing process, all the way through the production. Moving forward with this project was a huge step of faith for us, but in this process we have seen God at work in ways we would have otherwise missed.
Q: Talk about the inspiration behind each of the songs on the new EP.
A: (Tom Frye) “Good News” is one of two on the project co-written with our producer Michael Farren. Originally this song was written for my daughter Maggie who spent most of 2015 studying at Hillsong in Sidney, Australia. About halfway through her year there she was really getting homesick. I wanted to do something to encourage and comfort her – which wasn’t terribly easy from ten thousand miles away, so I wrote this song. The original version used some pretty poetic language, but when I took the idea to Michael he said it needed to be reworked in a way that is more plain-spoken. I remember him saying, “Imagine you are sitting next to a guy on a bar stool who has lost all hope, write it for that guy.” It’s a song that speaks to those who are struggling and reminds them that God is with them and for them in the midst of it all.
Our cover of “Cats in the Cradle” is unique because it marks the first time a father and son have recorded the song as a duet. Several years ago, Jonathon and I sang the song during our church's Father’s Day service, encouraging dads to savor every moment with their children. We heard so many positive comments from people who said hearing a father and son sing that song made it even more poignant. It is such a timeless and powerful song, and it fits so well with the message of “parenting on purpose” we share during our concerts, worship services, and events.
“Better Things” is simply a reminder not to allow the difficult things in life to drive us into our selves through self-medication or isolation, and to not allow the heartache of the past or the uncertainty of tomorrow rob us from living fully today. It’s a reminder that in spite of our circumstances, God is still at work in and through us. I really liked these lyrics when I wrote them, but I could not find the right melody. A few days later I heard Jonny pounding out this great progression on the piano and when I asked him what it was he said, “Something I just wrote.” I asked if he had lyrics, he said “no.” So we sat down and started working on pairing them up. The song really came together quickly from there.
When Michael was looking through our song ideas, “Martyrs Prayer” was another song that really resonated with him. The inspiration came from two news reports. On October 1, 2015, a student at Umpqua Community College in Oregon murdered eight students and a professor and wounded several others. I learned in the days following this tragedy that after entering the classroom he asked the Christians to stand, then proceeded to kill each one. Around that same time I also read a report of a Christian woman who had been captured by ISIS. After the terrorists were unsuccessful in convincing her to renounce her faith, they executed her. Her last word was simply to cry out “Jesus!” I remember thinking what amazing stories of faith these were as each of these people gave their lives rather than deny Christ. This song is my effort to honor these ten people and all those who have given their lives for the sake of the Gospel.
A: (Maggie Frye Neal) Our title track, “Things Unseen,” was written with Jessica Campbell, David Trent, and Austin Tullos. As we were brainstorming, we meditated on the idea of trusting the Lord in the times when you don’t know what’s next, especially in the “not yet” seasons of life. However, it’s out of those dry or seemingly quiet times the fruit of faith and trust are born. When we got to the bridge we wanted to turn the song around and hold onto the promise of the unseen things which is where the “I will not lose heart, I’ll fix my eyes” line comes from. We wrote the lyrics first, then the music—with Jessica writing the unique chorus melody.
Lastly, “Full Moon” is folksy song, co-written with the brilliant Rhyan Shirley (Colton Dixon, Corey Voss, Dustin Smith, CityaLight). We met up to write a song one late summer night in Nashville. That had been the end of a very difficult summer for me where I felt it had cost me a lot to follow Jesus, and I had no idea where He was leading me. To be honest, I was exhausted. As we sat and sipped sweet tea, we talked about how merciful God is, and that it’s in the darkest times that His light is the brightest. This is not a cliché’ message of “everything will be okay, there is light at the end of the tunnel, where God closed a door,” etc. But we wanted to sing about the hope and joy we had encountered and empathetically encourage others in their darkness. While still recognizing that the pain and the darkness are real, this is a song of hope to the One who is in our pain and darkness with us.
Lastly, “Full Moon” is folksy song, co-written with the brilliant Rhyan Shirley (Colton Dixon, Corey Voss, Dustin Smith, CityaLight). We met up to write a song one late summer night in Nashville. That had been the end of a very difficult summer for me where I felt it had cost me a lot to follow Jesus, and I had no idea where He was leading me. To be honest, I was exhausted. As we sat and sipped sweet tea, we talked about how merciful God is, and that it’s in the darkest times that His light is the brightest. This is not a cliché’ message of “everything will be okay, there is light at the end of the tunnel, where God closed a door,” etc. But we wanted to sing about the hope and joy we had encountered and empathetically encourage others in their darkness. While still recognizing that the pain and the darkness are real, this is a song of hope to the One who is in our pain and darkness with us.
Q: Talk about transitioning to an empty nest.
A: (Tom Frye) Our children are very close in age. We had all three within three years and three months. So, our empty nest has happened seemingly all at once. Our oldest, Kaylyn, married her husband Kody in July of 2017. Maggie, our middle child, married her husband Seth in January of 2018. And Jonathon — now a senior in college — is home on breaks, so our nest is all but empty. The transition for Lisa and I has been much easier than I honestly expected. We have always been a very close family because being a musical/homeschooling family we spent a lot of time together. Our parenting life verse has always been: “Children are arrows in the hand of a warrior.” (Psalm 127:4) So, the whole point of parenting was to disciple our children and prepare them for release. I think having that undergirding of truth to anchor us helped make this transition easier. We were not perfect parents, but we always said that we would strive to do our best and trust God to make up for our shortcomings. And we have three children and two sons-in-law that make us very proud. In the middle of our children leaving the nest, Lisa and I also had some major life changes of our own. She transitioned from homeschool mom back to the workforce and is now blessed to be working as a social services director—the job she had always hoped she would be able to find. Then, a month after our oldest daughter’s wedding, we moved to the Nashville area where I have been able to focus more on songwriting and working with Compassion International. Lisa really is my best friend, so having more time to simply focus on us is a pretty sweet thing.
Q: Talk about your Family to Family conferences and other resources you offer beyond the music.
A: (Tom Frye) Our family is still blessed to share in concert and lead worship together, but these days it is typically me, my drummer, and one or two of the kids. But, in the days when we were all touring together, it was not uncommon for people to come up after our concert and ask for parenting or marriage advice. It was these conversations which helped me realize that, even in the church, there was a need for more ministry than we could provide in a concert or worship service. So, I began taking inventory of the consistent questions and developed an event we call Family to Family. These events can be one to three days long and include sessions focusing on parenting, marriage, and pursuing God’s purpose for our lives. They also include times of corporate worship along with a concert, which can be scheduled as a solo acoustic or full band event. Family to Family events are flexible enough that they can focus on men, women, couples, parents, or families. I also have written small group studies for post-event use. Lisa and I have seen first-hand the blessings of focusing less on raising children and more on raising disciples. These events, by in large, are an effort to pay that forward. Additionally, I am also offering Worship Workshops for churches. These workshops are designed for churches of all sizes from the very small to larger congregations. They include a session on the role music plays in our worship services, hands on coaching, and accountability materials which I developed while serving as a worship pastor. At the core of both the Family to Family Events and the Worship Workshop is the desire to see others grow as both disciples and worshipers of Jesus.
A: (Tom Frye) Our children are very close in age. We had all three within three years and three months. So, our empty nest has happened seemingly all at once. Our oldest, Kaylyn, married her husband Kody in July of 2017. Maggie, our middle child, married her husband Seth in January of 2018. And Jonathon — now a senior in college — is home on breaks, so our nest is all but empty. The transition for Lisa and I has been much easier than I honestly expected. We have always been a very close family because being a musical/homeschooling family we spent a lot of time together. Our parenting life verse has always been: “Children are arrows in the hand of a warrior.” (Psalm 127:4) So, the whole point of parenting was to disciple our children and prepare them for release. I think having that undergirding of truth to anchor us helped make this transition easier. We were not perfect parents, but we always said that we would strive to do our best and trust God to make up for our shortcomings. And we have three children and two sons-in-law that make us very proud. In the middle of our children leaving the nest, Lisa and I also had some major life changes of our own. She transitioned from homeschool mom back to the workforce and is now blessed to be working as a social services director—the job she had always hoped she would be able to find. Then, a month after our oldest daughter’s wedding, we moved to the Nashville area where I have been able to focus more on songwriting and working with Compassion International. Lisa really is my best friend, so having more time to simply focus on us is a pretty sweet thing.
Q: Talk about your Family to Family conferences and other resources you offer beyond the music.
A: (Tom Frye) Our family is still blessed to share in concert and lead worship together, but these days it is typically me, my drummer, and one or two of the kids. But, in the days when we were all touring together, it was not uncommon for people to come up after our concert and ask for parenting or marriage advice. It was these conversations which helped me realize that, even in the church, there was a need for more ministry than we could provide in a concert or worship service. So, I began taking inventory of the consistent questions and developed an event we call Family to Family. These events can be one to three days long and include sessions focusing on parenting, marriage, and pursuing God’s purpose for our lives. They also include times of corporate worship along with a concert, which can be scheduled as a solo acoustic or full band event. Family to Family events are flexible enough that they can focus on men, women, couples, parents, or families. I also have written small group studies for post-event use. Lisa and I have seen first-hand the blessings of focusing less on raising children and more on raising disciples. These events, by in large, are an effort to pay that forward. Additionally, I am also offering Worship Workshops for churches. These workshops are designed for churches of all sizes from the very small to larger congregations. They include a session on the role music plays in our worship services, hands on coaching, and accountability materials which I developed while serving as a worship pastor. At the core of both the Family to Family Events and the Worship Workshop is the desire to see others grow as both disciples and worshipers of Jesus.