Cush is not a band. Not in the conventional way anyhow. Cush is far to hard to define. Certainly, the mystery can breed the legend...but the facts are, Cush isn't a mythical super band...but a gathering of friends. This is not to say Cush doesnÍt have some lofty goals. In the Cush manifesto that circulated shortly before the band debuted, it was proclaimed that Cush was "the new sound for the new decade". But even more so, the hope is for Cush to be unlike any other production the public has seen. "We wanted Cush to be more liquid," explains Eric Campuzano. "Anybody could be the singer, anybody could play the guitar, you know, like there never is really a central figure in the group. Like if we thought Andy could sing a song better than Mike Knott, then Andy should sing it...or vice versa."

Of course, Eric admits such a thing is easier said than done. "Reality is that, if you want to write a record, you have to write the record and you need facilitators to do that." Comprised mainly of members of popular early to mid-nineties modern rock band the Prayer Chain and the prolific alt-rocker Michael Knott, Cush runs the risk of being recognized more for itÍs members than the product itself. "Some people think of it as Mike's new project or our new project...and itÍs nothing like that at all, " Campuzano clarifies. "We had no desire...I really dont want to be a part of something like that. That's why we just listed the performers. No band shots, no lyrics...no credits. At times those...I guess it just takes away from the whole vibe behind it. "

In fact, Cush dates back to the Prayer Chain's Mercury Days. The members were realizing that Mercury was their final studio release. The band started discussing the principals of the musical process. They were discussing "the politics of ego and all the stuff that just gets in the way of normal relationships. Sort of making a benevolent, really benign record that's just all about music, just basically putting yourself aside." And five years later, "me and Andy (Pricket) had jammed these songs out , you know, sometimes just me and him on a drum machine ...or like (Tim) Tabor would show up, or Wayne (Everett) or Frank (Lenz). Or anybody who could play drums." When looking for a vocalist who was right for what they were creating, a friend came to mind. Knott explains, "they called me up, and we got together. They had a bunch of rhythm chords down. I helped them come up with lyrics and melodies and stuff. " But noone seems to take to much credit for anything... which is just fine with the members of Cush. "The thing is, we all worked together, the credit is just Cush on everything. Everybody put in their equal percentage of trying to make it work," Knott states with humbleness. Campuzano explains further,"We try and make it anybody who's there can participate on the record."

One thing that stands out is the uplifting nature of the lyrics. Both Knott and the Prayer Chain are known for lyrics that approach the edgier, grittier side of life and faith. Knott says,îIn that aspect, there was a goal to achieve, which was trying to do a record that was somewhat uplifting, not all dark, gloomy and depressing." Obviously, there is the risk that one can ñbecome your art.." Eric admits,"I just felt like, at times, I was so upset with myself and the body of Christ at times, that I was almost holding Christ hostage with my sins. I was blaming the Church, I was blaming everybody and I was taking no responsibility." But now Eric feels that he and the members have reached a new point in their songwriting. "I got that out. I want to celebrate. I want people to feel good.I just hope that Cush does say that there is light at the end of the tunnel. We're here to celebrate life, celebrate the things that God's given us. To celebrate our struggles." Eric adds, with a bit of a laugh, "It's very positive, and people seem to be surprised." Cush has high hopes of continuing the celebration, seeing an opportunity to refine their craft. "I think for the most part, we really, not be pop artists, but we just want to write songs that are, I guess, more traditional for the general listener and try to write a real solid three to four minute song. Cause...we like to jam." And Campuzano admits, "It's hard, because in the Prayer Chain we were hiding our...weaknesses...in just long arrangements. And now in Cush, we've actually wrote some really good songs, but we are still carrying that ten years of how we used to arrange things and how we used to arrange things. And it's real hard to break out of habits." But that's not to say they are disappointed with their accomplishments thus far. Knott sums it up quite well, "It's a great band and a great record...weÍll let the masses decide on everything else."