"As far as writing techniques, there is no easy answer like a 'lucky pen' or anything like that for me," he said. He just uses good, old-fashioned prayer and lots of hard work. "I am very critical of myself and very stubborn and driven. Often times, I will rewrite a song around eight times. I think my record for rewrites is 30 times," he revealed.
But out of all those rewrites, he does find a final version --- eventually. "I think there is such a thing as a final version of a song for me, as long as I feel that at the time I cannot do anything else with the tools at my disposal to make it better. I know with every song I can look back and see something I don't like or something that would have made it better. But, I think that is part of growing as an artist and that is okay. I heard of Picasso getting kicked out of museums because he kept going back as an old man ... trying to change his old paintings. That was probably great for Picasso, but terrible for the public because it takes away from any nostalgia you might have attached to that art," he said.
Good or bad, Reese Roper just tries to move on after writing a final version and not stand too deeply in the shadow of Five Iron Frenzy's success. "I think Five Iron was an amazing experience and we were truly blessed in that we were able to do something that most kids only dream of and always have God be right in the center of it. It was a great ride. I think all of us that are pursuing other musical endeavors are feeling a little small in the great shadow that Five Iron left behind. For me, I would just like to hear what God would want from me next, where he wants to use me and where he wants me to go. I know I will never recreate Five Iron, and maybe in the world's eyes never do anything great again," he said. But he isn't concerned with what others will think and doesn't care if he is ever considered "great" again. "I am okay with that as long as I am doing (whatever it is), (and) God is in the very center of it," he said.
And would he still be okay, too, if Roper's current success faded rapidly? Does he have a plan for the future? "I don't think Roper will be a very long-term project. If something comes up though as far as an opportunity to go with another label and a decent record deal, we might take it. What I think I will do in the future is three things I have always wanted to do musically ... start a new project that will explore more New Wave/Industrial sounding, computer-driven music. I think it will be called "Dead of Winter." Next, I would like to make a worship album with my new wife who sings beautifully and plays keyboard. And lastly, we are getting close to finishing a third Brave Saint album," he said.
He also knows what he wants to add to the next Roper album. "I think the next album should have a good Country rendition of "California Uber Alles" by the Dead Kennedys," Roper confided. Still, there is no telling what Roper will decide to tackle next. But this brave young saint isn't worried about what lies ahead and instead is focused on the present ... dispensing final words ... of useful advice....
"I would like to say something to everyone and that is: Drink your milk, stay in school and don't do drugs. Actually, Mr. T said that to me via the T.V. set once and I thought it sounded good," he said.
