Close Your Eyes is a Christian melodic-hardcore band that reign from Texas. Their goal? To "give hope to the hopeless, give bread to the hungry, give love to the unloved, and give life to those who feel there is nothing left." They've recently released their second album, "Empty Hands and Heavy Hearts" and a music video for their single "Valleys"!

Other than your strong Christian beliefs, what has the most influence on your song writing?
Everyday life and the things we go through is what our biggest influence is. We just write about what is real to us.

Before you were signed to Victory Records was it ever a struggle to feel accepted being an openly-religious band? How do you relate to listeners who are non-Christian or nonreligious altogether?
I don't think it has really ever been a struggle for us. We are genuine guys that are not judgmental and we don't shove any of our lyrics down anyone's throats. I think that people can listen to our music no matter what their viewpoint is. Do you really think that all of The Acacia Strain's fans agree with all of their lyrics? Or all of Greenday's fans agree with thier political viewpoint? I don't think so...but they still appreciate their music. I don't see much of a difference here.

What is your strategy for standing out in an industry that is saturated with bands that "all sound the same?"
Writting what we like...and not trying to sound like "such and such" band.

How was the writing process while working on your recently released album, "Empty Hands and Heavy Hearts"? How was it different from the process for your previous releases?
It was just much more condensed and streamlined. Rather than being written over 4 years it was written in far less than a year.

How has your band developed since you began in 2005 and where do you see it going in the future?
We have just been experiencing gradual growth and I hope that continues!

What advice would you give to aspiring young musicians?
Be yourself, write good songs, and tour as much as possible.

Close Your Eyes is currently on tour with Norma Jean, Oh Sleeper, Stray From the Path, and Lower Than Atlantis. You can check out the dates here!