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The music springs from a raw, intimate place, submersing the listener to soak in the lyrics and be carried along on the intricate and ear-pleasing passages. Each song has arrived on its own terms; as an incessant melodic line, a unique chord progression, or an insight flowing forth as poetry.
The songs are fresh and relevant, sounding at once familiar and original. They have an earthy quality, depicting life and its questions in a way that resonates with people’s experience. Each is a singular creation, calling for introspection, communion or action. Music is the language of the soul, the songs are crafted to reach people at their deepest, most pure core; the essence of being, where truth is all that exists.
Cross Over stands out because of the strong melodic lines, ear-catching hooks, and powerful vocals and stacked harmonies, reminiscent of the best vocal rock bands of the 20th century.
The songs are fresh and relevant, sounding at once familiar and original. They have an earthy quality, depicting life and its questions in a way that resonates with people’s experience. Each is a singular creation, calling for introspection, communion or action. Music is the language of the soul, the songs are crafted to reach people at their deepest, most pure core; the essence of being, where truth is all that exists.
Cross Over stands out because of the strong melodic lines, ear-catching hooks, and powerful vocals and stacked harmonies, reminiscent of the best vocal rock bands of the 20th century.
Cross Over
L-R
Thomas Cooper-Hicks: Bass Guitar
Thomas Cooper-Hicks: Bass Guitar
Mike McKeown: Lead Vocals & Guitar
Eric Friedrichs: Percussion
Pat Salem: Vocals, Keyboard
Eric Friedrichs: Percussion
Pat Salem: Vocals, Keyboard
Mike McKeown, vocals and guitar, is a gifted singer/songwriter, starting out as a solo pub circuit singer then fronting the classic rock cover band, Pound for Pound, in Dallas. Moving to Austin in 1989, Mike started the bands 14 Bones and Mayan Bike to showcase his original material. He is known as a powerful singer of rock, contemporary sacred, folk and classical music; touching hearts and raising spirits wherever he performs. “Off the Chain” is Mike’s third recording project, following 1996’s “Spoke” with Mayan Bike and 2004’s “Marley’s Ghost” with Hilary Kaufman-Smith. Mike moved to the Texas Hill Country in 2005 and recommitted his musical gifts to God. In addition to Cross Over, Mike is a member and tenor soloist for the First United Methodist Church Chancel Choir in Marble Falls, Texas, and in demand as a singer at special events. By continuing to say “yes” to every opportunity to sing or play as called, Mike met his band mates. In January of 2008 Cross Over gathered for the first time and quickly realized the powerful synergy they generated. Mike is married to Luciana and has two children.
Thomas Cooper-Hicks (Sage), bassist, purchased his first bass guitar in 1997, and since then music with church praise teams every week has become a vital part of his life. Being raised in East Tennessee, Thomas had an equal influence of gospel, country, bluegrass, and rock music. But it was not until his move to the Texas Hill Country in 2001 that Thomas was truly inspired. While working with people like Carla Cooper-Hicks, Jackie English, Brooks Blake, and the individual members of Cross Over, doors were opened, permitting artistic expression beyond Thomas’ education, and experiences beyond his expectations. These people are an expression of the Encouragement and Grace of Jesus Christ through mankind; influence to the faith and music of Thomas. Thomas is married to Carla Cooper-Hicks.
Eric Friedrichs, drums and percussion. A classically trained musician (clarinet), Eric has been playing drums as a performer and recording artist for over 20 years. First playing guitar in high school bands, Eric started playing drums professionally in the Austin music scene in the late 80’s. Beginning with the band “The Difference” and then five years with the very successful band “Sweet Revenge”, fronted by Ginger Mackenzie. Both bands were well known across Texas having received radio airplay in Texas and in Los Angeles. Sweet Revenge received numerous readers’ choice awards from various Texas music publications and fans all across the Southwest. They also performed showcases in the highly respected festival of the year, SXSW. While logging 1000’s of miles playing the Texas club scene, Eric’s abilities made him a sought after session musician for both live performances as well as studio recording including contributions of songwriting as well. Eric spent time recording not only for his own bands, but also worked for other artists in the recording studio and has credits on several productions. Having been friends and acquaintances of the members of Cross Over, Eric was honored to have been invited to join the group in the Fall of 2009 and has been laying down the back beat ever since. Eric is married to Cindy and has a son, Paxton who continues on the family tradition!
