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Q&A with Tetelestai
Entertainment - Music Reviews
Written by Veronica Han   
Monday, 26 January 2009
ImageTetelestai translated from Greek roughly means, "it is finished," which were the last utterances of Jesus dying on the cross. This phrase encompasses the end of a chapter of Jesus' life before His resurrection. And while "tetelestai" implies an end, it also points to another beginning and an ongoing process. Similarly, the band Tetelestai carries on this idea of process, transformation and growth in popularity in the Korean-American Christian music community.

Tetelestai is made up of five members--Jacob Han, Alex Yi, Daniel Lee, Mike Koo, and Dustin Kim. Although they are not on their own YouTube account as many artists and bands are, Tetelestai could have been seen on stage for events such as Inspire 2008 and Kollaboration 8. Their range of venue demonstrates a range of sound that is appropriate to the environment. While often playing as a full band, they can easily mellow-out to a smaller, more intimate duo (Alex Yi and Jacob Han), yet still maintaining that Tetelestai blues-y sound.

When listening to their music, the feeling of nostalgia comes to mind. One cannot help but think of a time where simplicity was abundant in everyday life--a period of time that most are probably not even familiar with. Nevertheless, a listener can only dream of such a time and a place, and feel completely attached to this modern sound at the same time.  

In short, Tetelestai's strength in vocals along with its syncopated rhythms and guitar solos, appeal to an audience that desires easy listening. However, despite what appears on the surface, this band writes lyrics that are influenced by the kind of love that only Jesus himself could have shed light on. This capital-L-O-V-E theme is evident in words as well as the chill feel of their music--perhaps pointing to a way of life that does not need to be complicated by the things of this world.


1. Name: Tetelestai (Alex Yi and Jacob Han)

MUSIC    
2. Genre of music: Acoustic/Alternative/Blues    

2a. Sounds like: John Mayer/Chris Tomlin
3. Who influences your style of music? John Mayer, Mute Math, Miss Vintage, Switchfoot, Sovereign Grace Music.
2a. Sounds like: John Mayer/Chris Tomlin

3. Who influences your style of music? John Mayer, Mute Math, Miss Vintage, Switchfoot, Sovereign Grace Music.

4. What is your songwriting process like? Not set. However lyrical inspiration is sought out first before a melody.

5. Where do you get your inspiration? The Psalms. The Prophets. The Good News.

6. How does your faith tie in with your music? Faith is the crux of our message and our music is a result of our faith. Tetelestai→ John 19:30

 7. Songs on repeat in your music player:
John Mayer - Stop this Train & Tracing
Tim Be Told - Ordinary
Chris Rice - When did you fall
Miss Vintage - Temporary like Me

GROUP PERSONAL

8. Favorites       

Thing(s) to do together: Eat at Albatross (Mexican Food)
Place to practice: Garage in Irvine

            Moment during rehearsal/performance: The awkward look we give each other when we know we messed up. Especially Jacob's.

9. How did you guys decide to come together as a band? Performance for an Asian American Talent Show: Kollaboration.

10. Where do you see yourself 10 years from now? Serving God whether through Music or in our occupations.

Tetelestai on MySpace
Check out Tetelestai at Inspire 2008
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