Ben Graham, vocalist for Since October, says he and his brother, guitarist Luke, started playing music out of boredom.

"We grew up in a real small town," said the native of Bradenton, Fla. "I mean it was a big deal when we got a Wal-Mart.

"We grew up on a farm and didn't have a lot to do."

After playing in high school shows and church talent shows, the Grahams, along with bassist Josh Johnson and drummer Audie Grantham — collectively known as Since October — started gaining recognition outside the town.

"We knew we wanted to make music and get signed to an independent label to get our foot in the door," said Graham. "And we knew that record labels have changed over the years.

"They used to sign a band and develop them, but these days, labels are looking for bands with a manager and has already gone on tour. So that's the path we took."

The band signed to Tooth and Nail Records, an independent label that specializes in Christian metal and punk.

Lately, with Tooth and Nail rereleasing the band's CD "This Is My Heart," Capitol Records has courted them.

"Things are going our way right now," said Graham. "We want to make this a full-time job for us."

From day one, playing uplifting metal was always a goal, said Graham.

"Our faith plays a big part in the music we play," he said. "But we knew that we didn't just want to be another Christian band, because we felt that some Christian bands cut corners and don't sound good.

"We wanted people to know that we are the real thing," said Graham. "We aren't a cheesy band with fluffy lyrics or a youth group.

"We wanted the music we play to get us on to big metal tours so we could reach more people."

However, said Graham, being in a Christian metal band is a balancing act.

"We don't like to point fingers at people during our show," said Graham. "We don't go in and say, 'Don't do this' or 'Don't do that.' We just write songs that are honest."

Still, Graham said he and the band members will be the first to say they aren't perfect.

"We chose to live a certain lifestyle and play a certain type of music," he said. "And that's what we set out to do."

If you go...

What: Since October

Where: Club Vegas, 445 S. 400 West

When: July 1, 8 p.m.

How much: $10

Phone: 801-467-8499 or 801-364-8347

Web: www.smithstix.com

E-mail: scott@desnews.com