Editor’s Note: This is the third of a weekly series in which The Red & Black will research biographical information about artists and bands that you want to know more about. This week’s idea was submitted by junior John Cable, a history major from Thomasville. Submit requests to wkessler@randb.com.

“Are faith and Rock & Roll incompatible? Nothing appears to be less true.”

This summation was written by a reporter for a Belgian magazine who interviewed singer/songwriter David Eugene Edwards of 16 Horsepower and Woven Hand.

Considered one of the out-of-the-box Christians in rock music, Edwards is signed to Sounds Familyre, the same label as Sufjan Stevens. Musically likeminded, the two musicians serve a niche audience that enjoys both instrumental experimentation and intertwining lyrics.

Tony DuShane, a radio host on San Francisco’s Pirate Cat Radio 87.9 FM, wrote on his Web site that Edwards is first and foremost an artist and musician. He also said Edwards’ interview revealed that he is in no way a part of the “cheesy” Christian rock around today.

Paste Magazine likened Edwards to Johnny Cash. In that article, writer Matt Fink stated that the two men are kindred spirits in their faith and music.

“As with Cash, Edwards uses his personal frailties and deep Christian faith to make unsettling comments on the human condition that are designed for a purpose startlingly out of step with the majority of contemporary entertainment: Edwards aims to make his listener uncomfortable,” Fink writes.

Edwards’ grandfather was a preacher with the Wesleyan Church of Nazarene. Because Edwards came from a strong religious background, he was influenced by hymns and gospel.

As the lead of 16 Horsepower from Denver, Colo., Edwards has released six albums with the group. They played the Fillmore in Los Angeles as well as many other sites including overseas venues. But after eight years of playing on several albums and in several cities, the band took a break.

“The L.A. Times” gave 16 Horsepower a strong preview in 2000 when they wrote:

“16 Horsepower’s gripping, atmospheric style has been described as ‘roots-gloom,’ ‘American Gothic’ and ‘spooky campfire.’ Whatever the band is doing, it’s not a take on post-grunge alternative music. The sound is a mix of rustic blues wailings, old-time country and modern-rock dramaticism.”

Edwards continued writing in Denver during the band’s recess. He pooled people in the area and before long had created the group Woven Hand in 2001.

Like Sufjan Stevens, Edwards uses Christian imagery in several of his songs alongside a gravelly voice and driving guitar rhythm.

Edwards has spent the majority of his time as a touring artist in Europe where he said audiences were immediately responding to Woven Hand’s music. He also said on 87.9 FM that he has thought about moving overseas to encourage the following that is there, but that he has his family to think of.

Oh yeah – family. Edwards is married and has two kids. It is safe to say Edwards will continue making music with a following that ranges from Detroit to Darmstadt.

“I feel the responsibility to speak truth, and speak it in love, even though sometimes it’s scary,” he said in his interview with Paste Magazine. “To evil, truth is harsh. To self, to be selfless is harsh. It’s unnatural and it’s distasteful. Otherwise, it would be easy. But it’s not.”