Krysten Reed, front-of-house engineer for Seventh Day Slumber, balances her responsibilities with caring for her young son, who accompanies the band on tour.
As the front-of-house engineer for the rock band Seventh Day Slumber, Krysten Reed has a unique perspective on the intersection of faith, family and music. I had the pleasure of speaking with Reed, who has been with the band for over a decade, and her story is as compelling as the power anthems and worship songs that Seventh Day Slumber is known for.
Seventh Day Slumber, a Christian rock band with a history stretching back to the late 90s, has been a beacon of hope for many, sharing a message of redemption and transformation through their recorded music and live performances. At the helm of ensuring that this message is delivered with clarity and impact is Krysten Reed, who manages the band's live sound with a blend of technical expertise and heartfelt passion.
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“Be careful of your heart and be mindful of your attitude. That is the No. 1 thing that I would tell anybody who wants to get into the industry or has a role in the church.”
—Krysten Reed
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Seventh Day Slumber was originally founded by lead singer Joseph Rojas, whose own struggles with depression, drug addiction and a near-fatal suicide attempt fueled his passion for creating music that resonates with people facing similar battles. His experiences have contributed significantly to the authenticity and emotional intensity found in the band's music.
Reed's journey into the world of live sound engineering is as unconventional as it is inspiring. Typically, the realms of rock music and live sound engineering are not the first career paths that come to mind for young girls dreaming about their futures. Married to Seventh Day Slumber’s bass player, she was offered a role on the road as part of the band’s commitment to keeping families together despite the demanding schedule of touring. Even though she had no background in sound engineering, Reed had a willingness to learn and a dedication to the band’s mission - so Joseph Rojas trained her from the ground up to take over the role of lead engineer.
Over the years, Krysten has become an integral part of the band's touring operation, handling the nuances of live sound in venues ranging from intimate churches to sprawling arenas. Her approach to audio engineering emphasizes practicality, adaptability, and an ear for the music that transcends technical jargon.
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In our conversation, Reed shared insights into the touring life of Seventh Day Slumber, revealing that even a seemingly relentless schedule of 150 to 200 shows a year has its moments of respite, like the current Winter Jam tour, which she describes as a "fantastic, relaxing vacation" compared to their usual rigorous setup and teardown routine. “Typically, whenever we go somewhere, we're setting up all of the production since we carry our own lighting and sound,” Krysten said, “And so, you know, we go into churches, we also go into clubs, and the message does not change wherever the band goes.” The band travels with an Allen & Heath Avantis digital audio console, with the addition of the Avantis D-Pack for additional processing. She also shared that “We only use one wireless mic just to cut down on RF issues no matter where we go.”
Reed's role extends beyond the technical aspects of her job. As a mother, she balances her responsibilities with caring for her young son - who accompanies the band on tour. This family-centric approach is a testament to Seventh Day Slumber's values and her own commitment to dual roles as a sound engineer and a parent. Her advice to those of us in production is, “Be careful of your heart and be mindful of your attitude. That is the No. 1 thing that I would tell anybody who wants to get into the industry or has a role in the church. All too often, people seem to get so caught up in showing they know all the correct technical stuff at the cost of others. Allow others to ask questions, and remember that you had questions once, too.”
With a heart for ministry and a hands-on approach to live production, Krysten Reed exemplifies the spirit of service that drives Seventh Day Slumber. Her story is a reminder that behind every powerful performance, there's a team of dedicated individuals working tirelessly to create an experience that resonates with audiences both sonically and spiritually.
