"Wake up tomorrow and dare to be different. Change your routine in a very noticeable and flamboyant way. Don't be afraid to adapt to any situation in which you find yourself, no matter how uncomfortable or unfamiliar it may seem."
-Michael V. Novak
For several years, some of the grandchildren of Harold and Marilyn in the Novak family began getting musical instruments as gifts for Christmas and birthdays. Jack, still in his teens, had also purchased a drum set for himself. Matt, his older brother in his mid to late twenties, had bought a house and moved out on his own. His younger brother Josh, in his mid twenties, moved in with him as well. Together, they began playing and writing music while casually sitting around in the living room or basement. Ethan, their cousin in his mid twenties, was already familiar with playing drums and piano. He often took his drum set over to Matt's house and the cousins began engaging in some pretty major jam sessions. Some of the songs they played together were cover songs with a different twist or flare to them. Other songs were original, with guitar sounds that sometimes flowed melodically and other times cranked up a bit. The father of three of the boys, Michael Vincent Novak, was busy doing his thing with youth ministry, writing/publishing books and deejaying.
The first big formative event that took place was the purchase of a new deejay sound system consisting of BOSE tower speakers. The system was unlike any other Michael had ever used in his 20 years of deejaying. The sound was crystal clear and the system was lightweight and extremely portable. It was built that way by BOSE and it certainly had huge impact in the formation of the band, To Destiny.
With a sound system that could be easily transported, the fusion was made. BOSE speakers were added to the amps and drum sets already stationed in Matt's basement and jam sessions became major song writing sessions. While Matt, Josh and Ethan were creating sweet sounds on guitar, bass, drums and piano, Michael was matching up lyrics from his poems to the songs. It was not a simple process. Michael always asked the boys what their mood was when they wrote the music and tried to capture that mood in the lyrics he chose. On several of the songs, Matt, Josh and Ethan had a few lines or a chorus already written, so Michael found additional lyrics to match the essence of the song already formulated.
It only took a few sessions together to create a nice collection of original songs. The sounds flowed masterfully and magically. The band members began to add tasty instrumentation to the song by purchasing a mandolin and violin. Smaller instruments like harmonicas, tambourines and even a professional set of spoons were purchased to add even more unique elements to each tune. Other family members and guest often sat in on the jam sessions in Matt's basement, adding color or flavor to the song list performances. Oftentimes it was not only entertaining, but completely hilarious.
Right from the very beginning it was about writing music; music that comes from the heart and soul. You can feel it with every song the band rings out, whether an original song, cover tune or even a karaoke or two which are included in their play set. The beauty and distinction of the band To Destiny is the multifaceted involvement of the band members and extras. The Novak family has always had musical talent and these five band members joined it together simply but masterfully. They have their own unique sound with music and lyrics that tug at your heart and reach the depth of your soul. They also sound and look pretty darn cool!
Inspiration continues to abound in the group members. Songs continue to flow and be captured on tape. The band recently bought recording equipment and set up a studio at Michael's house. Dueling drummers, musicians switching from electric guitar to bass guitar to acoustic guitar to mandolin to violin to drums to keyboard to harmonica and tambourine are common sights as the band plays on.
To Destiny is a compilation of two generations of family members. It is a band with an incredible sound; simple, not sophisticated, moving, not monotonous.
The band's name came from a poem and book Michael had written. At one of the jam sessions, Josh picked up the mandolin and started struming a very melodious, catchy tune. Michael picked up his book of poems and sang along to the music with the words of his poem, "To Destiny." They blended perfectly and a song was instantly born.
When it came to naming the band, a few ideas were suggested. One was Wiffleball Kings, in honor of all the wiffle ball games the band members had played through the years in Michael's parents, all of the other group member's grandparents backyard. The name discussion was casual and ongoing for a few months. When the band had booked a few live performances, one on The Fourth of July and another at an August backyard housewarming party, a name became a high priority. At one practice session, one of the younger band members simply said, "What about To Destiny?" Another younger member chimed in, "I was thinking the exact same thing."
To Destiny has always continued to evolve music in their own creative, unique, homelike, heartfelt way. They have often been seen jamming at a backyard or party near you. Be ready. Tunes you love to sing along with are always part of their repertoire! To Destiny music can now be found on YouTube.
The first big formative event that took place was the purchase of a new deejay sound system consisting of BOSE tower speakers. The system was unlike any other Michael had ever used in his 20 years of deejaying. The sound was crystal clear and the system was lightweight and extremely portable. It was built that way by BOSE and it certainly had huge impact in the formation of the band, To Destiny.
With a sound system that could be easily transported, the fusion was made. BOSE speakers were added to the amps and drum sets already stationed in Matt's basement and jam sessions became major song writing sessions. While Matt, Josh and Ethan were creating sweet sounds on guitar, bass, drums and piano, Michael was matching up lyrics from his poems to the songs. It was not a simple process. Michael always asked the boys what their mood was when they wrote the music and tried to capture that mood in the lyrics he chose. On several of the songs, Matt, Josh and Ethan had a few lines or a chorus already written, so Michael found additional lyrics to match the essence of the song already formulated.
It only took a few sessions together to create a nice collection of original songs. The sounds flowed masterfully and magically. The band members began to add tasty instrumentation to the song by purchasing a mandolin and violin. Smaller instruments like harmonicas, tambourines and even a professional set of spoons were purchased to add even more unique elements to each tune. Other family members and guest often sat in on the jam sessions in Matt's basement, adding color or flavor to the song list performances. Oftentimes it was not only entertaining, but completely hilarious.
Right from the very beginning it was about writing music; music that comes from the heart and soul. You can feel it with every song the band rings out, whether an original song, cover tune or even a karaoke or two which are included in their play set. The beauty and distinction of the band To Destiny is the multifaceted involvement of the band members and extras. The Novak family has always had musical talent and these five band members joined it together simply but masterfully. They have their own unique sound with music and lyrics that tug at your heart and reach the depth of your soul. They also sound and look pretty darn cool!
Inspiration continues to abound in the group members. Songs continue to flow and be captured on tape. The band recently bought recording equipment and set up a studio at Michael's house. Dueling drummers, musicians switching from electric guitar to bass guitar to acoustic guitar to mandolin to violin to drums to keyboard to harmonica and tambourine are common sights as the band plays on.
To Destiny is a compilation of two generations of family members. It is a band with an incredible sound; simple, not sophisticated, moving, not monotonous.
The band's name came from a poem and book Michael had written. At one of the jam sessions, Josh picked up the mandolin and started struming a very melodious, catchy tune. Michael picked up his book of poems and sang along to the music with the words of his poem, "To Destiny." They blended perfectly and a song was instantly born.
When it came to naming the band, a few ideas were suggested. One was Wiffleball Kings, in honor of all the wiffle ball games the band members had played through the years in Michael's parents, all of the other group member's grandparents backyard. The name discussion was casual and ongoing for a few months. When the band had booked a few live performances, one on The Fourth of July and another at an August backyard housewarming party, a name became a high priority. At one practice session, one of the younger band members simply said, "What about To Destiny?" Another younger member chimed in, "I was thinking the exact same thing."
To Destiny has always continued to evolve music in their own creative, unique, homelike, heartfelt way. They have often been seen jamming at a backyard or party near you. Be ready. Tunes you love to sing along with are always part of their repertoire! To Destiny music can now be found on YouTube.