David Eugene Edwards does know that journalists and fellow-musicians pull his leg sometimes and laugh at him. He's not stupid, is he! But he doesn't care. It is a fact that deeply religious popmusicians are rare. If they just leave him alone when he is at home, in his house in the mountains, just outside of Denver, Colorado. That's where he tries to be a good husband and father, as best as he can.

And that's where he can write songs in peace for his band 16 Horsepower, mostly on piano or harmonica. It's an important means of expression for Edwards - and his biggest pleasure moreover. Especially now that 16 Horsepower has been dropped by the majorlabel A&M and is active again on a small label he is enjoying himself again just like in the old days. "At A&M they really did their best for us. But such a big contract involves a lot of stress. And we're freed from that now".

That feeling of freedom is audible on the elated new album Secret South. As ever the band plays the same folky bucolic rock, but the third album sounds just that bit more self-assured and to the point then the predecessor Low Estate (1998) (sic) for instance. The melodies are stronger and the instrumentation fuller - songs like Clogger even have a tendency towards bombast. The rural charm of 16 Horsepower isn't lost by this.

David Eugene Edwards is pleased with Secret South, especially because the quartet produced the album themselves and for the first time the band's sound has been recorded as was intended. During the recording they were comfortably close to home, in a villa on the banks of the Colorado river, where in the morning they could see badgers, otters and beavers. Yes, then it is wonderful, to play music.

But, he says, just as important as fulfilling the marital obligations a band can never be. Never ever. Edwards: 'To be a good person, with respect and love for other people, that is my goal in life. That surpasses all of my musical ambitions. I am in this band because God has given me the talent to express myself this way".

He feels he's a messenger from God. It sounds suspiciously pious, but David Eugene Edwards says it so coolly, so very very seriously that you don't dare to doubt it for a second. Anyway, it is a darn responsible task, being God's messenger. It keeps Edwards from incorporating negative, evil emotions in his lyrics. Edwards: "I express anger and frustration in my music, which can sometimes sound agitated and irritated. Words and music complement each other in 16 Horsepower. Together they're me."

You must never underestimate the power of words. And he sure doesn't believe that you should "throw out" negative emotions. "You don't have the right to contaminate the world with your evil within. But I know that to bottle everything up isn't the right method either. That is my problem. I never express my anger with words. I communicate badly, especially with my wife and children. I feel very guilty then."

Perhaps 16 Horsepower's success contributed to that. When A&M plucked 16 Horsepower from obscurity in 1997 (sic) , Edwards became a full-time musician and could give up his various dayjobs. Edwards: "All of a sudden I had more spare time, and was home more often. But you're also on the road more and especially longer. When I come back home I have the idea I have to bridge a gap between me and my family."

The takeover of parent company Polygram by Universal Music resulted in financial problems for A&M. 16 Horsepower, together with about 200 other small bands, were "downsized". It had it advantages too. A large number of advances doesn't have to be repaid.

Major label or independents; 16 Horsepower has embarked on yet another extensive European tour. And in June they will play at the big European festivals, including Pinkpop. Edwards:" I struggle with my identity as a husband and a father. But I have to tour to feed my family. Touring is my release. A legitimate possibility to escape. Yes, that too."