Welcome To Rockville, Interview with band P.O.D. "Drawn together"

In a world where noise often drowns out meaning, some voices rise, not just in volume, but in purpose. Since the ‘90s, P.O.D. has been one of those voices, speaking directly to a generation navigating unseen struggles.

At Welcome To Rockville, I sat down with Sonny Sandoval, Marcos Curiel, and Traa Daniels, a band whose bond dates back to high school, united by their mission to inspire. Through music and lyrics, they convey a true sense of peace, a release from the pressure of the world.

"We want people to feel peace, peace comes when you understand the essence of who you are," Sonny Sandoval, Lead Vocalist, P.O.D. So true, when songs like Alive, Youth of the Nation, and Beautiful resonate with so many, myself included. These aren’t just hits on the radio or Spotify, they are healing musical weapons in a world that often feels like it’s at war with the soul.

 “Music should lift people up. It should wake them up. That’s always been our mission,” said guitarist Marcos Curiel.  “There’s power in peace. It’s not weakness, it’s strength under control,” added Traa Daniels, bassist.

P.O.D.’s music carries a message that touches so many: You are not alone. You are not lost. You still have purpose.

Sonny Sandoval spoke about Youth of the Nation Foundation, which provides a safe space for at-risk youth to explore their passions in music, art, and more in the San Diego, CA area. The band instills faith, resilience, and community beyond their music, making a real impact on people's lives.  

Even in the extreme Florida heat during the festival, their foundation message was prevalent as the venue was packed with hands waving and audience singing their lyrics; it was a feeling of unity that made a strong impact. 

When I asked the band about moments that left a lasting impression, it sparked a great concert memory, a P.O.D. concert in Singapore, outdoors in a sprawling city park.

It wasn’t about nationality, language, or background. You had people of every walk of life, students, workers, families, travelers all drawn together by something deeper than the music.  “It was super cool bringing hope together,” said Sonny Sandoval.

Goosebumps hit me hard when they shared this memory, because of the strong unity. Strangers, all carrying different burdens, were finding common ground in sound and spirit.

“That’s the kind of moment we live for,” Marcos said. “You can’t fake that. It’s real. It’s sacred.”

It’s not about preaching. It’s about reminding people of who they really are.

Whether you’re standing in a packed festival at Daytona International Speedway or in a park in Singapore surrounded by strangers, the message rings the same:

You are not forgotten. You are not alone. You are not done.

A great group, open to listening and sharing their feelings from their hearts.  P.O.D. doesn’t ask you to be perfect. They invite you to be present. To show up as you are and to know that your story, with all its struggle and soul, is already powerful.

P.O.D. music is resilience and faith that speaks to perseverance, growth, and a sense of purpose, rising above challenges. P.O.D. hits the human core in their music.

Sonny Sandoval, Image courtesy of Danny Wimmer Presents, Jake Miller, Welcome To Rockville