Code of Ethics (band)

Code of Ethics[1][2] formed in the early '90s with Barry Blaze and Eric Switzer. The duo released Visual Paradox as a self-published project, which was later picked up by indie label R.E.X. Records in 1991. In the early 1990s, the band's music was quite unique in that they were one of the few Christian music artists performing a Europop style. With their early sound being largely reminiscent of New Order, their later works became simultaneously more progressive and more tame in nature. Many fans believe their mid-1990s pop-leanings were forced by their involvement with major label ForeFront Records, as evidenced by the underground release of an industrial-leaning mix of the "Satellite Babies" project which was obscured by the mainstream release of the same recording in tamed-down form.

With a new label came new pressures and Eric decided to exit the band. Rick Brainer,[3] Scott "Skippy" Chapman, and Scot Kifer then joined for a self-titled second album released in 1993. During the recording of the album, Code of Ethics asked to be released from R.E.X. Records based on a default in payment from them. Don Wrenn, the band manager, spearheaded the move and negotiated a deal with ForeFront Records with attorney Sam Chappel. Code of Ethics then went back into the studio to remix the album in Nashville and Memphis under the direction of John Jaszcz. After getting the self-titled album remixed, then went to Chicago and filmed a video for "Satellite Babies" that was never released by ForeFront, and garnered their first No. 1 single at radio, "Something Real". Kifer left by the end of the year. Later, Jeff Anderson would join for 1995's Arms Around the World, an album that would not only give Code two more No. 1's, but also let Code of Ethics receive its first Gospel Music Awards nomination in 1997.

In late 1996, the band came off the road for various reasons concerning family and health problems. It was then that Barry Blaze recruited Charles Garrett, Jerry Mowery, and Steve Dale. The trio recorded Soulbait for a 1997 release.

In early 1998, Skippy and Rick Brainer came back and made up the last Code of Ethics lineup. The band went ahead and recorded Blaze, and the band was nominated for its second Gospel Music Award in 2000.

Barry Blaze has been leading worship in Jacksonville, Florida since 2001. After a near-fatal motorcycle accident in 2004 and a lengthy recovery period to restore partial hearing and vision. He recorded Lost In Egypt which was released in February 2009. While still leading worship, he has toured with his wife Cynthia (DJ Chi) and a revolving cast including former Code drummer Rick Brainer, as well as Dave Ott, Matt Borelli, Ben Roth, and Julie Rodenhizer.

Code of Ethics has also released a remix album entitled Mix (1992) remixed by Barry and Ian Eskelin and a remix album called Code of Ethics: Extended Play Remixes (1994) remixed by Scott Blackwell.

Barry Blaze also launched an indie label in early 2009, Razzbarry Records. They currently work with the popular independent Christian pop rock band The Great Transparency.

• ForeFront Records
• Ian Eskelin
• Kevin Max

• Code of Ethics at Artists Direct
• Code of Ethics at Discogs
• Interview with Barry Blaze at WickedInfo.com