Every band's dream is the coveted major record label deal, so what would make four local musicians turn down the offer?

For The Color, standing at the precipice of a massive debut in the U.S and onto the international stage, it comes down to their message.

It's why they hope to remain independent, producing music and crafting songs of hope, without possible interference from label executives.

"The dream is always, "I want to get signed,'" guitarist James Shiels explains. "But we realized the value a record label added, compared to the things we'd have to give up, we didn't know if they balanced out anymore."

More than 450 concerts and 13 GMA nominations later (including eight wins) the band has released their 4th studio album with singles like 'Surprise' charting in top spots across North America.

"They're one of the best, most exciting bands in Canada right now," Steve Lensink of World Vision Canada says.

However, Lensink says most impressive is The Color's belief in their mission and message, "it's in their DNA."

Since partnering with World Vision four years ago, more than 830 children have been sponsored at The Color concerts.

Last year alone, the Color put on more than 120 concerts

The band has also partnered with organizations like the Billy Graham Evangelistic Association of Canada.

Will Graham, grandson to the renowned preacher Billy Graham, was impressed by the quartet's passion for sharing the Gospel, "we only work with people who love evangelism," he says.

It's the reason the band says they hope to remain independent, even as costs to expand are looming.

While the funding from an established label would be helpful, "this is also where they get you," Shiels says.

"They're one of the best, most exciting bands in Canada right now,"

The funds from a record label deal are actually a loan, Shiels explains, though among taking a lion's share of the royalties only four percent would actually go towards repaying the debt.

"Meaning we would have to pay back 25 times the original amount," he says.

In preparation of their international launch, The Color instead looks to their home community for help.

In total they're seeking a $100,000 investment to help cover costs like tour preparation, promotion and travel.

"This community has been so supportive of us, it continues to surprise us," Janzen says. "Our desire has always been to pour back into the community."

The Color held a CD Release concert in Winkler September 14

Remaining independent, free of onerous loan repayments and steep royalty-sharing plans, would also mean staying true to their message.

While the traveling musician's life is exciting at first, lead singer Jordan Janzen explains being on the road, far from family for weeks at a time, can be gruelling.

However, it's the ministry of their music that keeps them going.

"When a song can bring about change in the heart," he says. "We can't help but move forward... we do this because we believe God called us."

He shares the story of one fan that listened to their music on repeat during a difficult health journey.

"It was incredible to hear how those songs are what God used to remind him that He was still there," he says. "Each and every show... we have an opportunity to speak hope into people's lives, the hope we find in Christ Jesus."