After Edmund 'Hello' album

Slanted Records’ rock band After Edmund garnered their first GRAMMY® nomination, according to the National Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences, as announced last evening on “GRAMMY® Nominations Concert LIVE! Countdown to Music’s Biggest Night,” aired on the CBS Television Network.

The Georgia-based, five-member rock band’s debut release, Hello, was honored in the Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album category (#53) alongside artists Flame, Sanctus Real, Superchick and TobyMac . The recording was produced by GRAMMY®-nominated and award-winning producer Scotty Wilbanks.

“We’re honored to receive a nomination for a GRAMMY® Award for our album Hello,” stated band member Yates. “It’s a great privilege to join such an elite group of nominated musicians, and it’s wonderful to be recognized by our industry and our peers as creators of relevant art. As with everything, all glory to God in heaven – the greatest Creator of all.”

“After Edmund’s first Slanted release, Hello, was highly anticipated a year prior to its release and was met with great critical acclaim,” Barry Jennings, president of Slanted Records, said of the nomination. “To then be nominated for a GRAMMY® Award—the industry’s highest honor—for your first major label effort is a remarkable feat indeed. These five young men are multi-talented singers, songwriters and musicians; and we are extremely proud of their achievement.”

After Edmund was one of three winners of MTV2’s Rock the Revolution contest this summer in the Atlanta area. The members were awarded a performance at the Lakewood Amphitheatre for the Atlanta show of the national Projekt Revolution Tour featuring Linkin Park, Chris Cornell and The Bravery.

The band has just completed the nationwide Truth Hope & Love Tour with Christian music mainstays Building 429 and newcomers Addison Road. The 30-city tour hit states including Arkansas, Texas, Alabama, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio and Minnesota.

Earlier this week, Hello was selected in the Top 10 Critics Picks for 2008 according to CCM Magazine’s editors who select their top choices for the best faith-based albums of the year.

“Distortion never sounded so delectable thanks to this disc packed with ethereal knob twirlers, cutting-edge programming, electricity-doused instrumentation, and perhaps most importantly, culturally relevant songwriting,” stated an editor of the release.

Hello was also named a standout release for 2008 by the staff and senior music editors of the Gospel Music Channel website; and last month, an editor from Christianity Today (ChristianityToday.com) listed Hello as one of his favorite albums of the year.

After Edmund has also been nominated for Best New Christian Group or Artist as well as for Best Band/Artist (Rock or Rock/Pop) for this year’s Golden Ear Awards, selected by readers of Ignite Your Faith Magazine (formerly Campus Life Magazine).

Hello hit shelves in February garnering acclaim by various industry insiders. Known for their high-energy live set and their distinct modern rock style, After Edmund enjoyed their first overseas tour this summer to Sweden and were featured on various festivals including one of the headlining positions at the popular SHOUTFEST. They made appearances on tv shows including “Good Day Atlanta,” “Live at Nine,” “Live From Studio B,” “The Harvest Show” and “Positively Arkansas” among others.

After Edmund biography
Having been raised on a hearty intake of indie, classic and experimental rock, along with the fact that members are classically trained and met amidst college music classes, are just a few points of distinction for After Edmund in the modern pop/rock pack. The LaGrange, Georgia-groomed quintet (named after the Edmund character in C.S. Lewis’ bestselling book series The Chronicles of Narnia ) has been electrifying that regional scene and beyond since 2001, touring tirelessly and refining a potent alternative sound that merges the timeless sensibilities of Pink Floyd and the Beatles with the organic influences of Wilco, the dynamic swells of Keane, plus the band’s own razor-sharp rhythms and introspective lyrics.

“We grew up listening to all kinds of music—classical and classic rock to jazz and experimental stuff. We’re kind of a melting pot, a unique fingerprint for Christian music, combining so many of our individual musical influences into one sound,” notes bassist Matt McFadden, while making it apparent members’ Christian beliefs are a clear lyrical component. “Our musical backgrounds are so diverse, and it’s interesting to see how we pull it all together; but more than just sounding strong, we hope and pray our varied backgrounds will open us up to a larger audience--one not subject to the same three chords over and over.”

And those elements are exactly what attracted Slanted Records, the pop/rock/alternative indie label under the Spring Hill Music umbrella, which also recently launched the Grammy-nominated act DecembeRadio. The two bands share the same producer Scotty Wilbanks (Third Day, Overflow, Echoing Angels), who introduced After Edmund to the highly interested staff when demoing tracks for its national debut.

“We actually had a handful of labels interested; but the reason we went with Slanted was we really felt like they were After Edmund fans and we’d seen what they had done with DecembeRadio,” McFadden continues. “Slanted didn’t feel like business. It was really more like a partnership and friendship where we’ve both decided to work really hard.”

“Another reason we were really interested was from a musical perspective,” interjects lead vocalist Mitch Parks. “Everyone allowed us to just keep doing what we were already doing with Scotty. He had already made a record with Slanted, and we loved how the label embraced an “out-of-the-box” sound, allowing bands to make an album that is 100% who they are. That’s what we wanted to create--a non-typical style that is uniquely After Edmund.”

The results have proven to be overwhelmingly fruitful throughout the ambitious Hello, which fans from any scene can recognize for its artful approach when it hits the shelves in July of 2007. Between the vast degree of inventive muses, plus members’ own individual talents and chemistry with one another, the disc is drenched with an engaging sonic landscape and thought-provoking lyrical fodder.

“When we talk about several of us being classically trained, it is not meant to sound like showing off,” explains drummer Adam Stanley. “Hopefully people won’t listen and say ‘they sound like music majors,’ but our goal through that kind of practice and study is the ability to make better music where we know what we’re doing in the studio rather than just stabbing around in the dark. If our backgrounds are not facilitating better art, it’s pretty worthless other than just for amusement’s sake.”

Several practical examples can be traced in the Hello sessions, such as the fact that every member brought ideas to the table and worked through many of the arrangements even outside of their dominant instrument. Since everyone can read music, they can easily switch around stations in the studio or tell each other specific suggestions for a player’s particular part.

"This is definitely one of the most talented bands I've ever worked with," confirmed Wilbanks. "Most of the guys play at least two to three different instruments. It's pretty cool when the drummer can pick up a guitar and start playing jazz standards and the lead guitar player goes over to the piano and starts playing some Joplin. The guys do a high energy live show, and I wanted to do my best to capture that vibe in the studio...there's no programming on this record. Everything was played live in the studio by the band, kind of 'old school' for today's way of making records. I'm really pumped about the sounds we got on this record...."

“If Adam has an idea for a bass part, he’ll just go up and show me,” echoes McFadden. “If our guitarist Ben has an idea for piano, he’ll go show Yates. Mitch, our lead singer and guitarist, actually notated piano parts for the song ‘Like a Dream’ in the middle of the night so he wouldn’t forget them and then came into the studio the next morning to show us that part.”

That track is a gloriously ethereal example of After Edmund’s unity (plus uncanny ability to align melody with lyrics) which includes a high flying chorus streaked in Parks’ stirring falsetto. The even more intense rock n’ roller “Let It Go” exposes the band at its energetic pinnacle while prompting listeners to surrender their fears to God and cast all burdens upon His shoulders. A further example of dynamic shifting comes in the sublime ballad “To See You Leave,” which takes on a raw edge highlighted with purposefully under-produced grit.

“From a lyrical standpoint, I feel like anyone can relate to that song,” suggests Parks of the latter track. “A lot of Christian songs talk about things only “church people” can understand. There’s not a person on the planet whom God doesn’t love and desire a relationship with, and I wanted to talk about that in a way that anyone could understand.”

Other selections stem from a deeply dug spiritual sustenance. “Thank God” has become a live classic, bearing musical resemblance to the Foo Fighters and Muse while unveiling thoughts of God being the ultimate source of peace and stability over temporary earthly treasures. The artsy, almost chromatic feel of “Clouds” speaks of Christ’s presence in our lives through the storms we face and how He lifts us above the clouds while simultaneously encouraging the downtrodden that better days are yet to come.

“Scotty has been a huge influence on us, and that’s helped make all of these songs better than our original intentions,” offers McFadden. “He helped us bring out the best in the songs and made sure they sound like us and accurately convey the musical and personal messages we have in our hearts.”

Much of those emotions stem from the guys’ personal lives, which have been openly intertwined into the progressive fabric of the project. Ben and Matt are each married (and Matt also serves as a youth pastor); Mitch has a wedding on the way; several of the band members are actively involved in their local churches while at home, including serving as worship leaders; while recent university graduate Yates scored the top spot in his graduating class.

And Hello is sure to score big with listeners as the group offers its high-energy, complex compositions on this debut. The band builds on those commendable report cards with an electric sound that alternates rhythmically and sonically while capturing the raw, fluid vocals of lead man Parks. Just like throwing creative caution to the wind, the guys have turned over complete control of their future to the ultimate Creator and are keeping their cool. After all, it’s never been their goal to amass money or fame, but to truly touch lives one listener at a time.

“A lot of our ministry is off stage since we enjoy talking to people and hearing what’s on their mind,” Stanley sums up. “God doesn’t come into every conversation; but He does much of the time, and we are happy to share how faithful He’s been to us. Being a musician, life is really uncertain, but we’ve never missed a meal! We’ll be happy to share that, plus a lot of people are looking for someone outside their families to help them feel validated. Just being a listening ear does wonders for their self-esteems, which is an important part in finding the Truth. Sure we’re all sinners; but on the flipside, we’re beautiful in God’s eyes and people have to realize how much He loves them.”

who is who
Mitch Parks - lead vocals/guitars
Matt McFadden - bass guitar
Ben Hosey - guitars
Yates - keyboard instruments
Adam Stanley - drums

Mitch Parks
Age: 24
Education: Bachelor Of Music in Creative Music Technologies
Hometown: Lilburn, GA (LaGrange now)
On stage: Lead singer and guitar player…I've also been known to contribute a bit of energetic nonsense.
Songs written on Hello: Co-wrote all of them.
Married or single: Just married
Favorite musical influence: My dad is my biggest influence. I probably
would have never loved music if he didn't introduce me to it.
Favorite food: No favorites...I try not to leave anything out.
Favorite pastime when at home: I get to go home?
Place most often writes songs: Writing can occur anywhere. Ideas
start at the piano and in the car. I tend to look rather foolish to the
cars around me.
Something about one of the other guys that people don't necessarily know
about that guy: Matt has the uncanny ability to morph his speaking accent
and dialect to match his surrounding culture. He does this with amazing
precision and accuracy. Seriously, folks, he’s good.
What you would do if you weren't in a band: I'll tell you if that ever
happens.
What musical era you'd most like to have experienced: Either the Baroque
period or the 1960s
Favorite TV show: No favorites...I’m not much of a television viewer.
What musical venue you'd most like to play in at least once: The White
House.

Yates
Age: I am a product of the year 1984 AD – if only Orwell knew!…though some
people consider me and Macintosh too much to bear in a single year.
Degree obtained: Bachelor of Science (Business Economics)
Hometown: LaGrange, GA
What you do in group (on stage): Keyboard instruments, BGVs, provide general
crazy insaneness
Any songs you helped write on the album: I think I had at least a small part
in almost every track – spare one or two maybe
Married or Single: S
Favorite musical influence: British rock
Favorite food: I don’t play favorites, especially with inanimate objects
Favorite pastime when at home: Photography
Place where you most often write songs: In front of a piano - though lyrical
ideas come most often while I’m in the car
Something about one of the other guys that people don't necessarily know about
that guy: Ben has the most southern influence of anyone in the
band. I don't think any of us were surprised when one day he drove up to
rehearsal in a truck with a lift kit and big mud tires.
What you would do if you weren't in a band: You mean there’s life after music?
I guess that would make me a hobo
What musical era you'd most like to have experienced: Romantic Period (1820ish
to a bit after 1900) when melody and emotion ruled the planet
Favorite tv show: I don’t play favorites, especially with animated objects
What musical venue you'd most like to play in at least once: Madison Square Garden

Matt McFadden
Age: 25
Degree obtained: Practical Theology Degree (unfinished)
Hometown: Cincinnati, OH (now LaGrange, GA)
What you do in group (on stage): Play the most glorious instrument in the
world—bass guitar!! (and BGV’s)
Any songs you helped write on the album: I had a part in most of them.
Married or single: Married…I love it!!
Favorite musical influence: Jaco Pastorius--amazing player, amazing tone!
Favorite food: Italian
Favorite pastime when at home: Spending time with my wife and HALO 2!!
Place where you most often write songs: My house
Something about one of the other guys that people don't necessarily know about
that guy: Yates can play a mean “The Entertainer”
What you would do if you weren't in a band: Youth ministry (which I do now when at home)
What musical era you'd most like to have experienced: The 70’s, when Pink Floyd
ruled the planet!!
Favorite tv show: “Arrested Development”
What musical venue you'd most like to play in at least once: Hollywood Bowl

Adam Stanley
Age: 24
Degree obtained: B.A. in Creative Music Technology and Percussion Performance
Hometown: Cordele, GA (now in LaGrange)
What you do in group (on stage): Drums and BGV’s
Any songs you helped write on the album: I worked on most of them in some way except for “Clouds,” “Stealing Away” and “To See You Leave”
Married or single: Single
Favorite musical influence: Chris Stanley
Favorite food: Steak
Favorite pastime when at home: Practicing music
Place where you most often write songs: Wherever we happen to be rehearsing
Something about one of the other guys that people don't necessarily know
about that guy: Mitch has worked at both Mattress World and Bath & Body Works
What you would do if you weren't in a band: I would either be a ceramicist or a herpetologist (someone who studies reptiles and amphibians)
What musical era you'd most like to have experienced: Bebop jazz in the ‘50s
Favorite tv show: “Seinfeld”
What musical venue you'd most like to play in at least once: The Fox in Atlanta

Ben Hosey
Age: 25
Degree obtained: Bachelor of Music
Hometown: LaGrange, GA
What you do in group (on stage): Play guitar (and BGVs)
Any songs you helped write on the album: I had my hand in most of them
Married or single: Married
Favorite musical influence: Silence (gives room for creativity)
Favorite food: Cake
Favorite pastime when at home: Quality time with my family
Place where you most often write songs: Either at home in front of the piano or at rehearsals
Something about one of the other guys that people don't necessarily know about that guy:
Adam probably plays all of our instruments better than we do
What you would do if you weren't in a band: Start a band
What musical era you'd most like to have experienced: The ‘60s
Favorite tv show: “Smallville”
What musical venue you'd most like to play in at least once: Madison Square Garden

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