In follow-up to their critically acclaimed March 2011 release Ad Astra Per Aspera (latin for "to the stars through difficulties"), which debuted at #15 on Billboard's Heatseeker's Chart and a free 3-song remix EP, Gotee Records’ Abandon Kansas (AK) debuts a brand new single today, “Chariot.”
Produced by David Garcia (tobyMac, Jamie Grace) “Chariot” is impacting Christian CHR stations now and features the signature sound and deep lyrics that Abandon Kansas has become known for, and whom Relevant magazine praised for their "catchy melodies and energetic vocal delivery." The song is also available on iTunes and Amazon, and Gotee has produced a lyric video for the song that can be viewed here. The band also took some time to tell radio PDs about the meaning behind the song, by recording this YouTube video.
"Life is heavy and with so much on our plate it can be hard to carry everything at once,” says AK’s Jeremy Spring about the song. “ ’Chariot’ is all about God's desire to carry us through life's storms, not just meet us on the other side. The image of a chariot is biblical and it's a beautiful picture of how God wants to serve us as we are trying to serve Him. He's not just the destination we are headed towards, but the vehicle we need to get there. "
After a year of extensive touring in 2011,Abandon Kansas will tour throughout 2012 as well, including appearances at spring/summer festivals like Purple Door, Icthus, Alive and Lifelight. Click here to check out their tour schedule.
About the band, multi-platinum selling-artist and Gotee co-owner tobyMac remarks, "Abandon Kansas is a band that inspires me to write deeper lyrics and pursue my art more passionately. They are the guts of why music can reach beyond notes and melodies and pass through the walls around our hearts."
San Antonio-based Abandon releases its Control Expanded Edition today featuring the full Control album that released last spring from Forefront Records amidst widespread acclaim, as well as four songs newly remixed by members of celebrated bands Mute Math, David Crowder*Band, Family Force 5 and Paper Route. The Expanded Edition will be a digital only release and available on all major online retailer sites, including iTunes®, Amazon.com and more.
For the Expanded Edition of the album, worship music icon David Crowder offers his take on the Top 10 Billboard CHR hit single, “Under Fire,” while Mute Math’s Darren King tackles “Live It Out,” a song that has been featured on FOX Sports Net’s college football promotions, NBC’s “The Biggest Loser,” ESPN’s 2011 ESPY awards and more. The digital album continues with Paper Route’s Chad Howat remixing “New Years Day” as Solomon “Soul Glow Activatur” Olds of Family Force 5 remixes “Feel It In Your Heart,” Abandon’s first hit single and video from the current album. The full remix of “Feel It In Your Heart” can be heard now on Abandon’s Facebook page, https://www.facebook.com/abandon.
A video teaser for the Control Expanded Edition can be found at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1-EKItGGazk&feature=youtu.be (there is no sound until 00:36).
“I was really honored that Abandon would ask me to be a part of this remix project,” shares David Crowder. “I have such respect and love for the other guys they asked; it was humbling. Plus, it was such a great song with a fantastic hook, so most of my work was already done.”
Known well for its energetic live concerts, Abandon is playing the new hits from Control and its fan favorites on newsboys’ “God’s Not Dead World Tour” that launched this month and travels coast-to-coast into May 2012.
As Control sales continue 150% ahead of Abandon’s debut, Searchlights, and as momentum continues to build for the band, CCM Magazine calls Control the band’s “most spiritually engaging to date” and “its most musically explosive” as JesusFreakHideout.com says, “Perhaps the best way to describe Control is to label it a collection of songs that could easily become anthems for the next age of Christian music fans.” Indie Vision Music recommends Control if “you’re looking for Christian rock with a little more guts,” while NewReleaseTuesday.com adds, “…don’t miss out on the best Christian alternative rock album of the year.”
For all the latest information on Abandon and Control, including tour dates, go to www.abandonrock.com.
San Antonio-based Abandon released its acclaimed sophomore album, Control, last spring from Forefront Records amidst acclaim and sales that continue 150% ahead of its debut, Searchlights. As momentum continues to build, Abandon’s contemporary sound on the album has gathered three hit radio singles so far, “Feel It In Your Heart,” “Hero” and “SOS,” with a fourth single, “Under Fire,” hitting the Top 25 and climbing on Billboard’s CHR chart with Air1 Radio network and many top stations already playing the song. Showcasing the strength and depth of this record, a fifth track from Control, “Live It Out,” has also caught the attention of several television networks, including NBC, ESPN, FOX Sports Net, Food Network and others.
Last night, “Live It Out” was featured on NBC’s “The Biggest Loser” as Season 12’s “Battle of the Ages” continues. The full episode featuring the song can be seen at http://www.nbc.com/the-biggest-loser/episode-guide/season-12/400064/.
In July, Abandon traveled to Los Angeles where FOX Sports Net taped exclusive footage of the band performing “Live It Out.” Combining the performance video with college football highlights to promote this season’s college football games, the resulting Fox Sports Net “Live It Out” promotional piece can be seen at www.youtube.com/watch?v=t8PspFkXELs.
Abandon’s “Live It Out” was also recently tapped by ESPN for its 2011 ESPY awards, where the song was featured during the “Game of the Year” nominees segment, www.youtube.com/watch?v=S2ZmgL7wXt0. ESPN further used the song during its 2011 NCAA March Madness promotions (http://sports.espn.go.com/espn/thelife/music/news/story?id=5818190).
Beyond the sports networks, the Food Network picked up Abandon’s “Live It Out” for a 32-week Sunday Night lineup promotion, while Julianne Hough (Dancing With The Stars) was featured dancing to the song for a Proactiv® commercial
(http://moondogedit.wiredrive.com/r/p/?presentation=2f0ad754dab32db331c44b3271efa93f).
As Abandon continues to gather attention at TV and radio, the band, known for its well-executed and energetic live concerts, will join newsboys for its “God’s Not Dead World Tour” that launches in January and travels coast-to-coast into May 2012. To help manage all the growing success, the band brought on board Platinum Pop Entertainment.
“Abandon is a band that had an instant appeal to me,” says Dale Bray, Platinum Pop Entertainment founder and former Inpop Records President and Co-Founder. “They are focused on both their art and ministry and the opportunity to represent them in this next step of their career is something I am passionate about being a part of.”
Recently featured in an iTunes® Discovery Download, which showcases new music from an up-and-coming artist each week, Abandon’s Control has further sparked the critics to rave: CCM Magazine calls the album the band’s “most spiritually engaging to date” and “its most musically explosive,” as JesusFreakHideout runs a front cover story (www.jesusfreakhideout.com) and says, “Perhaps the best way to describe Control is to label it a collection of songs that could easily become anthems for the next age of Christian music fans.” CBA Retailers + Resources says the album has “the power to continue their upward career momentum,” and Indie Vision Music recommends Control if “you’re looking for Christian rock with a little more guts.” NewReleaseTuesday.com and ChristianMusicReview.org add, “…don’t miss out on the best Christian alternative rock album of the year.”
To see a recent video of the band talking about the new single, “Under Fire,” go to http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yUOLT33JQMc. For all the latest information on Abandon and Control, including tour dates, go to www.abandonrock.com.
San Antonio-based Abandon releases its acclaimed sophomore album, Control, next week (April 19) from Forefront Records. In the two years since Abandon’s Searchlights debut, the band has gathered a Dove nomination, widespread critical acclaim and tours alongside Fireflight, Building 429, Remedy Drive, Teen Mania’s Acquire the Fire, plus many major faith-based festivals. Amongst all the activity, the modern rockers crafted Control, which finds the band taking the next natural evolutionary musical step, while also turning inward for their greatest lyrical depth.
Despite all the interactions with success and fame since first starting as an independent band in 2005, members have encountered through their vast travels (see current tour itinerary below) an even greater realization of their constant dependence on the Lord, who is ultimately in control.
“Seeing something like the Northern Lights in person makes us marvel at the natural, God-orchestrated phenomenon happening in such a beautiful state outside of human control,” lead vocalist Josh Engler muses. “Growing up, we were sheltered a bit and it’s interesting how your perspective of life changes. As we have toured, our core beliefs have remained intact, but it’s interesting how our ‘Northern Lights’ moments have changed our perspective.”
As Control builds upon Abandon’s Coldplay meets The Killers pedigree adding each of the individual band members’ personalities in the studio, Control’s musical muscle is thanks in part to split production duties between Paul Moak (Third Day, Mat Kearney, The Blind Boys of Alabama), Chris Stevens (who also helmed the band’s Searchlights), and Josh Silverberg, a relatively new knob twirler and member of Edison Glass. The resulting combination has sparked songs that are already gathering acclaim with music critics and radio alike.
Hitting the Top 10 at CHR Radio, “Feel It In Your Heart” continues to ascend the chart and becomes the first video from Control, debuting today at www.myspace.com/abandon. The song finds the band casting aside life’s numerous distractions in favor of plugging into God’s plan, stirring up passion to go forth with an eternal mindset.
“They seek God and write music about it,” commends Aaron Gillespie (Underoath, The Almost) about Abandon. “I was super privileged to have the opportunity to write two songs with them on this new album. These guys are killer. Get their records, and hear their hearts. Genuine.”
Gillespie co-wrote “Push It Away” and “SOS” on Control, with the latter song becoming a Top 20 Rock radio hit, as the lead single from the album, “Hero,” a new recording of the song featured on Searchlights, became the surprise hit of the new album, landing at No. 1 on both the Way-FM and Air1 radio networks’ charts.
Rapidly gaining new fans as radio continues to spin the hits, music fans can also hear the whole album for a limited time at as it streams from HearItFirst.com, Air1.Com and Radiou.Com. Music critics who have already previewed the album, are also chiming in with their acclaim:
“Abandon’s last long player, which isn’t just its most spiritually engaging to date, but also its most musically explosive…Aside from the infectious nature of the material, one can’t help coming away from the listening experience with a reignited faith and desire to maximize their potential.” – CCM Magazine
“Perhaps the best way to describe Control is to label it a collection of songs that could easily become anthems for the next age of Christian music fans, which is something the Christian music industry has been in need of for quite some time now. This excellent ‘sophomore’ release is definitely preorder worthy.” – JesusFreakHideout.com
“Multiple radio formats have already embraced “Hero”…But there’s more fun to be had before that last track on Control…a big, slick guitar sound and peppy 4/4 beats have the power to continue their upward career momentum.” – CBA Retailers + Resources
“If you’re looking for Christian rock with a little more guts, a little more dance, and a message about our dependence on God, give Abandon’s latest a spin or two…These songs are fun and full of energy.” – Indie Vision Music
“They have a steady rush of uncommon creativity that has both modern flash and worshipful depth… don’t miss out on the best Christian alternative rock album of the year.” – NewReleaseTuesday.com / ChristianMusicReview.org
“From start to finish the band proves that they can write good songs, both musically and lyrically…this album is very good… When the album comes out in April, this will be worth picking up.” – The Christian Manifesto
For more information on Abandon and Control, go to www.abandonrock.com.
Abandon tour dates follow:
Apr 27 Goshen, IN - Crossroads Community Church, 7:00 PM
Apr 28 Greenwood, IN - Greenwood Christian Church, 7:00 PM
Apr 29 Bloomington, IN -The Warehouse, 7:00 PM
Apr 30 Greenville, IL - Bond County Fairground – AgapeFest, 4:30 PM
May 6 Carthage, MO - Carthage Memorial Hall, 7:00 PM
May 20 Flatwoods, KY - Advance Memorial United Methodist Church, 6:00 PM
May 21 Hanover, IN - Hanover College - Local College Festival, 8:00 PM
May 27 Green Bay, WI - Cup O' Joy, 7:30 PM
May 29 Bartlesville, OK - Sooner Bandshell - Bartlesville's Rockfest, 7:00 PM
Jun 18 Wilmore, KY - Ichthus Farm, 3:30 PM
Jun 20 Gatlinburg, TN - First Baptist Church - Summer Camp, 7:00 PM
Jun 25 Charlotte, NC - zMax Dragway - Annual Faith, Family and Freedom Celebration, 5:00 PM
Jun 27 Topeka, Kansas - ExpoCentre, 8:00 PM
Jun 30 Stillwater, OK - Lost Creek United Methodist Church, 6:00 PM
Jul 8 Oshkosh, WI - Sunnyview Expo Center, 3:30 PM
Jul 16 Rapid City, SD - Memorial Park - Hills Alive Festival, 5:00 PM
Jul 18 – 22 Grovetown, GA - First Baptist Church - Youth Camp, 7:00 PM
Jul 23 Lake Elsinore, CA - Diamond stadium, 7:00 PM
Jul 25 – 28 Stillwater, OK - First Christian Church - Youth Mission Camp, 7:00 PM
Jul 30 Corpus Christi, TX - JudaFest, 6:00 PM
Jul 31 Harlingen, TX - Harlingen Municipal Auditorium, 7:00 PM
Aug 4 - 6 Anchorage, AK - Anchorage Baptist Temple - Youth Conference, 1:30 PM
Aug 13 Clearfield, PA - Clearfield Country Fairgrounds - Youth Rally, 6:00 PM
Sep 11 Clarksville, AR - Clarksville Junior High School, 8:30 PM
Oct 22 Defiance, OH - Family Christian Center, 7:30 PM
* Tour dates subject to change.
In the two years since Abandon’s Forefront Records debut Searchlights, the San Antonio-based band scored a Dove nomination, throngs of critical acclaim and tours alongside Fireflight, Building 429, Remedy Drive, Teen Mania’s Acquire the Fire, plus a plethora of major faith-based festivals. Amongst all the activity, the modern rockers crafted its sophomore CD Control, which finds the five-some taking the next natural evolutionary musical step, while also turning inward for their greatest lyrical depth to date.
“It’s been a lot of hard work, and when you’re in the audience looking at a band on stage, it’s easy to take for granted how they got there,” notes front man Josh Engler. “There’s a lot of leg work that makes it all possible. From the very beginning, we set out to stay real and stay at the audience’s level, even if we are literally three feet above them on stage…”
The thirteen tracks that comprise Control are oozing with examples of the group’s instant reliability and heart on sleeve vulnerability, despite all the interactions with success and fame since first starting as an indie act in 2005. If anything, the more experiences members have encountered through their vast travels has yielded an even greater realization of their constant dependence on the Lord and need to break beyond comfort zones with a faith that’s fully on fire.
“Seeing something like the Northern Lights in person makes us marvel at the natural, God-orchestrated phenomenon happening in such a beautiful state outside of human control,” Josh muses. “Growing up, we were sheltered a bit and it’s interesting how your perspective of life changes. As we have toured, our core beliefs have remained intact, but it’s interesting how our ‘Northern Lights’ moments have changed our perspective. Who is ultimately in control?”
As the idea of Control continued popping up in the songwriting sessions, it was only natural for Abandon to follow suit with the album’s moniker. However, it’s more than merely a quick catch phrase that summarizes the thematic thread throughout the project, but also a chance for audiences to consider a handful of very pertinent rhetorical questions. “‘Are you in control or is God in control?’” the singer encourages fans to ponder. “We basically want people to come away with an answer to ‘who’s controlling your life?’ We’re not really looking for a quick answer, but more to challenge your perspective and to provoke thought and motivation. It’s brave to question where you’re at and search out your heart.”
The guys can attest to that type of self-examination, followed by a season of giving the Lord complete control first hand, which in spite of the success from their freshman to sophomore records, was still filled with its fair share of strain. For starters, being on the road meant distance between wives and extended families, along with financial sacrifices, as Abandon continues to invest in building its ministry from the ground-up. And while the players will be the first to admit being stretched further than ever before on all of those fronts, an eventual ability to lay those burdens before the Lord and relinquish their control led to the greatest clarity that they were indeed pursuing the proper path.
“When we don’t surrender our lives over to God and hold onto it ourselves, we limit ourselves, but when we let God take control, it’s way better than we dreamed or hoped,” affirms Josh. “We’ve learned to be good stewards of our time and to hold one another accountable each and every day. And by us being open about what we’re going through, we hope to open up topics of conversation with our listeners. A lot of times, we find that if someone digs a song, we have the opportunity to talk about what we went through personally and maximize the ministry potential.”
Aside from the topical relevance, Control is replete with musical muscle, thanks in part to split production duties between Paul Moak (Third Day, Mat Kearney, The Blind Boys of Alabama), Chris Stevens (who also helmed the band’s Searchlights), and Josh Silverberg (a relatively new knob twirler who previous found fame in Edison Glass). Regardless of the collaborators, Abandon builds upon its Coldplay meets The Killers pedigree adding each of the individual guys’ personalities in the studio.
Guitarist Stevan Vela brought an ultra-creative, borderline perfectionist attitude to ensuring excellence, while his cousin Dave on drums interjected rhythmic intricacy and conceptual depth. Bassist Bryan Fowler also added a proactive spirit to constant experimentation and suggestion, even going as far to try out parts on piano, guitar and drums. As for Josh, he’s a self-described dreamer who approaches songwriting with a mixture of theatrical delivery and personal authenticity, while his guitar grinding brother Justin rounds out the rhythm section as the band’s ultimate brainstormer and sounding board.
One example of that overflowing chemistry comes during the incredibly contagious lead single “Feel It In Your Heart,” which finds the fellas casting aside life’s numerous distractions in favor of plugging into God’s plan, in turn, stirring up an undeniable passion to go forth with an eternal mindset. From there, “SOS” is a figurative cry for help from the weary, suggesting full-fledged rescue only comes from complete commitment to Christ, while “Push It Away,” serves as a resolute anthem for unabashed believers to never be swayed, even amidst ridicule, challenge or persecution.
“‘SOS’ and ‘Push It Away’ were both written with Aaron Gillespie from Underoath and The Almost,” explains Engler. “We had met at the Dove Awards, and shortly after he was available to write with us. We wrote both songs in four hours, which was really fast for us, but he’s full of energy and that’s just how creative he is. He thanked us for the opportunity to write together, but we were the ones who were honored!”
Adds Gillespie about his immediate impression of Abandon: “Genuine. It’s a word that we misuse a lot. Why? I think because in this industry we all want to be just that...Abandon, however, is the real deal. They seek God and write music about it. I was super privileged to have the opportunity to write two songs with them on this new album. These guys are killer. Get their records, and hear their hearts. Genuine."
Additional examples of Abandon shaking up its formula come during “Your Love Goes On,” the group’s inaugural AC single that’s framed around acoustic guitars and epic ballad elements. On the lyrical front, it speaks about God constantly pursuing His creation, even those who feel unworthy or like they’ve committed too many sins in the past to be wiped clean. “When we fall, we should run back to Him because that shows maturity as a Christian,” considers Engler. “He’s a father figure, and just like when a child scrapes their knee, they run to their parents. Our hope for this song is that people view it in that light, rather than feeling like they should run away from God. Whenever we mess up, His love is constantly chasing us and He’s relentless in pursuing us.”
Between members’ constantly developing faith, the project’s adventurous sonic ambition, and perhaps most importantly, everyone’s individual resignation of Control, Abandon is poised for its most active and effective season thus far.
“We’re always reevaluating success for ourselves,” sums up Josh. “We don’t think there are any limits, not in a prideful sense, but with the intention of serving the Creator and wanting Him to use us to impact the world around us.”
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Feb. 19, 2010— San Antonio rock act Abandon garnered its first Dove Award nomination yesterday, as announced at an industry press conference in Nashville for the 41st Annual GMA Dove Awards. The band received a nod in the category of Rock Album of the Year for its Aug. 25, 2009 release, Searchlights.
This year’s category represents a cross section of styles within the genre, including hard rock, pop/rock, metalcore and alternative. “We are in complete shock and yet at the same time, very humbled to be nominated for a Dove Award,” says Abandon’s Dave Vela. “Thanks to our fans for helping Searchlights get nominated. May the best rock album win!”
A follow up to its July 2008 self-titled label debut, and subsequent digital EP release in April 2009, Searchlights combines the best tracks released by Abandon to date plus three never-before-recorded songs: “Confession,” “Here We Are Now” and “Safe In Your Arms,” currently No. 18 on the Radio & Records CHR chart. The band will continue to support Searchlights this spring on Teen Mania Ministries’ Acquire The Fire tour and at select summer festivals including Crossover, Atlanta Fest, Ichthus, Cornerstone, Creation East, Sonshine, and LifeLight, to name a few.
With a sound that has been likened to popular bands U2 and The Killers, Abandon comprises brothers Josh Engler (vocals) and Justin Engler (rhythm guitars), cousins Dave Vela (drums) and Stevan Vela (lead guitar) as well as Bryan Fowler (bass). The band’s Forefront Records debut, released July 22, 2008, was met with praise from critics who called it “catchy” (ChristianityToday.com), “a tasty morsel of what is to come” (jesusfreakhideout.com), and hailed the band for being “at the forefront of the current music industry” (indievisionmusic.com). The buzz has afforded Abandon opportunities to tour alongside such established acts as Fireflight and Remedy Drive. For more information on Abandon, visit: www.myspace.com/abandontx.
Coming off an amazing fall tour with House of Heroes and The Wedding, Abandon Kansas has just recorded their own version of the Christmas classic, O Come All Ye Faithful, available exclusively as a digital download on November 17.
The band has also released a video of the recording session for the song, which can be found on the Abandon Kansas YouTube channel at: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JBprVNp6XWU
True to their road warrior reputation, Abandon Kansas has opted to immediately head back on the road in support of their EP We’re All Going Somewhere in November with Owl City side-project Swimming with Dolphins.
We’re All Going Somewhere continues to receive rave reviews, such as:
The Album Project – “melodic rock songs which are so pure and inviting”
The Lexington Music Press - Abandon Kansas have released an addictive, sweet, and melodic EP with We’re All Going Somewhere. 4 ½ stars.
Indie Vision Music - Their debut EP, We’re All Going Somewhere, is six songs of modern pop/indie rock that doesn't forsake the much-needed intelligent and insightful lyrics.
CCM - this six-song offering leaves listeners wanting much more, building anticipation for a full-length offering that will hopefully follow in rapid order.
Stereotruth - a great mix of instruments, melodies and emotion filled vocals. If you are looking for something new to listen to then I recommend picking up their EP.
Oh Come All Ye Faithful will be available digitally on November 17.
Upcoming tour dates:
Nov 4 – Overland Park, KS
Nov 5 – Ames, IA
Nov 6 – Wausau, WI
Nov 7 – Burnsville, MN
Nov 8 – Cedar Falls, IA
Nov 9 – Chicago, IL
Nov 10 – St Louis, MO
Nov 11 – Rolla, MO
Nov 12 – Springfield, MO
Nov 13 – Carthage, MO
Nov 15 – Ft Smith, AR
Nov 16 – Texarkana, AR
Nov 17 – Pensacola, FL
Nov 18 – Hattiesburg, MS
Nov 19 – Houma, LA
Nov 20 – Irving, TX
Nov 21 – Wichita Falls, TX
Nov 22 – Muskogee, OK
WE’RE ALL GOING SOMEWHERE, Abandon Kansas’s debut EP on Gotee Records, just released as an iTunes exclusive. The Wichita-based band created this project with producer Mark Townsend (Relient K, House of Heroes), and it’s receiving rave reviews for its singalong hooks while never losing it’s indie rock edge.
The Lexington Music Press calls We’re All Going Somewhere “an addictive, sweet and melodic EP. 4 ½ stars”, while The Album Project responds with “melodic rock songs which are so pure and inviting.”
To celebrate, the band will be performing a hometown release show on Sept. 11 in Wichita, KS followed by an event in Lake of the Ozarks, MO to support the Jefferson County Suicide Prevention Coalition. Then, Sept 13, the "Super Big Time American Traveling Concert" tour kicks off with House of Heroes and The Wedding.
“I can’t think of a better band to tour with, to kick of our new Gotee release than House of Heroes,” explains Jeremy Spring, vocalist for Abandon Kansas. “These guys are vocal gods, not to mention label mates, and we’re looking forward to watching them play every night.”
Abandon Kansas We’re All Going Somewhere is exclusively available as a download through iTunes today, or on CD at any of the Abandon Kansas live shows.
Sept 11 – Wichita, KS – CD Release Party!
Sept 12 – Lake of the Ozarks MO
Tour with House of Heroes and The Wedding (more dates TBA)
Sept 13 – Claremore, OK
Sept 14 - Kansas City, MO
Sept 15 – University City, MO
Sept 17 – Ames, IA
Sept 18 – Bismark, ND
Sept 19 – Minneapolis, MN
Sept 20 – Wausau, WI
Sept 22 – Mt Vernon, IL
Sept 23 – Franklin IN
Sept 25 – Orion, MI
Sept 26 – Cincinnati, OH
Sept 28 – East Ridge, TN
Sept 29 – Greenville, SC
Sept 30 – Orlando, FL
Oct 1 – Jacksonville, FL
Oct 3 – McCalla AL
Oct 6 – Lafayette, LA
Oct 9 – Houston, TX
Oct 10 – Plano, TX
Oct 11 – Texarkana, TX
Solo shows
Oct 17 – Centennial, CO
Oct 23 – Manhattan, KS
Oct 31 – Bolivar, MO
Nov 14 – Newton, KS – w/ the Afters and Stars Go Dim
Gotee Records is proud to announce the signing of indie pop/rock band Abandon Kansas to the label’s roster.
On September 8, the label will release their debut We’re All Going Somewhere EP, available exclusively at iTunes and live events. Produced by Mark Townsend (Relient K, House of Heroes), Abandon Kansas created a project that will surprise you with its honesty and soul-searching drive.
“We finally found a label that fits who we are as musicians and who we are as dudes,” states Jeremy Spring, frontman of Abandon Kansas. “We couldn’t be happier with the way this record turned out, and the opportunities Gotee has already given us. We want to make more music and we want to be able to release that is bigger and better ways. Gotee is going to help us do exactly that.
“Mark also was a huge influence in helping us figure out exactly what kind of band we are. He really set us free from our whole pop past and helped us find our voice as in an indie band with melodic, pop elements.”
Known for their incessant touring schedule, Abandon Kansas plans to be on the road full time the remainder of the year. Currently on the Secret Service tour with Sleep for Sleepers and Hazel and Vine, the band continues their touring tradition with a hometown album release show and then starting immediately on the Super Big Time American Traveling Concert Tour with the House of Heroes and The Wedding.
The Secret Service Tour with Sleep for Sleepers and Hazel and Vine.
Aug 29 – Glendale, AZ
Aug 30 – Palm Springs, CA
Sept 1 – San Luis Obispo, CA
Sept 2 – Santa Rosa, CA
Sept 3 – Sacramento, CA
Sept 4 – Fresno, CA
Sept 5 – Los Gatos, CA
Sept 6 - Quincy, CA
Sept 11 – Wichita, KS – CD Release Party!
Sept 12 – Lake Ozark MO
Tour with House of Heroes and The Wedding (more dates TBA)
Sept 13 – Claremore, OK
Sept 14 - Kansas City, MO
Sept 17 – University City, MO
Sept 18 – Bismark, ND
Sept 19 – Minneapolis, MN
Sept 23 – Franklin IN
Sept 25 – Orion, MI
Sept 28 – East Ridge, TN
Sept 29 – Greenville, SC
Oct 1 – Jacksonville, FL
Oct 10 – Plano, TX
San Antonio rock act Abandon will release its first full-length disc, Searchlights, to retail outlets nationwide Aug. 25, 2009. In support of the project, Abandon will open for Flicker Records act Fireflight this fall on “The Hope Tour.”
Abandon made its label debut last July with the release of a self-titled digital EP, which received rave reviews from critics who called it “catchy” (ChristianityToday.com), “a tasty morsel of what is to come” (jesusfreakhideout.com), and hailed the band for being “at the forefront of the current music industry” (indievisionmusic.com). The EP additionally produced two No. 1 Rock radio singles with “Hold On” and “Providence.”
In April 2009, Abandon released the EP on disc, while giving fans a taste of six new cuts available via digital outlets only. Searchlights combines the best tracks released by Abandon over the last year plus three never-before-recorded songs, “Confession,” “Here We Are Now” and “Safe In Your Arms.”
“Thematically, Searchlights is a promise of rescue from a dangerous place, that if you look up, you will see the light of hope through the dark,” says Abandon’s Josh Engler. “Sonically interesting and energetic with passionate lyrics, we hope fans find what they’re searching for with this record.”
Abandon will debut Searchlights live on the road with Fireflight beginning Oct. 1. Joined by Word Records artist Remedy Drive, “The Hope Tour” will visit major markets including Salt Lake City, Las Vegas, Phoenix and San Antonio. For a complete list of tour dates, visit www.fireflightrock.com. Music from Searchlights can also be heard via Christian radio, with “Be Alive In Me” currently working its way up the Radio & Records Rock chart and “Safe In Your Arms” set to add at CHR radio Aug. 21.
With a sound that has been likened to popular bands U2 and The Killers, Abandon comprises brothers Josh Engler (vocals) and Justin Engler (rhythm guitars), cousins Dave Vela (drums) and Stevan Vela (lead guitar) as well as Bryan Fowler (bass). They formed as part of their church’s worship band, eventually moving on to play local shows. The group came into relationship with Forefront Records after Director of A&R Chris York heard them perform at a Nashville club. For more information on Abandon, visit: www.myspace.com/abandontx.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) Feb. 3, 2009—New Forefront Records signing, Texas rock outfit Abandon will release its debut project, Abandon, April 21, 2009. The disc will include songs from the band’s breakthrough summer EP in addition to current CHR/Rock radio single, “Hold On.”
Abandon’s digital EP, released July 22, 2008, was met with praise from critics who called it “catchy” (ChristianityToday.com), “a tasty morsel of what is to come” (jesusfreakhideout.com), and hailed the band for being “at the forefront of the current music industry” (indievisionmusic.com). Now Abandon, the group’s official debut, will be available on CD at music outlets nationwide April 21.
Produced by Chris Stevens (Sanctus Real, Shawn McDonald, Delirious), Abandon conveys classic Bible truths in a fresh voice (Peter’s denial in “Providence”), fashions vulnerable prayers into memorable, soaring alternative pop songs (“Be Alive in Me”), and praises God while wearing the creative influences of The Beatles, Coldplay, and Delirious? (“All Because of You”). Having recently wrapped several dates with Fireflight, Abandon plans to showcase its music for radio stations nationwide beginning Feb. 16, 2009 as part of Forefront’s New Artist Tour, additionally featuring Philmont and This Beautiful Republic. The band’s current single “Hold On” is vying for ads at both the CHR and Rock radio formats.
With a sound that has been likened to popular bands U2 and The Killers, Abandon comprises brothers Josh Engler (vocals) and Justin Engler (rhythm guitars), cousins Dave Vela (drums) and Stevan Vela (lead guitar) as well as Bryan Fowler (bass). They formed as part of their church’s worship band, eventually moving on to play local shows. The group came into relationship with Forefront Records after Director of A&R Chris York heard them perform at a Nashville club. For more information on Abandon, visit: www.myspace.com/abandontx.
(NASHVILLE, Tenn.) July 31, 2008—San Antonio rock act Abandon has signed an exclusive recording agreement with EMI CMG imprint Forefront Records. The band released its debut offering, a 5-song, self-titled EP, July 22.
With a sound that has been likened to popular bands U2 and The Killers, Abandon comprises brothers Josh Engler (vocals) and Justin Engler (rhythm guitars), cousins Dave Vela (drums) and Stevan Vela (lead guitar) as well as Bryan Fowler (bass). They formed as part of their church’s worship band, eventually moving on to play local shows. The group came into relationship with Forefront Records after Director of A&R Chris York heard them perform at a Nashville club.
“It’s definitely the strangest way I’ve discovered a new band,” says York. “I was having dinner at a Mexican restaurant with my wife, and she started to get frustrated with me because she could tell I wasn’t paying full attention to our conversation. This was because I could hear a band playing live at the club next door, and it sounded really, really good. I got in touch with the band later, and after we got to know each other, we knew it was a fit and started working together!”
“We are extremely excited to be a part of the Forefront family,” says frontman Josh Engler. “We know we are in good hands, and are humbled by the opportunity. Also, we cannot wait for everyone to hear what we’ve been working on for the past year. It’s an exciting time for us.”
And fans will be able to preview 5 songs from Abandon’s forthcoming full-length release, scheduled for early 2009, via a self-titled EP available at all digital music outlets and at the band’s shows beginning July 22. Produced by Chris Stevens (Sanctus Real, Shawn McDonald, Delirious), the Abandon EP conveys classic Bible truths in a fresh voice (Peter’s denial in “Providence”), fashions vulnerable prayers into memorable, soaring alternative pop songs (“Be Alive in Me”), and praises God while wearing the creative influences of The Beatles, Coldplay, and Delirious? (“All Because of You”).
Additionally the band’s first two singles, “All Because of You” (CHR) and “Providence” (Rock) will be vying for ads at radio beginning Aug. 1. Abandon will also debut music from its EP live on tour with SONICFLOOd this fall. For more information on Abandon, visit: www.myspace.com/abandontx.
