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Abandon Kansas
Track List
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| Through the fire of sleepless nights, uncertain futures, and countless miles on the road,
Abandon Kansas emerges battle-hardened and tested with the highly celebrated Ad Astra Per
Aspera. This, their first official retail release, is a right of... |
 Through the fire of sleepless nights, uncertain futures, and countless miles on the road,
Abandon Kansas emerges battle-hardened and tested with the highly celebrated Ad Astra Per
Aspera. This, their first official retail release, is a right of passage for a band that has
demonstrated over the past half-decade that they are more than prepared to lay claim to their
own territory among the industry elites.
This-the consummation of their vision to be more than just a band, more than just empty
words or singles-is the opus that most bands only fantasize about. This is their time, their most
crucial hour, as frontman Jeremy Spring explains: “Ad Astra Per Aspera is Latin meaning ‘to the
stars through difficulty.’ The title is the Kansas state motto, and the concept for our new record.
Nearly all of the songs refer to heaven, the sky, flight, the stars, and the challenges along the
journey.. For every band there is that one record that outdoes all of the rest, and that record will
always be your favorite. I have no idea what the future holds, but for me, this is going to be that
record for us. Something has happened here, something bigger than four guys making noise
with instruments and singing into microphones.”
This record is independent rock n’ roll that stirs the imagination and conjures deep
optimism. The sound is ethereal, yet tangible. Spring’s voice harkens imagery of brisk fall
evenings staring at distant stars, dreaming of hopeful futures, even amidst chaos. And the
reverberation of Brad Foster’s echoing guitars will etch themselves into your memory as they
gently carry you to the outer reaches of the atmosphere. Balanced by bassist Chet Keuffer
and drummer Brian Scheideman the record paints in subtle strokes, communicating with deep
feelings, rather than stringent riffs or unsettling beats. There is a unity to the instrumentation
that can only come from a seasoned unit of men who understand that, in order to be great, the
sum of the parts must equal a greater whole. Teaming up with producer Mark Lee Townsend to
create a sound all their own, Ad Astra Per Aspera defies comparison, yet sounds all too familiar,
as a memorable release should.
“This record is a story about where we are headed, without forgetting where we came from,”
states Spring. “The stars aren’t fame and money. The stars represent heaven, or better yet, the
presence of God. We are aiming for the stars, yet we seem to find ourselves in the middle of
storm after storm. It is the story of how was have been able to maintain high spirits and use our
valleys as fuel to create new music.”
Noteworthy tracks include the first single and album opener, “Heaven Come My Way,” the
methodical, art-epic, “The Golden State,” and perhaps the catchiest tune in the band’s
catalogue, “Like it Or Not.” But don’t make the mistake of thinking this is a record of a few radio
tunes followed by filler, though. Rather than approach songwriting as most do, desperately
attempting to manufacture hits, Abandon Kansas has delivered an entire, cohesive collection of
songs with one measure of quality control. This is an album to be consumed in its entirety,
absolutely. Lyrically, these songs are the templates for a culture that is battling through
challenging circumstances. For example, on “Heaven Come My Way,” Spring’s vocals lay
claim to bright futures when as he croons, I’ve always aimed higher; don’t let me off the hook.
We wrote a chapter, haven’t finished the book. On “Where Else Can We Go?” he speaks into
the problem of pain: If pain produces harmony, we all have a note. If God conducts the
symphony, no one sings alone. Steeped with the wisdom of a crafty veteran, the band’s
frontman has proven that eloquence is a given, as every single song contains nuggets of truth
that will resonate, inspire, and even haunt the listener.
With such an extensive touring history (having shared the stage with the likes of House of
Heroes, Run Kid Run, and The Classic Crime), Abandon Kansas has developed a special,
cohesive show that is a must-see. Theirs is a tale of evolution, however, as Spring explains,
“Every band grows between albums, but our band specifically grew a lot in how we present our
music live. As our songwriting has matured, so has the way we present ourselves onstage.
We have started adding television screens that run multimedia during our set. We’re trying to
offer more of a presentation, or ‘show’ rather than just get on stage and play loud songs for thirty
minutes.”
If the present is grey, and the future is uncertain, then only one thing remains: faith. And faith
is the binding element, the constant for this band—a band fighting valiantly to emerge in the
current musical and cultural context. Rather than rely on hype or politics or even the promise of
a truly career-defining album such as Ad Astra Per Aspera, Abandon Kansas have placed their
livelihoods in the hands of a creator who never fails, who never abandons us.
“At the end of the show we answer to our fans, at the end of the day we answer to our bandmates,
at the end of the tour we answer to our label, and at the end of year we answer to our
families and friends back home. But at the end of our lives we answer to God, and He expects
us to follow through on what he has called us to do. God isn’t a businessman, and I don’t think
He is interested in numbers. But I know he wants us to be good stewards of the talents he
blessed us with and the time we spend on the road. I love the words from that old song “Be
Thou My Vision” that say, riches I heed not, nor man’s empty praise. ”
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2/15/2012 - Abandon Kansas Debuts new single “Chariot” this week
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."
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11/3/2009 - Abandon Kansas Releases Christmas Song November 17
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
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9/9/2009 - Abandon Kansas' "We're All Going Somewhere" Releases to iTunes
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
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8/28/2009 - Abandon Kansas Joins Gotee Records
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
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 | Abandon Kansas music video for "Heaven Come My Way" |  | Abandon Kansas plays "O Come All Ye Faithful" |  | Abandon Kansas - Close Your Eyes |
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Check out the official music video for Abandon Kansas' "Heaven Come My Way"
Abandon Kansas plays "O Come All Ye Faithful"
Watch Abandon Kansas' music video for "Close Your Eyes"
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