Just days after Sparrow Records’ standout newcomers Samestate released their debut LP, they are receiving praise from critics and fans for their musical efforts on The Alignment, available now.
The four who make up Samestate (lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Dalton Diehl, guitarist Darren Harms, bassist Ryan Lytle and guitarist/keyboardist Raymond Wyatt) merge their individual identities and musical influences into a cohesive musical unit with their debut, and with the help of veteran producer Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Third Day, Seabird), the end result is infectious and approachable, as demonstrated by what the press is saying:
“There are the alternately atmospheric and strummy verses leading up to bombastic, fist-pumping choruses; the God-centered lyrics that ooze passion and seek to inspire (as on "Wake Me Up" and "Hearts Like Fire"); the slick, radio-ready production… Samestate has enough hooks and ardor to make a name for itself.” – Christianity Today
“It’s clear these guys have a knack for catchy choruses and mighty melodies, along with a lyrical bent of leading listeners to embrace God’s plan for their lives. Add in cutting edge production from Paul Moak (Third Day, Mat Kearny) and Samestate is certainly poised for prominence.” - CCM
“Their alternative rock sound certainly brings flair and a creativity to the table…to say I was captivated during the 40-minute musical and lyrical journey is an understatement by far.” – ChristianMusicZine.com
“…they seem to do the stadium-style rock thing better than most. The musicianship here is excellent and the production is of a high standard. Singer Dalton Diehl has a distinctive quality to his voice, intriguingly reminiscent of Marcus Mumford, which lends credence to the well put-together lyrics. Clearly Samestate are a band who merit further attention…” –Cross Rhythms
In addition to the praise for the album, Samestate’s second single from The Alignment, “Shadows” goes for adds at CHR radio on March 30. “Shadows,” co-written by Diehl and Needtobreathe’s Bear Rinehart, is the follow up to Samestate’s breakout single, “Hurricane,” which rocketed into the CHR Top 5, peaking at No. 3.
“We, as humans, are always being pulled by something,” says lead singer Diehl. “’Shadows’ is a song that addresses a situation most all of us have been in: The aftermath of a good decision. What comes after making a move to follow the Lord closer? Why is it so hard? Because of the fall of man and the battle between good and evil, it is inevitable that we will feel a tug away from the light. Don't become slave to the darkness. Take your light and shine it to the shadows.”
To watch the “Stairway Sessions” version of “Shadows,” please visit: http://www.godtube.com/watch/?v=F2CE0JNU. Samestate showcase their musicianship and Diehl’s voice in a series of organically shot videos the band filmed in locations just off the beaten path, these “Stairway Sessions” feature acoustic renditions of songs from The Alignment.
Samestate will spend the spring as the opening act for Family Force 5 on the “Rise Up Tour” during March and April, visiting markets including Minneapolis, Kansas City and Dallas. After wrapping that stint, the band will join Building 429’s 15-city Radio Listener Appreciation Tour through April and May.
For more information on Samestate and their project, The Alignment, as well as a full list of tour dates, please visit www.samestatemusic.com.
Earlier this year burgeoning band Samestate joined the Sparrow Records’ family. Shortly after, America was introduced to the Kansas natives’ unique sound on their five-song EP, which released last summer. In 2012, the band will kick off the year unveiling their first full-length album The Alignment slated to release February 28.
The five guys that make up Samestate (lead vocalist/guitarist/songwriter Dalton Diehl, guitarist Darren Harms, bassist Ryan Lytle, guitarist/keyboardist Raymond Wyatt and drummer Blake Leoni) merge their individual identities and musical influences into a cohesive musical unit with their debut, and with the help of veteran producer Paul Moak (Mat Kearney, Third Day, Seabird), the end result is infectious and approachable.
Part of this 10-track unit is the first single “Hurricane,” written by lead singer Dalton Diehl and featured on both the EP and The Alignment. The attractive tune is continuing to make an impact at radio and is currently No. 8 on the CHR chart and No. 40 on the National Audience chart. Additionally, their friends at Air1 premiered the music video on air1.com last week and also offered the song as a free download to listeners worldwide. Watch the "Hurricane" music video here. Also, view exclusive behind the scenes content from the making of the video.
"As a band we always hoped that ‘Hurricane’ would be the lead single,” says Diehl. “There was something different about it that we felt would be refreshing for radio. I always thought that there was a different type of yearning in the song, a call to stop trying to figure out the love of God and simply accept it. I'm excited that people are starting to relate and attach themselves to ‘Hurricane’. It even helps me know that I’m not the only one who struggles.”
The guys of Samestate, who met while attending MidAmerica Nazarene University in Olathe, KS, have one mission: to share the hope and love of Jesus Christ, and want to be used to help others in any way they can whether it is through sharing life experiences through lyrics, doing an impromptu performances in restaurants or taking extra time to talk to fans. Where He leads, they will follow.
“This is a community,” comments Harms speaking about the relationship with their fans. “We want to offer what we can because we’re also going through life’s situations and it’s great to be able to offer help, advice and encouragement to each other and to the people we meet on the road.”
Diehl agrees, “We want to be that accessible and open to what’s going on in the peoples’ lives who come to see us. That’s a great part about being in a band.”
