Spoken (band)

Last updated

Spoken
Spoken-1.jpg
Spoken in 2015
Background information
Origin Nashville, Tennessee, U.S.
Genres
Years active1996-present
Labels E1, Tooth & Nail, Metro 1
Members
Past members
  • Scoop Roberts
  • Isaiah Perez
  • Oliver Crumpton
  • Ryan Pei
  • Jesse McDermott
  • Jon Allen
  • Jef Cunningham
  • Steven Howk
  • Ronnie Crupper
  • B.J. Watson
  • Ryan Jordan
  • Aaron Wiese
  • Travis Pierce
  • Roy Elam
  • Brandon Thigpen
  • Michael Head
Website spokenmusic.com

Spoken is an American Christian rock band from Nashville, Tennessee. [1] They have released nine studio albums; three via Metro 1 Music, three via Tooth & Nail Records, one via E1 Music, one via Artery Recordings, and one independently.

Contents

History

The band was formed in Nashville, Tennessee in 1996. Vocalist Matt Baird is the only original member of the band remaining in its current lineup since the band's formation.

The band released their debut album, On Your Feet , on September 22, 1997, through Metro 1 Music. The album showcased a rap-rock fusion of a post-hardcore or melodic rock style with a nu metal or rap rock leaning sound, similar to that utilized by bands such Rage Against the Machine or 311, or by their peers such as P.O.D., Pillar, and Thousand Foot Krutch, among others, but with more emphasis in the post-hardcore leanings of the band's style.

The band released their second album, ...What Remains , on February 2, 1999, once again through Metro 1 Music. The album's sound showcased a nu metal/rap influenced rock style very similar to that the band's debut.

The band released their third album, Echoes of the Spirit Still Dwell, on October 3, 2000, again through Metro 1 Music. The album's sound showcased once more the nu metal/rap rock leanings of the first two, but focused more on the heavy aspects of the genre. On November 19, 2001, the band released a compilation album, Spoken Greatest Hits , which compiled songs from their previous and first three albums. This was their last release through Metro 1 Music.

Spoken then signed to Tooth & Nail Records to release their fourth album, titled A Moment of Imperfect Clarity , which released on September 2, 2003. This, and their subsequent albums on Tooth and Nail, highlighted an evolving sound in which first melody and then a post-hardcore sound were introduced and stressed. The band shot music videos for "Promise" [7] and "Falling Further" [8]

On August 30, 2005, Spoken released their fifth album, Last Chance to Breathe . The style changed even more, becoming more based on screams than heavy guitar work. A music video was shot for "Bitter Taste", a single from the album, featuring Cory Brandon Putman of Norma Jean. [9]

On September 25, 2007, Spoken released their self-titled sixth album, Spoken . The sound was heavier and more mature, with both heavy vocals and heavy guitar work. Matt Baird, the lead vocalist for Spoken, said this about their sound: "Our new record has a lot of diversity. There are songs that are heavier than anything we've done before, and there is a song that is mostly piano. The songs are really all over the place as far as a similar style or genre, but it works. I think the record is extremely cohesive. I can't wait for people to hear it." [10]

Spoken has been working on their new album since 2009 with producer Jasen Rauch. They have since revealed that their seventh record is finished and will be released on February 12, 2013, through E1 Music and will be called, Illusion . [11]

Spoken performing at Lifest in 2018 SpokenLifest2018.jpg
Spoken performing at Lifest in 2018

The band announced via their Facebook page on November 28, 2014, that they would release a new album in 2015. A later interview with singer Matt Baird revealed the band will be recording at least one song in January as a promo track and then the remainder of the album will be recorded in May 2015. [12] On December 11, 2015, the band released their eighth album, Breathe Again , through Artery Recordings.

On November 26, 2016, Scoop Roberts announced that he was embarking on final tour with the band and that he would be on the next album. [13] The band's ninth album, titled simply IX, was released on September 8, 2017, independently via The Fuel Music.

On April 11, 2019, the band announced that guitarist J.R. Bareis (Love & Death, ex-Islander) was joining the band. J.R. had been touring with the band as a hired gun since 2017. With this addition, they also announced that they were currently writing for the bands 10th studio album,

In light of the COVID 19 pandemic in 2020, the band released 4 new songs in the span of 5 months. "The Way Back Home" on February 21, 2020, "Awaken Me" on April 3, 2020, "Fallen" on June 5, 2020, and "Nightmare" on June 12, 2020. Lyric videos premiered on the bands YouTube channel for the songs, "The Way Back Home", and, "Nightmare", on their day of release. On February 20, 2021, a live, "at home", acoustic performance of the song, "Nightmare", was released on the bands YouTube page.

On December 6, 2023, the band announced their upcoming album Reflection, which will be released on March 15, 2024, under Brian "Head" Welch's new label XOVR. Welch will appear on the album along with Demon Hunter's Ryan Clark. [14]

Discography

Studio albums

Singles

Compilations

Music videos

Related Research Articles

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Emery (band)</span> American post-hardcore band

Emery is an American post-hardcore band formed in Rock Hill, South Carolina, in 2001 by Toby Morrell, Devin Shelton, Matt Carter, Josh Head, Joel Green, and Seth Studley. The band relocated to Seattle in order to reach a more music-centered scene.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Sanctus Real</span> American Christian rock band

Sanctus Real is an American Christian rock band formed in Toledo, Ohio, in 1996. The group is composed of Chris Rohman, Mark Graalman (drums), and Dustin Lolli. The band is best known for their number one singles "Lead Me", "Forgiven", "Whatever You're Doing", "I'm Not Alright", "Don't Give Up", "We Need Each Other", "Everything About You", and "The Fight Song". Since 2002, they have released five albums through the Sparrow Records label, an independent EP This Is Love, and "Changed" on Framework Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Project 86</span> American rock band

Project 86 is an American rock band from Orange County, California, formed in 1996. The band has released ten albums, which have collectively sold nearly 500,000 units worldwide, two EPs, two DVDs, and one live album.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The O.C. Supertones</span> American ska band

The Orange County Supertones were a Christian ska band from Orange County, California. The band was signed to Tooth & Nail Records and its imprint, BEC Recordings, before becoming an independent band. The band temporarily disbanded in 2005, though reunited in 2010 to resume touring and recording before permanently disbanding in 2017. The OC Supertones were one of the first widely successful Christian ska bands.

<i>Tooth and Nail</i> (Dokken album) 1984 studio album by Dokken

Tooth and Nail is the second studio album by American heavy metal band Dokken, released on September 14, 1984 through Elektra Records. After the unsuccessful US release of the band's 1983 debut album, Breaking the Chains, the record label was reluctant to give credit to Dokken for a follow-up. Dokken's management struggled to convince the label's executives to give the band another chance and this fight for recognition is reflected in the album's title. This album was the group's first with bassist Jeff Pilson following Juan Croucier's departure to join Ratt.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Thousand Foot Krutch</span> Canadian rock band

Thousand Foot Krutch is a Canadian Christian rock band formed in Peterborough, Ontario, in 1995. The band has released ten studio albums, two live albums, and three remix albums. The core members consist of founding member Trevor McNevan, Steve Augustine (drums), and Joel Bruyere.

Dogwood is a punk rock band from Escondido, California founded in 1993. Their music has been compared to that of The Offspring, and they list Bad Religion, NOFX and Lagwagon as musical influences.

<i>The Art of Breaking</i> 2005 studio album by Thousand Foot Krutch

The Art of Breaking is the third studio album by Christian rock band Thousand Foot Krutch that was released by Tooth & Nail Records in July 2005. The band diverges even farther from the nu metal from their past albums, omitting rap segments almost entirely in favour of a more traditional rock sound or traditional heavy metal elements. The single Move received moderate mainstream success, reaching No. 16 on Billboard's mainstream rock charts in early 2006. The album has three singles: "Move", "Absolute" and "Breathe You In". Of these, only "Move" received a music video. The band has said that the girl on the album's cover is the girl in the video for "Move", as shown in a picture on their MySpace.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Huntingtons</span> American punk band

Huntingtons are a punk band from Baltimore, Maryland which formed in 1994 in the Maryland and Delaware area by Cliff Powell, Mike Holt and Mike Pierce. The band is heavily influenced by the Ramones and has extensively toured with numerous ramonescore bands.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Ryan Clark (musician)</span> American musician

Ryan Curtis Clark is an American musician who also has performed under the stage name Maven. He is best known as the lead vocalist of the Christian metal band Demon Hunter, which he co-founded with his brother, guitarist Don Clark. He was also the frontman for Christian metalcore band Training for Utopia along with being one of the guitarists for Focal Point. He is featured on Zao's The Lesser Lights of Heaven DVD and Mark Salomon's Podcast, Never Was.

Velour 100 was a dream pop / ethereal rock band from Ypsilanti, Michigan, United States. The band existed from 1995 to 2000, with most of its music seeing release via Tooth & Nail Records in 1996 & 1997. The band was essentially masterminded by multi-instrumentalist Trey Many of His Name Is Alive and Liquorice. Warren Defever helped with production. The band's 4AD Records-influenced sound often led to comparisons to artists such as Cocteau Twins, Low, and Slowdive.

<i>Spoken</i> (album) 2007 studio album by Spoken

Spoken is the sixth studio album released by the Christian hard rock band Spoken. The album was released on September 25, 2007. Radio singles released from this album include "When Hope Is All You Have" and "Trading in This Troubled Heart".

<span class="mw-page-title-main">The Letter Black</span> American Christian rock band

The Letter Black, formerly known as Breaking the Silence, is an American Christian rock band that was formed in 2006 in Uniontown, Pennsylvania. The band consists of lead vocalist Sarah Anthony; her husband, lead guitarist and vocalist Mark Anthony; bassist Matt Beal and drummer William Fowler and rhythm guitarist Brandon Jordan.

Queens Club was an alternative rock band from Kansas City, Missouri who were signed to Tooth & Nail Records.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Jasen Rauch</span> American guitarist, songwriter and producer

Jasen Ryan Rauch is an American musician, songwriter and record producer. He is the current lead guitarist of the rock band Breaking Benjamin and was the former lead guitarist of the Christian rock band Red. Rauch was also the producer for Korn guitarist Brian Welch's solo project, Love and Death, before becoming the band's bassist in 2020. According to Welch, Rauch "has a great track record for recording, producing, writing, and being in a band", and credits him as an inspiration for his returning to music. Before joining Breaking Benjamin in late 2014, Rauch also co-wrote several songs on their 2009 Dear Agony album, including "I Will Not Bow" and "Lights Out". Rauch is also a writer for Razor & Tie Music Publishing.

Hangnail is a pop punk band from Kenosha, Wisconsin, formed in 1993.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Icon for Hire</span> American rock band

Icon for Hire is an American rock band from Decatur, Illinois. Formed in 2007, the band's current lineup consists of singer Ariel Bloomer and lead guitarist Shawn Jump. They released two EPs independently before signing to Tooth & Nail Records, through which they released their first two albums: Scripted in 2011 and Icon for Hire on October 15, 2013. Their third album, You Can't Kill Us, was independently released on November 25, 2016. Their fourth album, Amorphous, was released on February 19, 2021, also independently. Their fifth independent studio album, The Reckoning, was released on September 30, 2022.

<span class="mw-page-title-main">Nine Lashes</span> American rock band

Nine Lashes is an American rock band from Birmingham, Alabama formed in 2006. They independently released their first album, Escape, in 2009 before Trevor McNevan of Thousand Foot Krutch brought them to the attention of Tooth & Nail Records. Upon signing to the label, the band recorded their second album World We View and released it on February 14, 2012. The album sold well, making several Billboard charts. The band released their third album, From Water to War on January 21, 2014. After a change in direction, the band released their fourth album, the electronica and rock styled Ascend on March 11, 2016.

<i>Breathe Again</i> (Spoken album) 2015 studio album by Spoken

Breathe Again is the eighth studio album from Spoken. Artery Recordings released the album on December 11, 2015.

<i>Illusion</i> (Spoken album) 2013 studio album by Spoken

Illusion is the seventh studio album from Spoken. E1 Music released the album on February 12, 2013. Spoken worked with Jasen Rauch, on the production of this album.

References

  1. 1 2 Yeung, Neil Z. "Spoken – Artist Biography". AllMusic. All Media Network . Retrieved July 28, 2016.
  2. 1 2 3 Sarachik, Justin (December 11, 2014). "Spoken Starts New Album in May; Matt Baird Says 'It's Not Going to be the Same Record as Illusions' [INTERVIEW 4]". BREATHEcast. Retrieved December 12, 2015.
  3. Williams, Jeremy (January 10, 2008). "Spoken – Spoken". Cross Rhythms . Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  4. Major, Chris (December 17, 2015). "Spoken Releases Best Work Yet With 'Breathe Again'". The Christian Beat. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  5. Cummings, Tony (October 23, 2007). "Spoken – Last Chance To Breathe". Cross Rhythms. Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  6. Rockstroh, Joe; Marihugh, Josh (August 25 – September 12, 1999). "What Remains" . Retrieved February 13, 2016.
  7. Spoken - Promise. March 30, 2008. Retrieved February 14, 2016 via YouTube.
  8. Spoken-Falling Further. June 17, 2006. Archived from the original on December 15, 2021. Retrieved February 14, 2016 via YouTube.
  9. YouTube . Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  10. Qodesh Metal Spoken Interview Archived March 3, 2014, at the Wayback Machine
  11. Alice Roques (February 3, 2013). "INTERVIEW: SPOKEN - MATT BAIRD'". RockRevolt Magazine.
  12. "Spoken Starts New Album in May; Matt Baird Says 'It's Not Going to be the Same Record as Illusions' [INTERVIEW 4]". BREATHEcast. Retrieved February 14, 2016.
  13. Roberts, Scoop (November 26, 2016). "Scoop Roberts announcement". Instagram. Archived from the original on December 24, 2021. Retrieved November 26, 2016.
  14. "KORN's Brian "Head" Welch launches record label: Hear debut signing SPOKEN". December 6, 2023.