Leeland

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Leeland

L- R: Leeland Mooring, Mike Smith, Jack Mooring, Jake Holtz
Background information
Origin Baytown, Texas, United States
Genres Christian rock, CCM, progressive rock[1][2]
Years active 2000–present[3]
Labels Essential, Provident Label Group, Sony BMG, Reunion
Website www.leelandonline.com
Members
Leeland Mooring
Jack Mooring
Mike Smith
Shelly Mooring
Casey Moore
Past members
Jake Holtz
Jeremiah Wood
Matt Campbell
Austin Tirado

Leeland is a Christian rock band from Baytown, Texas. The band was formed in 2004, although lead singer Leeland Mooring had been writing songs beforehand. Leeland is composed of Leeland Mooring (lead vocals, guitar), Jack Mooring (backing vocals, keyboards), Casey Moore (guitar), Shelly Mooring (bass, backing vocals) and Mike Smith (drums). The band's original line-up included Jeremiah Wood, who left the band in late 2006, and was replaced by guitarist Matt Campbell in late spring of 2007.

Leeland has released three studio albums, and received a Grammy Award nomination and two Dove Award nominations for their debut album Sound of Melodies (2006).[4][5] The band's third album, Love Is on the Move, was released on August 25, 2009.

Leeland's fourth studio album, The Great Awakening, was released on September 20, 2011 and received a nomination to the 54th Grammy Awards for Best Contemporary Christian Music Album.[6]

Contents

[edit] Band history

[edit] Formation

Lead singer Leeland Mooring wrote his first song "Shine" at the age of 11.[7] After having a successful performance of the song at a church in Illinois, the Mooring family began touring the United States.[8] When he was 14, Mooring entered into Embassy Music’s Ultimate Talent Search contest in Nashville, Tennessee, where he became a finalist in the songwriting and artist divisions.[3] Although he did not win the competition, one of the contest's judges, Kent Coley, now the band's manager, took interest in the young teen.[3] A year later, Eddie DeGarmo, President of EMI CMG Publishing, also was interested in Mooring, and the two signed a songwriting contract on EMI/Capitol Music Group.[3] Less than a year later, Leeland Mooring, his older brother Jack Mooring, their cousin Jake Holtz, and friends Jeremiah Wood and Mike Smith, who the Moorings had known for several years,[9] officially signed as a band onto their record label Essential Records, a subsidiary of Sony BMG's Provident Label Group.[10] The five members began practicing at night in their church's building after youth group, which doubled as a funeral home.[3][11] Leeland Mooring's first name was used as the band's name because the members said that "it sounded cool".[12]

[edit] Sound of Melodies

Drummer Mike Smith in 2007

Leeland began recording for their debut release, Sound of Melodies, in 2005, with Matt Bronleewe, Marc Byrd, and Steve Hindalong producing the album. It was released in the USA on August 15, 2006. At the 49th Grammy Awards on December 7, 2006, the album was nominated for "Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album".[13] In 2007 the band received five GMA Dove Award nominations, including "New Artist of the Year"[14] and two nominations for their debut album Sound of Melodies.[5] The album was also released in Japan on March 21, 2007, with the title song "Sound of Melodies" peaking at No. 6 on the general Japan radio chart.[15]

The band has worked closely with Christian music legend Michael W. Smith. Smith has said that "Leeland is the best thing I have heard in a long, long time".[16] Leeland Mooring co-wrote six songs on Smith's album, Stand, and wrote one song by himself.[17] Later on, Jack Mooring married Smith's daughter Whitney Smith-Mooring on June 1, 2007.[18]

After being with Leeland for four years, Jeremiah Wood left the band in October 2006 to pursue other endeavors.[19] Although never an official member, Austin Tirado was hired on as a temporary guitar player until February 2007. In February, Matt Campbell was also originally hired as a temporary guitarist for three months, however he was added as an official band member after those three months.

[edit] Opposite Way

Leeland's second studio album, Opposite Way, was recorded in Nashville, Tennessee.[20] In November 2007, the band announced that the album would release on February 26, 2008.[20] Lead singer Leeland Mooring said that "[Opposite Way] is primarily a call to our generation to passionately walk the 'opposite way' from the world; that it’s OK to live the Christian life and to be on fire for God, even if it makes us look different."[21][22] In its debut week of release, Opposite Way peaked at No. 72 on the Billboard Top 200 albums chart,[23][24] and also reached No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Albums chart.[25] Starting in September 2007, Leeland began touring with Grammy Award-winning band Casting Crowns on The Altar and the Door tour. The tour continued until May 1, 2008,[26] and has been named the "highest-grossing Christian tour of the year" touring through 83 cities.[27]

The band's song "Tears of the Saints" from their debut album received two Dove Award nominations in 2008.[28] Also, lead singer Leeland Mooring was nominated for "Songwriter of the Year" and co-writer of the song "Be Lifted High" with Michael W. Smith.[28] Their song "Brighter Days" from the Opposite Way album was featured in the June 22, 2008 episode of the television show Army Wives.[29] The show's music supervisor Frankie Pine said, "We thought the use of 'Brighter Days' in this episode of Army Wives was moving, and was the perfect fit for what we were looking for".[29] The song was also featured on the soundtrack of the movie Fireproof, a film featuring actor Kirk Cameron.

In December 2008, the band's Opposite Way album was nominated for a 2009 Grammy Award in the category "Best Pop/Contemporary Gospel Album".[30]

[edit] Love Is on the Move

Leeland's third studio album, titled Love Is on the Move, was released on August 25, 2009 in the United States.[31] The album's lead single "Follow You", which includes vocals from singer-songwriter Brandon Heath, was released to Christian radio on August 7.[32] In September, the band will launch their "Follow You Tour", co-headlining with Brandon Heath and featuring Francesca Battistelli as an opening act.[32][33]

This, Leeland's third studio album, will probably once again draw comparisons with the likes of Keane and Coldplay. Infused with hope, haunting melodies are mixed with Britpop influenced rock. Having said this however, their American roots come across in a bunch of anthemic choruses. Where Leeland separate themselves from mainstream suitors is with bold proclamations of their faith and the elements of worship they weave into their music. Pianos, strings and guitars blend skilfully in crafted tunes that showcase Leeland Mooring's writing skills. Definite progression from early recordings can be heard as the band have developed and matured. The overarching theme of the tracks is a call to put faith into action.

The title cut being a perfect example, it includes the line, "Love is on the move, revealing heaven's truth". A similar theme is picked up on "Follow You" where Brandon Heath guests. Elements of worship in their music remind me of a youthful Telecast as they challenge the listener into action. Leeland blend melancholy with joy to produce a brand of power pop that is most accessible. 'Love Is On The Move' is well worth a listen and will delight their many fans. It highlights the song writing of a talented young band and should not be overlooked.

[edit] The Great Awakening

Leeland's fourth studio album, titled "The Great Awakening" was released on September 20, 2011. Since the debut of Leeland’s acclaimed Sound of Melodies (2006), the three-time GRAMMY and eight-time GMA Dove Award nominated progressive worship band has become one of the most respected and influential voices in worship music. With its upcoming fourth release, The Great Awakening, Leeland recaptures the essence of its debut album while delving deeper into its spiritual roots; drawing from the wisdom of theologians including Salvation Army founder, William Booth. The Great Awakening, described by band members as an 11-track “worship revival experience,” was produced by Paul Moak (Third Day, Matt Maher) and released September 20 on Essential Records.

Leeland’s writing and recording process brought together founding members - lead singer Leeland Mooring; brother, Jack Mooring on keys, and drummer Mike Smith – along with new member (and Moorings’ younger sister and bassist) Shelly Mooring, who replaced the band’s original bass player, Jake Holtz. Holtz, the Mooring’s cousin, left the band to serve in the U.S. Army.

As a newly formed unit and fortified with contagious inspiration, The Great Awakening finds Leeland at its most complete. Each of the 11 songs is skillfully inspired by historical “fathers of the faith,” including theologian Jonathan Edwards and Salvation Army founder William Booth, whose depths of belief and passion for God started stirred revival wherever they went.

Recording every song live-to-tape, this process allowed the bandmates to capture Leeland’s signature energy found in its live performance. It comes naturally as the band members have history with harmonizing and playing together. “When we were kids, our parents were traveling pastors,” Jack Mooring shares. “The three of us would jump in the car with them and lead worship services and revivals.”

Along with the natural rhythms and harmonies that were molded when they traveled the country as a family, recording for The Great Awakening brought a deep sense of musical resurgence and together, the band felt a fresh stirring of both personal and global revival. Leeland feels it captured the passion of the “revival experience” that often occurs during its compelling live set.

The band’s recent visits and concerts around the world, visiting everywhere from Peru to Japan for its support of Food For The Hungry, also inspired and helped shape The Great Awakening. “We’ve all been going through a personal revival in this band,” says Leeland. “We’ve felt God taking us out of a plateau, shaking us up and saying, ‘Don’t cruise anymore.’ That’s where we are; feeling like God wants to bring a great awakening to this generation.”

Over the years, Leeland has amassed tremendous favorable regard within the artist and worship music communities. Fellow artists esteem this collective not just for its ability to create moving songs that inspire and elevate, but also for its transparency, which manifests most obviously in the live setting. “The first time I saw Leeland, I was amazed by how vulnerable they were,” notes revered artist Michael W. Smith. “They are incredibly talented but when they are leading worship, they have the ability to transcend the here and now. They disappear into the worship experience and it’s impossible not to share in the experience when you’re in the room.”

Smith, who tapped Leeland Mooring to co-write more than half of his Stand project (11/7/06) continues, “This band has an ability – and it’s demonstrated keenly on The Great Awakening – to make you stop and listen. This is the rare type of album that will make you take a long pause in the middle of your busy day and instantly you’ll feel God’s presence.”

The album’s first two radio singles, “I Wonder” and “The Great Awakening,” go for adds on July 29 at AC Radio and CHR, respectively. To promote the record, Leeland will be visiting Chicago market radio, media and retail July 18 and 19. Additional album promotional dates are forthcoming.

Known for its bold and passion-filled live worship experience, Leeland looks forward to sharing these new songs on the road and personally connecting with people in each of the communities they visit. “A big part of our heart is to invest in the people in each city,” explains Jack. “As our schedule allows, we want to have a church service before the concert and just worship, pray for people, lay hands on people, believe in God for healing and salvation; awakening, basically.” Leeland is on an impassioned journey straight to the heart of God, and they are more than ready to share with the world The Great Awakening.

[edit] Musical style

Leeland's musical style has been defined as "alternative CCM"[34] and "progressive rock".[16] The band's songs have been defined as "melodic" with "Brit pop/rock" influences,[35][36] being compared to Coldplay, Keane, Travis and U2.[35][36]

Their first album, Sound of Melodies, has been described as a "sometimes worshipful, always melodic".[36] Leeland's style moved in a more rock direction with their second album Opposite Way. Allmusic reviewer Jared Johnson noted that the band "cemented their sound by creating electrifying walls of guitar" with their second release, having the same "energetic and melodic" sound as their first album.[37] Of their third album Love is on the Move, Christian youth magazine StreetBrand said the album shows "just how much they have matured musically as a group, creatively as songwriters and spiritually as a band with a penchant for God-pleasing worship."[38]

[edit] Band members

  • Leeland Dayton Mooring – lead vocals, guitar
  • Jack Anthony Mooring – backing vocals, keyboard
  • Casey Moore - lead guitar
  • Shelly Mooring – bass
  • Mike Smith – drums

[edit] Former members

  • Jake Holtz – bass (2004–2011)
  • Matt Campbell - guitar (2007–2009)
  • Austin Tirado - guitar (2006–2007)
  • Jeremiah Wood – guitar (2004–2006)

[edit] Awards

Grammy Award nominations
GMA Dove Award nominations
  • 2007: New Artist of the Year
  • 2007: Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year – "Sound of Melodies"
  • 2007: Worship Song of the Year – "Yes You Have"
  • 2007: Praise & Worship Album of the Year – Sound of Melodies
  • 2007: Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year – Sound of Melodies
  • 2008: Song of the Year – "Tears of the Saints"
  • 2008: Pop/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year – "Tears of the Saints"
  • 2009: Praise & Worship Album of the Year – Opposite Way

[edit] Discography

 discography
Releases
↙Studio albums 4
↙Singles 10
↙Music videos 2

[edit] Studio albums

Year Title Label(s) Chart positions
US Billboard 200 US Heatseekers US Top Independent Albums Top Christian albums NZ Album Charts
2006 Sound of Melodies Essential – 2 – 14 –
2008 Opposite Way Essential 72[23] – 9 4 –
2009 Love is on the Move Reunion 84 – – 5 21
2011 The Great Awakening Essential 164 – – 11 –

[edit] Other albums

[edit] Singles

Year Title Peak Chart Positions Album
2006 "Sound of Melodies" Sound of Melodies
"Tears of the Saints"
"Yes You Have"
2007 "Reaching"
"Count Me In" No. 10 on CHR Radio (March 5, 2008)[23] Opposite Way
2008 "Opposite Way"
2009 "Follow You" No. 7 Billboard Hot Christian Songs Love is On the Move
2010 "New Creation"
2011 "The Great Awakening" The Great Awakening
"I Wonder"

[edit] Music videos

[edit] Compilation appearances

[edit] References

  1. ^ "Progressive Progress: Texas prog rock band Leeland set to release album". Cross Rhythms. 2006-05-20. http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/Progressive_Progress/21816/p1/. Retrieved 2008-04-15. 
  2. ^ "Leeland". Your Music Zone. http://www.yourmusiczone.com/go/ymz/music_artist/leeland. Retrieved 2008-04-15. 
  3. ^ a b c d e "Leeland - Biography". CCM magazine.com. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/music/artist/leeland/leeland/. Retrieved 2008-02-15. 
  4. ^ "Leeland Ready for Grammys, Visit Canada". Soul Shine Magazine. 2007-02-09. http://www.soulshine.ca/news/newsarticle.php?nid=4196. Retrieved 2008-04-02. 
  5. ^ a b 38th Annual GMA Dove Awards Album of the Year Nominees & Winners, About.com: Christian Music
  6. ^ Nominees And Winners | GRAMMY.com
  7. ^ Whitfield, Lindsay (2006-07-19). "A Sound of Melodies Rises Up". Soul Shine Magazine. http://www.soulshine.ca/features/featuresarticle.php?fid=215. Retrieved 2008-02-15. 
  8. ^ "Featured Worship Leader". www.worshiptogether.com. http://www.worshiptogether.com/resources/worship.aspx?iid=491871. Retrieved 2008-05-25. 
  9. ^ "Leeland - Music". Christian Music Today. Archived from the original on 2008-05-16. http://web.archive.org/web/20080516173814/http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/artists/leeland.html. Retrieved 2008-05-30. 
  10. ^ Price, Deborah Evans (2008-03-02). "Touring fuels songwriting for Christian band Leeland". Reuters. http://uk.reuters.com/article/musicNews/idUKN0124006720080303. Retrieved 2008-05-30. 
  11. ^ "Leeland Biography". 1 Cubed. http://www.1cubed.com/display.php?ID=261&sectionID=26. Retrieved 2008-05-11. 
  12. ^ Breimeier, Russ (2006-08-21). "Leeland, 08/06 - Interview". Christian Music Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/interviews/2006/leeland-mini-0806.html. Retrieved 2008-04-02. 
  13. ^ "Leeland Receives Grammy Nomination for Sounds of Melodies". CMSpin. 2007-12-08. http://www.cmspin.com/newsmanager/anmviewer.asp?a=4033&z=26. Retrieved 2008-02-15. 
  14. ^ Jones, Kim. "38th Annual GMA Awards Nominations & Winners". About.com. http://christianmusic.about.com/od/doves/a/gma07awards.htm. Retrieved 2008-02-15. 
  15. ^ "Leeland's Debut Album Drops in Japan". BREATHECast.com. 2007-03-30. http://www.breathecast.com/Christian.Music.Artist-LEELAND/Article-564_1569.htm. Retrieved 2008-04-02. 
  16. ^ a b "Biography". Artist Direct. http://www.artistdirect.com/nad/music/artist/bio/0,,3705992,00.html. Retrieved 2008-05-28. 
  17. ^ Swartzendruber, Jay. "Michael W. Smith and Leeland Mooring: Eye 2 Eye". CCM Magazine. Crosswalk.com. http://www.crosswalk.com/root/music/1463815/page0/. Retrieved 2008-02-15. 
  18. ^ Farias, Andree (2007-07-09). "The Scoop". Christian Music Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/news/2007/thescoop-0709.html. Retrieved 2008-04-13. 
  19. ^ "Leeland Guitarist Departs". Soul Shine Magazine. 2006-12-05. http://www.soulshine.ca/news/newsarticle.php?nid=3998. Retrieved 2008-04-02. 
  20. ^ a b "Leeland Announce New Album Details". Soul Shine Magazine. 2007-11-20. http://www.soulshine.ca/news/newsarticle.php?nid=4864. Retrieved 2008-05-25. 
  21. ^ "Leeland : Opposite Way CD". IndependentBands.com. http://www.independentbands.com/cd/leeland/oppositeway.html. Retrieved 2008-05-30. 
  22. ^ "Opposite Way - LEELAND". BREATHEcast.com. http://www.breathecast.com/Christian.Music.Artist-LEELAND/AlbumView-564_1890.htm. Retrieved 2008-05-30. 
  23. ^ a b c "Leeland’s Opposite Way Going in the Right Direction". CCM Magazine. 2008-03-05. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11570104/. Retrieved 2008-04-06. 
  24. ^ "Opposite Way". Billboard.com. http://www.billboard.com/bbcom/discography/index.jsp?pid=769330&aid=1105220. Retrieved 2008-04-07. [dead link]
  25. ^ "Leeland's Opposite Way Reaches No. 1 at iTunes Christian Albums Sales Chart During Street Week". CCM Magazine. 2008-02-29. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11569738/. Retrieved 2008-04-02. 
  26. ^ "Leeland Shoots Music Video for "Count Me In"". Provident Label Group. Jesus Freak Hideout. 2008-01-07. http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/news/2008/01/08.Leeland%20Shoots%20Music%20Video%20for%20Count%20Me%20In.asp. Retrieved 2008-02-15. 
  27. ^ "Casting Crowns' The Altar And The Door Tour Named Highest-Grossing Christian Tour Of The Year". CCM Magazine. 2008-05-08. http://www.ccmmagazine.com/news/headlines/11575311/. Retrieved 2008-05-25. 
  28. ^ a b "Dove Awards 2008". DoveAwards.com. Archived from the original on 2008-04-06. http://web.archive.org/web/20080406132108/http://www.doveawards.com/doveawards/nominees.php. Retrieved 2008-04-02. 
  29. ^ a b "Internet Exclusives: Leeland's Brighter Days used on Lifetime Network". HM Magazine. 2008-06-29. http://www.hmmagazine.com/exclusive/hm_news_update_week_ending_629200806/index.php. Retrieved 2008-07-16. 
  30. ^ Kim Jones. "2009 GRAMMY Awards". About.com. http://christianmusic.about.com/od/grammys/a/2008grammys.htm. Retrieved 2009-01-04. 
  31. ^ "Leeland Discography". Jesus Freak Hideout. http://www.jesusfreakhideout.com/artists/Leeland.asp. Retrieved 2009-04-22. 
  32. ^ a b "Christian pop crew Leeland links up with Nashville's Brandon Heath for album, tour". The Tennessean. July 21, 2009. http://www.tennessean.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090721/TUNEIN/90720050. Retrieved 2009-08-02. [dead link]
  33. ^ [1][dead link]
  34. ^ Monger, James. "Leeland > Overview". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/artist/p820312. Retrieved 2008-05-21. 
  35. ^ a b Breimeier, Russ. "Leeland - Opposite Way". Christian Music Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2008/oppositeway.html. Retrieved 2008-05-21. 
  36. ^ a b c Breimeier, Russ. "Leeland - Sound of Melodies". Christian Music Today. http://www.christianitytoday.com/music/reviews/2006/soundofmelodies.html. Retrieved 2008-05-21. 
  37. ^ Johnson, Jared. "Opposite Way > Overview". Allmusic. http://www.allmusic.com/album/r1314576. Retrieved 2008-05-22. 
  38. ^ StreetBrand. "Love Is On The Move > Review". StreetBrand. http://www.streetbrand.com/200908071038/culture/leeland-love-is-on-the-move-christian-music-review.html. Retrieved 2009-08-07. [dead link]

[edit] External links

Leeland
Albums
Singles
  • "Sound of Melodies"
  • "Yes You Have"
  • "Tears of the Saints"
  • "Reaching"
  • "Count Me In"
  • "Opposite Way"
  • "Follow You"
  • "The Great Awakening"
  • "I Wonder"
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