Leeland (band)

Leeland
File:Leeland1.jpg

• years active: 2000–present
  
• status: Active
  
• origin: Baytown, TX
  
• country: USA
  
• music genre: Christian rock
  
• record label: Essential Records, Sony BMG
  
• current members: Leeland Mooring, Jack Mooring, Jake Holtz, Mike Smith
  
• past members: Jeremiah Wood, Austin Tirado
  
• band website: www.www.leelandonline.com
  

Leeland is a Christian pop and rock band hailing from Baytown, TX. Though the lead singer, Leeland Mooring, was only 17 during the recording of their debut album, their music has been widely accepted. Also, in spite of their overtly Christian lyrics, their melodic-driven sound has drawn comparison with with Coldplay and Keane (Christian Music Today). Leeland Mooring himself has worked closely with Christian artist Michael W. Smith, and has had a part in the writing of at least seven of the songs on Smith's new album, Stand.[1]

Background

At the age of 11, Leeland Mooring wrote his first song, "Shine". After having a successful performance of it at a church in Illinois while the Mooring's were touring the United States as evangelists, he felt a spiritual calling towards music. His mother, Cyndy Mooring, entered him in a contest in Nashville, Tennessee at the age of 14, and was a finalist in the songwriting and artist divisions. Although he did not win, one of the contest judges, Kent Coley, took interest in the young teen. He is now their manager. Later at the age of 15 he attracted the attention of Eddie DeGarmo, President of EMI CMG Publishing, and signed a songwriting contract with EMI CMG Publishing. While practicing after youth group, Leeland, his older brother Jack, their cousin Jake Holtz, and two close friends from church, Mike Smith and Jeremiah Wood, they realized they had become a band. They decided to use Leeland's name for the band's because they liked the way it sounded. They later started practicing in the night at a funeral home.[2]

Touring

Leeland performed at all the Student Life "Clarity" conferences in 2007.[3] They will be going on tour with Casting Crowns and John Waller from September 27th to December 2nd, 2007. The tour will go through most of the United States, and go through some major cities such as San Antonio, Atlanta, Birmingham, Houston, Portland, Seattle, Phoenix, Los Angeles and Sacramento.[4] Leeland made their Canadian debut in Ottawa, Ontario at the Life Centre during the annual Shift Conference on March 9-10 2007.

Nominations

On December 7, 2006, Leeland was nominated for a Grammy for Best Christian Pop Album.[5] They are also nominated for five Dove Awards. Including categories such as New Artist of the Year, Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year, Worship Song of the Year, Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year, and Praise & Worship Album of the Year.[6]

Recent News

Leeland is currently writing for a new album.[7] They recorded it during GMA Week in Nashville, and it will be released in 2008.

Band members

• Leeland Dayton Mooring - Lead vocal, guitars
• Jack Anthony Mooring - Backing vocal, keyboard
• Matt Campbell - Guitar[8]
• William Jacob "Jake" Holtz - Bass[9]
• Mike Smith - Drums

Discography

• Sound of Melodies 5-song 12" Limited Edition Vinyl (2006)[10]
• Sound of Melodies (2006)
• Untitled (2008)

Singles

• Sound of Melodies
• Yes You Have
• Tears of the Saints

Music Video

• Sound of Melodies

External links

• Band website
• Leeland on myspace
• Leeland on PureVolume
• Leeland lyrics on JesusFreakHideout.com
• Leeland blog

Note

• As of 11/27/06 Jeremiah will no longer be playing guitar for Leeland. This was made public on the blog on Leeland's site.
• The said date information about Leeland's new CD has not yet been made public. This information was passed on by Leeland Mooring at their performance on March 7, 2007.