New six-piece folk/pop band I AM THEY is celebrating a Top 10 debut as their self-titled album entered the Billboard Christian Chart at No. 9 upon release January 27. In the week since the project's debut, reviews of the band's first offering continue to laud the group's sincere harmonies and fresh musical approach:
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This six-piece band is something refreshing and heartfelt…with the band delivering arguably one of the strongest albums of 2015 so far…" — 365DaysofSpringMedia.com
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Their pleasant and intimate approach to the songs, solid vocal delivery, and peppy musical personality shine through… There's every reason to get excited about what I AM THEY can do in the future." — NewReleaseTuesday.com
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In a milieu of recycled worship music where sameness seems to be standard recipe…each and every song on this record seems to have individuality that makes this album stand a foot above the average worship record out there." — Hallels.com
I AM THEY will join high-profile artists MercyMe and Crowder, among others, beginning February 18 on the "Rock & Worship Road Show," which will visit 23 cities through March. This spring, the group will support Matt Maher on his headlining tour before hitting the summer festival circuit, performing at Ichthus, Sonshine and Creation West, among others. The band will end the summer opening for Casting Crowns on select dates.
Produced by Jonathan Smith, I AM THEY's debut showcases the talents of the six-member band comprised of Adam Palmer (lead vocals/guitar), Matthew Hein (lead vocals/guitar), Stephanie Kulla (lead vocals/violin) Justin Shinn (keyboard), Bobby Stiehler (bass) and Sara Palmer (drums).
The members of the band originated from several different churches in Carson City, Nevada, and first performed together at Solomon's Porch — a regular worship event uniting believers from all over the city. The group was discovered at a Spirit West Coast festival "Battle of the Bands" where they won an opportunity to come to Nashville and have a song produced and recorded. Once in the studio, the band impressed key industry veterans and labels, eventually signing with Essential Records/Provident Label Group in June 2013.
