Article One (band)
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 2003 in London, Ontario, Canada |
| Founder | Nathan Piché, Matt Piché, Ian Koiter, Dave De Smit |
| Headquarters | London, Ontario , Canada |
| Products | Christian rock music albums and EPs |
Article One was a Christian rock group originating from London, Ontario, Canada. The lineup featured Nathan Piché on vocals, guitar, and keyboards; his brother Matt Piché handling violin and vocals; drummer and vocalist Dave De Smit; along with bassists Nolan Verner, Mark Laidman, Ian Koiter, and Jason Tinnel.
Early years
Formed in 2003 by Nathan and Matt Piché together with bassist Ian Koiter and drummer Dave De Smit, Article One developed from a musically inclined family. Their parents were educators in music, while their father performed as a touring Christian artist. Additionally, their sister is a classical guitar player. Matt began learning violin at the age of five, followed by Nathan starting piano lessons a year later. In 2000, the brothers released an album called The Piché Family. Ian Koiter had previously contributed to an album by Canadian hip-hop artist Shad.
Name
The band was originally called Appertain Display and independently issued an album under this name in 2006 before adopting the name Article One. The new title draws inspiration from the first article of the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, which was notably emphasized by U2 during their Vertigo Tour. This article declares: "All human beings are born free and equal in dignity and rights. They are endowed with reason and conscience and should act towards one another in a spirit of brotherhood."
History
Article One signed with Nashville-based Inpop Records and released their debut album, AO, on May 8, 2007, with production by Siegfried Meier. During the recording process, bassist Ian Koiter departed and was succeeded by Nolan Verner. The band toured across the United States as an opening act for Newsboys.
In 2008, they put out a three-song EP titled The Pharmacy. Following Verner's exit, Mark Laidman stepped in as bassist. Their sophomore album, Colors And Sounds, was launched on May 27, 2008, produced by Tedd T, garnering favorable critiques. A special Japanese edition featured an additional track from their initial release. By this point, Laidman had replaced Koiter on bass.
Remaining with Inpop Records, they issued the six-track EP The One (I'm Fighting For) in 2010. Later that year, on October 19, they independently released their final full-length album Clarity, containing eighteen tracks and produced by Nathan Piché alongside drummer Chris Brush. For this record, Nolan Verner returned on bass after Laidman's departure.
On July 12, 2011, Article One announced the end of their touring activities and parted ways on good terms. Their concluding live show took place on June 15, 2011 at Highland Lakes Camp and Conference Center, featuring Jason Tinnel on bass for his sole performance with the group.
Albums
| Year | Title | Label(s) |
|---|---|---|
| 2003 | Appertain Display EP | Independent |
| 2003 | Appertain Display | Independent |
| 2006 | AO | Independent |
| 2007 | AO | Inpop Records |
| 2008 | The Pharmacy EP | Inpop Records |
| 2008 | Colors and Sounds | Inpop Records |
| 2008 | Colors and Sounds (Japanese Special Edition) | EMI Japan |
| 2010 | The One (I'm Fighting For) EP | Inpop Records |
| 2010 | Clarity | Independent |
Singles
The track "Without You (I'm Not Alright)" climbed to No. 8 on the U.S. Contemporary Christian Music chart by June 2008. Additionally, "Taken By The Storm" secured a position within the Top 10 on the same chart.
| Year | Title | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2008 | Without You (I'm Not Alright) | Colors and Sounds |
| 2008 | Taken By the Storm | Colors and Sounds |
| 2010 | The One (I'm Fighting For) | The One (I'm Fighting For) EP |
Songs on compilations
- Launch Inferno, featuring "Slow Down" (CMC, 2007)
- YourMusicZone.com No. 1s, including "Say It Again" (CMC, 2007)
- Canada Rocks, containing "Without You (I'm Not Alright)" (CMC, 2008)
- Sea to Sea: Christmas, with the track "One Gift" (Lakeside, 2009)
- Now Hear This!: Discover New Music Winter 2010 Sampler, presenting "Love You Tomorrow" (Sparrow, 2010)
Songs in gaming
The song "I Love You More" from the album Clarity appears in the opening sequence of the Japanese Otome game "OZMAFIA!!"; meanwhile, "Dare to Believe," taken from Colors and Sounds, serves as the ending theme for the same game.
Awards
- Nominee for New Artist of the Year in 2006
- Winner of Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Colors and Sounds in 2008
- Nominated for Pop/Contemporary Song of the Year with "Without You (I'm Not Alright)" in 2008
- Colors and Sounds nominated for Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year at the Juno Awards of 2009
- Clarity received a nomination in the Contemporary Christian/Gospel Album of the Year category at the Juno Awards of 2011
Tours
Reign In Us Tour across USA and Canada alongside Starfield, 2009 Rock What You Got Tour in the USA featuring Superchick and Stellar Kart, Fall 2008 Newsboys GO Tour throughout USA, Spring 2008 ShoutFest Tour across USA, Fall 2007