Capital Lights

Capital Lights

Company type	Band
Industry	Music
Founded	2002 in Tulsa, Oklahoma, United States
Defunct	2012
Headquarters	Tulsa , United States
Products	Music albums, EPs, singles
Owner	Tooth & Nail Records (record label)
Website	www.capitallights.com

Capital Lights was a Christian pop rock band from Tulsa, Oklahoma in the United States. The group originally formed in 2002 under the name Aftereight (stylized as afterEIGHT), and later adopted the name Capital Lights after signing with Tooth & Nail Records in 2008. The band disbanded in 2009 but reunited briefly from late 2010 until 2012.

Their discography includes three full-length studio albums, two EPs, and several singles. Notably, their two most recent albums achieved placements on various Billboard charts.

Biography

Formation and Early Years as Aftereight (2002–2007)

The band began in Tulsa in 2002 as a Christian screamo ensemble called Aftereight. The founding members were lead vocalist Jacob Dement, guitarist Brett Admire, bassist Bryson Phillips, and drummer Jay Caudle. The name Aftereight was inspired by their routine of rehearsing after 8:00 p.m., following work shifts at a local diner. In 2003, they released a self-titled EP.

Drummer Jay Caudle left the group in 2005 and was succeeded by Michael Phillips. On August 13, 2006, Aftereight independently released their debut album Better Late Than Never through Yeah Siam Records. Later that year, they performed at Diversafest 2006.

After this release, both vocalist Jacob Dement and guitarist Justin Lamproe departed. Bryson Phillips transitioned to lead vocals, and Nathan Nelson joined as guitarist. On September 20, 2007, the band unveiled their second EP titled The Revival of the Fittest, which showcased a shift away from screamo towards a pop rock sound. This stylistic evolution caught the attention of Tooth & Nail Records, resulting in a record deal.

Rebranding and Release of This Is an Outrage! (2008)

During the recording process of their first album under Tooth & Nail in 2008, Aftereight changed their name to Capital Lights to better represent their new musical style. Lead vocalist Bryson Phillips noted that moving from heavier music with screaming vocals to a more pop-oriented approach motivated the rebranding.

Following production, Capital Lights joined the Green T Tour as an opening act alongside headliner Hawk Nelson and support act Run Kid Run, both associated with Tooth & Nail.

Their album This Is an Outrage! was released on July 8, 2008, garnering positive reviews from critics. That same year, they performed at Creationfest 2008. In September, Jon Odle became the new bassist, allowing Bryson Phillips to concentrate exclusively on singing.

Also in 2008, Capital Lights issued the Christmas single "His Favorite Christmas Story," which appeared on Tooth & Nail's compilation X Christmas and was later included in the 2011 compilation Rockin' Around the Christmas Tree.

Disbandment (2009)

On August 19, 2009, Capital Lights announced via MySpace that they were disbanding due to conflicting personal goals that prevented them from continuing together.

Reunion and Release of Rhythm 'N' Moves (2010–2012)

On December 24, 2010, lead singer Bryson Phillips revealed on RadioU's The R!OT show that Capital Lights had reached an agreement with Tooth & Nail CEO Brandon Ebel to produce a second album.

By February 8, 2012, recording for the new album was completed. Their second full-length release, Rhythm 'N' Moves, came out on July 17, 2012 through Tooth & Nail.

Current Status

Since their activity ceased in 2012, Capital Lights has remained inactive. When questioned about future endeavors, Phillips stated there are no plans for additional albums at present but left open the possibility for future developments.

Musical style and influence

The group classifies itself as a Christian band. Guitarist Nathan Nelson described their lyrics as centered on "life experiences," emphasizing that all members practice the Christian faith personally without enforcing it on others. Lead vocalist Bryson Phillips mentioned that although their beliefs occasionally shape certain tracks—such as "Gotta Have Love" and "Honey Don't Jump"—the majority of their songs portray everyday scenarios and interpersonal connections.

Musically, they combine elements of power pop with Christian rock, sometimes integrating aspects of pop punk. After evolving from their original Christian screamo sound as Aftereight, Capital Lights adopted a power pop approach partly because Phillips was unable to perform in the previous style and also due to limited enthusiasm from Tooth & Nail for their earlier genre.

Their sound has drawn comparisons to other Christian rock acts like Relient K, Hawk Nelson, Run Kid Run, Stellar Kart, Eleventyseven, and Philmont.

Band members

Final lineup

• Bryson Phillips – bass guitar (2002–2008), lead vocals (2007–2012)
• Brett Admire – guitar (2002–2012)
• Nathan Nelson – guitar (2007–2012)
• Jon Odle – bass guitar (2008–2012)
• Michael Phillips – drums (2005–2012)

Former members

• Jacob Dement – lead vocals (2002–2006)
• Justin Lamproe – guitar (2002–2006)
• Jay Caudle – drums (2002–2005)
• Nic Givons – guitar (2006)

Touring musicians

• Justin Rutherford – temporary bass guitar (2008–2009)

Albums/EPs

Release Date	Title	Record Label	Top Christian Albums Chart Position
2003	Aftereight EP	independent	—
August 13, 2006	Better Late Than Never	Yeah Siam Records	—
September 20, 2007	The Revival of the Fittest EP	independent	—
July 8, 2008	This Is an Outrage!	Tooth & Nail Records	34
July 17, 2012	Rhythm 'N' Moves	Tooth & Nail Records	30

Singles

Released as Aftereight

• "The Only Way to Kill a Ghost"

Released as Capital Lights

• "Outrage"
• "Out of Control"
• "Return"
• "Worth as Much as a Counterfeit Dollar"
• "Coldfront Heatstroke"
• "Caroline"
• "Rhythm 'N' Moves"
• "Gotta Have Love"

External links

• Official website
• Jacob Dement's Solo Music
• Full review of This Is an Outrage at The Album Project