David Crowder Band
| Company type | Band |
|---|---|
| Industry | Music |
| Founded | 1996 in Waco, Texas, United States |
| Defunct | 2012 |
| Headquarters | Waco , United States |
| Products | Christian rock and modern worship music |
David Crowder Band—often presented as David Crowder*Band or The David Crowder*Band—was a six-member ensemble specializing in Christian rock and modern worship music, originating from Waco, Texas. Their final release debuted at the top position on the Billboard Christian chart and secured the second spot on the Billboard 200. The group disbanded in 2012, with David Crowder embarking on a solo path under the moniker Crowder, while the remaining members, excluding Mike Hogan, formed The Digital Age.
Name
Prior to releasing Church Music, the group generally avoided using "The" before their name, choosing to omit the definite article unless another band with a similar name appeared. With the launch of Church Music, they officially adopted "The," explaining that after years of operating without conflict, they felt it was appropriate.
The band's title is commonly written with an asterisk: "David Crowder*Band." In a humorous mockumentary produced during the recording of Church Music, Crowder quipped that the asterisk signified, "David Crowder [is about to lose his mind because Jack Parker repeatedly attempts to undermine the rest of the] band."
Band history
The band's inception traces back to Crowder’s observation that nearly half of Baylor University students were not attending church. In response, he and Chris Seay established University Baptist Church in Waco, Texas, in 1995, where Crowder took on the role of worship pastor. As the congregation expanded, so did the band's membership.
Crowder composed songs for worship gatherings, which led to independent CD releases such as Pour Over Me and All I Can Say (1998). These recordings broadened their reach and earned them invitations to various festivals. After Louie Giglio recognized their potential for wider influence beyond UBC, they signed with sixstepsrecords/Sparrow Records. Despite extensive touring commitments, the band prioritized Sunday services at their home church.
Kyle Lake, a former pastor at UBC and close associate, had a profound impact on their music both during his lifetime and posthumously.
Their 2005 album A Collision or (3+4=7) displayed an eclectic mix of styles including bluegrass, folk, alternative rock, and worship music infused with electronic sounds. Shortly after its release, it climbed to No. 2 on the iTunes Music Store and reached No. 39 on the Billboard 200. On the same day, their track "Turkish Delight" was featured on the compilation Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia.
Recording sessions for Remedy commenced on March 19, 2007, accompanied by a website offering live webcams to engage fans. Ted Nugent made a guest appearance on the song "We Won't Be Quiet." Released on September 25, 2007, Remedy quickly rose to No. 4 on iTunes. Mark Waldrop joined the lineup alongside his companion Rupert the gnome. The Remedy Tour included live webcasts showcasing concerts and behind-the-scenes footage to enhance fan participation. The tour concluded with special guests Phil Wickham and The Myriad joining performances.
On July 16, 2008, they announced plans for a live album/DVD titled Remedy Club Tour - Live, recorded at venues in New York City and Georgia.
Early 2009 marked preproduction for their subsequent studio album, confirmed by Mike Hogan in March through live webcam broadcasts dubbed "Church Music." Released on September 22, 2009, Church Music featured the single "How He Loves," a cover version with lyrical modifications authorized by John Mark McMillan.
Between September 30 and October 2, 2010, the band organized Crowder's Fantastical Church Music Conference at Baylor University, hosting prominent figures such as Louie Giglio and Matt Redman. Mark contributed a rap piece titled "Bwack Be Creepin'" for their YouTube channel.
Official recording for Give Us Rest or (A Requiem Mass in C [The Happiest of All Keys]) began February 5, 2011. On May 21 of that year, they declared intentions to dissolve following their Fall 2011 "The 7 Tour" and release of their sixth album.
On July 21, 2011, they unveiled plans for a Christmas-themed album entitled Oh for Joy, which was released October 4. Several tracks from both this project and their final studio album were recorded during stops on their concluding tour.
Their last live appearance took place January 3, 2012, at the Passion Conference held in the Georgia Dome.
After disbanding, Crowder launched a new musical project under his solo name "Crowder", debuting at Creation East Festival in June 2012. Meanwhile, Parker, Dodson, Bush, and Waldrop formed "The Digital Age" and operate a recording facility based in Waco. Crowder remains affiliated with Sparrow Records and sixstepsrecords under Capitol CMG as he continues his career under the name "Crowder."
Unconventional Instrumentation
The group often incorporated atypical instruments, many of which were designed by drummer Jeremy Bush. For the track "I Can Hear the Angels Singing (...Andeverandeverand...)", he customized a Speak & Spell. In "Church Music," a robotic drummer named Steve 3PO was employed, and for "Can You Feel It?" he developed a silver box illuminated with blue lights. Hogan made use of a MOTM modular synthesizer, while Bush constructed an extensive MPC-style MIDI controller specifically for Family Force 5.
A guitar-shaped controller from Guitar Hero was transformed into a MIDI device for the song "... neverending ...". Bush programmed its buttons to trigger chords through USB Overdrive, then routed these signals into Ableton Live as MIDI notes, utilizing 12 distinct samples.
In addition to guitar, Hogan performed on turntables and electric violin enhanced with guitar effects. The Smule "I Am T-Pain" iPhone application was featured on the track "The Nearness." Although Crowder was initially hesitant to include bluegrass instruments such as the banjo, he ultimately welcomed their addition.
Many of the band's albums were recorded in a barn located behind Crowder's residence. During live shows, Crowder also incorporates pedal steel guitar and Dobro into the arrangements.
Personnel
- David Crowder – lead vocals, acoustic guitar, piano, programming, theremin, keytar, electric guitar (1996–2012)
- Jack Parker – electric guitar, backing vocals, Rhodes piano, mandolin, banjo (1996–2012)
- Mike Dodson – bass guitar, keyboards, backing vocals, cello (1996–2012)
- Mike Hogan – violin/strings, turntables, guitar, keyboard (1996–2012)
- Jeremy "B-Wack" Bush – drums, percussion, bells, programming (1996–2012)
- Mark Waldrop – electric guitar, mandolin, backing vocals (2007–2012)
- Jason Solley – electric guitar, backing vocals, mandolin (1996–2006)
- Taylor Johnson – electric guitar, mandolin, backing vocals (2006–2007)
Albums
- Pour Over Me (1996)
- All I Can Say (1998)
- Can You Hear Us? (2002)
- Illuminate (2003) U.S. No. 84
- A Collision (2005) U.S. No. 39
- Remedy (2007) U.S. No. 22
- Remedy Club Tour – Live (2008) U.S. No. 88
- Church Music (2009) U.S. No. 11
- Give Us Rest (2012) U.S. No. 2
- All This for a King: The Essential Collection (2013)
Accolades
| Year | Award | Outcome |
|---|---|---|
| 2006 | Group of the Year | Template:Nom |
| Rock/Contemporary Song of the Year ("Here is Our King") | Template:Won | |
| Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year (A Collision or (3+4=7)) | Template:Won | |
| 2007 | Group of the Year | Template:Nom |
| 2008 | Group of the Year | Template:Nom |
| Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("Everything Glorious") | Template:Won | |
| Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year (Remedy) | Template:Nom | |
| Worship Song of the Year ("Everything Glorious") | Template:Nom | |
| Praise & Worship Album of the Year (Remedy) | Template:Won | |
| Recorded Music Packaging of the Year (Remedy) | Template:Won | |
| Short Form Music Video of the Year ("Foreverandever, etc.") | Template:Nom | |
| 2009 | Group of the Year | Template:Nom |
| Recorded Music Packaging of the Year (Remedy Club Tour Edition) | Template:Nom | |
| 2010 | Rock/Contemporary Recorded Song of the Year ("How He Loves") | Template:Nom |
| Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year (Church Music) | Template:Nom | |
| Praise & Worship Album of the Year (Church Music) | Template:Won | |
| 2011 | Short Form Music Video of the Year ("SMS (Shine)") | Template:Won |
| 2012 | Christmas Album of the Year (Oh for Joy) | Template:Won |
| Year | Award | Work | Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2005 | Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album | A Collision or (3+4=7) | Template:Nom |
The band also participated in compilation albums that received Dove Awards for Special Event Album of the Year:
- 2006: Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia
- 2007: Passion: Everything Glorious
- 2009: Passion: God of This City
Additional Recognitions
In July 2006, the band earned the distinction of MSN's Artist of the Month and subsequently was honored as the Artist of the Year for that same year.
External links
- Interview with David Crowder Band - Christian Music Today, November 2007
- Christian Music Today interview - April 2006
- David Crowder interview - Christian Music Today, October 2002
- Radio conversation with David Crowder by Adam & Ben on Home.FM Mornings at Home
- Interview with David Crowder by Alicia Carson on Gospel Music Channel