So I'm convinced after the last few months of being on this journey of creating Underspoken Records that God loves the dreamers. Not only does he love the dreamers, but He loves to back them up with help on the journey. I see this fact reinforced in an up and coming new group featured on the "Choose Life" CD, Hampton & Hanly. Hampton & Hanly, comprised of Brandon Hampton and Jacob Hanly from Kansas City, have been dreaming for some time now about releasing new sounds, thought provoking songs, and shaping culture through authentic music. After entering a battle of the bands at Kansas City's largest Christian Music Festival "Rock the Light" a month ago, they surprised everyone and came out on top! By winning this contest they were able to open up for Pillar and Jeremy Camp on the Main Stage before the eyes of many. "God resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. Therefore humble yourselves under the mighty hand of God, that He may exalt you in due time..." (1 Peter 5:5-6) The following is a video of their experience. Check it out!!
Check out their music at www.myspace.com/hamptonandhanly!! Here is a personal write up from Jacob Hanly about the formation of the band…
"Well, we started off as friends who all played music independently, working with different bands and projects… our connection was formed around good conversation and like minded convictions… I first met Brandon in Virginia Beach through a mutual friend, it was his humor and love for God that first drew me to him as a buddy, but quickly his talent and love for music was realized… and I couldn't help but wanna work with him - I couple that simple enjoyment for Him as a friend and as a musician with my real need for Him… I write good songs… merely black lines on a blank canvas… but Brandon could write songs and sing as well… plus he plays every instrument as if it were his primary instrument… and in addition, he can produce and engineer a project almost single handedly - lets just say He is the Brains of this "outfit"… the many beautiful colors on our canvas that will soon, with time and money, depict quite the Van Gogh (hopefully… and not arrogantly - I think it's healthy to love your own music if it gushes from the soul). The songs will all have a similar feel and thought process… though each song has a more narrowed in message… there is still an obvious theme… we write according to our convictions and our hope is that our music will evoke emotions that effect hearts to feels the power of certain truths that they have yet never felt or have wished too but are still in want… basically, music that unlocks the heart to feel… and our words will be simple yet deep…to help inspire thoughts that will open up the mind to see differently… and in my opinion… for the good! We are at the inception of this whole project… our "small beginning"… but with the help of our beloved friend and manager William Matthews… (and everyone else involved in this project)… we hope to provide "food for thought" and nourishment for the soul. Thanks for your support."
Sincerely, Jacob Hanly and the gang