The One Foot Forward journey is partly a story of hard work, friendship, and survival. But most of all it is a story of perseverance and faith. Things started taking shape in the summer of '03. Nate Dodd (guitar, vocals) was working full-time in retail, in his hometown of Utica, New York. Ken Ott, (vocals) a longtime friend was finishing up a degree in music and computer science at Queens College in New York City
Almost simultaneously, both friends grew restless with the prospect of marketplace jobs. Nate resigned his position as manager at Circuit City, while Ken turned down a promising offer from UBS Financial to stay in New York City. That autumn the pair led worship together at their home church, Calvary Gospel in Utica. It was a humble beginning to their music career, but they felt the Spirit of God moving that weekend, and began to think about pursuing music more seriously. They decided to spend Christmas break writing songs together and recording them at Castle Recording Studio. They were soon joined by Nate's sister Elizabeth. The newly formed band started practicing regularly and booking gigs, playing their first show soon after New Years in 2004. The name One Foot Forward was more than a title – it was a declaration of the blind faith and determination required in following the calling of God.
Right away the band started doing the grassroots thing – gigging steadily in New York, Pennsylvania, Ohio and beyond. The grind of those shows made two things very clear – One – success in the music world takes a lot of hard work. Two – there's no doubt that this is what they were made for.
Despite a busy touring schedule of approximately 150 shows a year, things didn't really come together until the fall of '05 when One Foot Forward recorded their first full-length album. The entire band – Nate Dodd (guitar,vocals), Ken Ott (vocals), Elizabeth Dodd (piano, keyboards), Brian Wojcik (lead guitar) gathered in Nashville to work with award-winning producer, Barry Blair (www.blairmusicworks.com). Blair has won three Dove Awards, been nominated for a Grammy, and an American Christian Music award and has produced twelve hit singles. The self-titled album was released in January of 2006 and stands as an intense, moving expression of the One Foot Forward faith journey. Soon afterward, the band added Mike Petty on drums and burst into 2006 with newfound drive.
The band quickly parlayed the momentum from the album into numerous quick successes. The album gained national distribution through Infinity, a subsidiary of Central South Distributors. The hit single, "Take My Life" became a radio staple and reached top 40 status in many Christian Rock markets and was picked up by Effect Radio. And in the spring of 2006 One Foot Forward was named Indie Rock Artist of the Year by Indieheaven.com. The band has shared venues and stages with Audio A, Tree 63, Shane and Shane, The Myriad, Our Hearts Hero, Darrell Evans, as well as numerous Indie Bands. And once again, the band is a finalist for the 2007 Rock Artist of the Year.
It's a combination of faith and hard work fueled by a passion to reach youth around the world that defines One Foot Forward.
"I wouldn't trade those first couple years," said Nate Dodd. "I feel like we've learned a lot in that time. We know that nothing comes easy now – and I think that's helped us approach this with everything we've got."
"I really believe that the best is yet to come," agreed Ken Ott. "I feel like all the obstacles – and all the successes along the way have been strategic. I really believe that God is writing this story. I just want to see the next chapter."
Sidebars:
- All five band members are active participants in their home churches. Nate, Ken, Liz, and Mike all regularly lead worship at Calvary Gospel Church (Rev. George Dodd) in Utica, while Brian is involved in the worship ministry at Eastern Hills Wesleyan, one of the largest churches in New York.
- One Foot Forward is affiliated with World Vision and will be part of the World Vision “Dollar A Day†tour starting in February 2007.
- One Foot Forward has used their music to promote missions locally and has performed a benefit concert for “My Father’s House†a ministry started by Calvary Gospel Church to reach the many impoverished children of Utica, NY.
- Keyboard/bass player Elizabeth Dodd is a regular volunteer with the “My Father’s House†outreach.
WHAT ARE PEOPLE SAYING ABOUT ONE FOOT FORWARD?
I like a band that can lead you deep into a position of surrender and still rock while they're doing it. One Foot Forward's self-titled debut will take you there.
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