Based out of the ski mecca of Vail, CO, theRide is a band with a refreshing sound that is quickly turning heads. Songs peppered with catchy hooks and thoughtful lyrics as well as tight live performances mark theRide with the well-deserved reputation of a rising band with broad, undeniable appeal.
Venturing out of their ski-town home has shown just how powerful a small-town band can be. Besides their steady schedule in Colorado, music and ministry have taken theRide to such places as Texas (to share the stage with Kutless at Six Flags), California, Florida, New Mexico, and Las Vegas, Nevada. Teens, college students, churches, venues, and radio stations have all shown favor for theRide's unique grooves, technical instrumentation and passionate lyrics. Songs from their debut album have seen rotation on stations across the country. In addition, songs featured on their website have been dominating computers, iPods, and Podcasts across the globe. Before the release of their debut album, New Day, theRide had already seen thousands of downloads of their original songs. Building a committed fan-base from scratch, theRide's MySpace has exploded in a very short amount of time and is testament to their broad appeal and fresh sound.
theRide's music and personality have also found acclaim with industry insiders. Russ Breimeier of ChristianityToday.com comments that theRide is "an up-and-coming band that's generating some buzz within the industry." Music Critic Christa Banister wrote "it's quickly apparent the band has musical chemistry aplenty on New Day. The songs are tight and radio-friendly, and there isn't a bad one in the bunch, thanks to thoughtful songwriting and even better musicianship." In 2004, theRide took second place at the Gospel Music Association's Music in the Rockies band competition. Subsequently, the GMA featured theRide two years running during their independent artists showcase and highlighted theRide on all their promotions for the 2005 event. Their songs have also been featured on compilations sharing disc space with artists such as Mac Powell, Kirk Franklin and Mercy Me.
Drawing on influences that range from the Newsboys, Dave Matthews Band,
Switchfoot and David Crowder Band, theRide's heart is to inspire all listeners to worship God. Whether playing concerts with chart-topping bands or leading worship in their local churches, Joseph Schlegel, Stephen Couch, Jason Alligood, and Jon Melot desire that the music created will inspire listeners and lead individuals into closer relationship with the living God.
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