Souls Release is a New Jersey based indie band formed in mid-2003 by Nick Ferriero and Joshua Van Ness. Earlier that year the pair successfully completed a 3-month / 40-state US tour with The Crayons. It was on that tour when Nick and Joshua realized their musical styles were on the same path at that point in time… thus leading to the birth of Souls Release.
In June 2003 Nick and Joshua began writing and recording the material that would define the early sound of Souls Release. The latter part of 2003 found the acoustic duo on the road touring the Eastern and Midwestern regions of the US.
In early 2004 Souls Release recruited bass player, Jonathan Andrew and drummer, Sean Calcamuggio. The formidable 4-man lineup was in tact and ready to rock! A regular touring schedule followed.
During breaks from their busy 2004 performance schedule, Souls Release recorded tracks for their first CD, Go. Released to rave reviews, the self-produced four-song EP was hailed as One of the Top Ten Local Releases of 2004 by Gary Wien of Upstage Magazine.
Inspired by the success of Go, Souls Release headed back to the studio in 2005 to record their debut full-length album with veteran producer Bob Perry. The resulting record, entitled Through the Feeling, captured the true essence of the Souls Release sound.
Released in late 2005, Through the Feeling garnered early critical acclaim. Matt Mrowicki of Chorus and Verse magazine described the album as "ten tracks that showcase the band's diverse styles and influences in a coherent whole that flows effortlessly from beginning to end. The band alternatively rocks and rolls with a lot of soul infused into the mix, bringing the emotion seeping out of the speakers."
On the strength of Through the Feeling, Souls Release received 2005 Asbury Music Awards nominations in the Best Pop/Rock Band, Best Release, and Best Song categories. Not just a local success, the record has made waves on a national level as well, receiving airplay on over 150 radio stations across the US and Canada. As a result of this airplay, Through the Feeling was the 15th most added record to the CMJ Radio 200 Charts in January 2006, a rarity for a self-released independent recording.
Souls Release enjoyed much local and regional success while etching their mark in NJ indie rock history. As with most bands, lineup changes were inevitable. After pouring his entire being into SR for more than 3 years Joshua decided to leave Souls Release in 2006. His soulful vocals and outstanding musicianship were greatly appreciated during his tenure with the band. Jonathan, whose melodic bass playing and stellar vocal harmonies solidified the SR sound also decided to move on to other endeavors. The change marked the end of an era. Those fortunate enough to experience version 1 of Souls Release were treated to outstanding live performances of pure rock & roll.
Following the lineup change bass player, Erik Brescher was asked to join the band and version 2 of Souls Release was born. The trio performed and recorded together until Sean left the band in 2007. Nick and Erik maintain the trio format with the assistance of honorary SR drummer, Mike Random.
Souls Release began as a phoenix for its members and has continually proven its ability to rise from the ashes.........
