A local band is gearing up to celebrate the release of its debut album. Yorkton-based Christian band Find the Fallen has just finished the recording of Shooting Stars and Satellites.
Jon Tieszen, lead vocalist and songwriter for the group, describes the album as a mix between rock, pop and worship. Tieszen says that they focused on the songs that "mean something to people," and that the diversity of the album was meant to reflect what the band is and the music they want to play.
"It's quite a mixture, that's one thing that we really like about it. When you listen to it straight through, it's definitely not boring, it keeps you moving on a journey."
The album took just over a year to make, Tieszen says, with the album being completely self-produced by the band. While the band had some experience recording, it meant the band had to try things they had never done before, a challenge he says they were happy to face.
"As we kept working, it really fell together and we were able to let out all of our creative juices."
The album is a home-grown product, Tieszen and his wife Crystal, who does vocals and keyboards, are from Yorkton, as is band member Troy Janzen. Lead guitarist Dustin Wilson and drummer Kyle Brewer are from Kamsack, and the album itself was recorded locally as well. Tieszen says that with five people it could be a challenge to get everyone to agree, but that the end result was stronger music.
The launch party will be a celebration, Tieszen says, with all three elements of their sound at the forefront, rock, pop and worship each getting play on stage.
"That's what people can expect, a good time with friends and with God."
The release party will also feature Grammy-nominated Christian rap artist Fresh IE, who is releasing his live DVD Red Letterz 13. The band performed together with Fresh IE, and one of the songs on the new album is a collaboration with him. Tieszen says that they began to know each other better as they performed more together and eventually toured together. He says they were lucky that it was possible for Fresh IE to be at the event, because he is important to the band and has been a big part of the new album.
The launch party is the culmination of the band's hard work, but Tieszen says that it would never have happened without the support of the people around them, and he says that the release party is about celebrating with the people who made the album release possible.
"It just feels really good. None of us have ever put out a fully pressed CD, and there's definitely a sense of accomplishment there. But, we've definitely had help from fans and friends and family as well. We're humbled that way too, we can't take all the credit that way."
The show will be on September 10 at 7 p.m. at the Prairie Harvest Christian Life Center. Tickets are $10 at the door, and are also available in advance at PHCLC or The Golden Rule. There will also be a cash concession and merchandise table.
