Declare

Since 2006, Declare (formerly Soulstice) has logged countless miles and hours playing at churches, venues and conferences in all corners of the US. Now, several years removed from their debut self-titled EP, the band has refined their sound and refocused their goals: "We believe we were specifically designed to declare the passion of our faith through song, and hope to see that passion spread well beyond our church walls," says frontman James Galloway. Declare is more than a new name or re-brand. It is the name the guys have chosen to embrace for their music and vision. It is their byword and mission.

Declare is James Galloway (lead vocals/guitar/keys) and Ben Scott (Drums/BGVs). One of the most important sources of Declare’s inspiration is their interaction with the music in their local communities. James serves as Worship Arts Director at Ashley Ridge Church and both Ben and Micah are core members of the worship team at Seacoast Church, with Micah serving as Music Director and Ben as the house drummer and mentor to young and up-and-coming drummers in the church. Being involved with the artistic community and remaining committed to its development is one of the driving inspirational forces that birthed these new songs.

The Canvas EP (due out in 2015) is a fresh collection of songs, full of the guitar-driven, synth-laden sound the band has crafted over years spent touring and writing. They are packed with soaring melodies, massive drum hits and a wave of guitar sounds and textures. A bed of lush and pulsing synths provide an edgy background to the vocals, creating restraint when necessary and wild energy when appropriate. In addition, Brett Younker (Passion, Passion City Church) and Casey Darnell (North Point Church) each penned co-writes on this record, adding their own unique flavor into the Declare mix.

The production contributions of Neil B. Young (Needtobreathe, Warren Barfield, Third Day) proved to be invaluable on The Canvas EP and helped bring a fresh vision to the band’s direction. The EP was recorded over several months in between tour dates. To put the finishing touches on the project, Declare teamed up with Grammy Award Winner Brad Blackwood, whose mastering work can be heard on anything from the Black Eyed Peas to Todd Agnew to Alison Krauss.