Oakland

Sailing from West Palm Beach, FL onto the music scene in Nashville, TN, Christian band, Oakland is one that captivates its audience. Lead singer Bryan Reynolds’ powerful and moving vocal presence is backed by a powerful band; they will not fail to grab your attention. Oakland’s self titled debut album is NOT an album with vague lyrics with no meaning or just for simple listening. It is a composition of solemn prayers and confessions put to syncopated rhythms and commanding vocals. Images of the grace of God in times of desperation are rendered by the lyrics of songs such as “I’ll take care of you” and “Help Received,” while “Love is Alive” and other songs are anthems of praise for the love that God has given. “Writing songs is easy,” explains front man Bryan Reynolds. “But writing about the fears and doubts that go on in a Christian’s heart into a song was a bit more difficult. It’s especially perplexing to write about all the good things of God and to give him glory when those very doubts and fears are present in myself!” Despite the apparent difficulty of staying away from cheesy lyrics and simple chord progressions in order the write more God glorifying music, Oakland’s album will surely not disappoint. Since it's inception in 2009, Oakland has successfully completed two South-East Regional tours and recorded their first full-length album. In the summers of 2010 and 2011 the band set out on these regional tours where they performed at camps, churches, and outreach events. As a band, they had a heart to step down off the stage and serve in the camp kitchen or serve as leaders. Through these ministries, each member of the band developed excellent relationships with students that far surpass the time that they are with them and in many cases these relationships result in discipleship. "I have been blessed on many occasions to share in the ministry and worship with [Oakland]. These young men are passionate about the word God has laid upon their hearts; they are gifted songwriters and musicians, but above their talents and gifting's they live and breathe to exalt and magnify the name of Jesus." – Sam Kiser, Youth and Young Adults Pastor, Bethesda Ministries, Elizabethtown,KY. In the Fall of 2011, Oakland relocated to Nashville, TN from South Florida, where they have been working on their debut album. Since relocating, the band started to change it’s image and decided it was time for a name change. Changing the name from The Bryan Reynolds Band to Oakland was a process that came about through thinking about all the changes the band has gone through over the past three years. In Genesis 35, God speaks to Jacob and commands him to move with his family (Israel) to Bethel. In obedience, Jacob then goes before his family and tells them to bring their false idols. When they brought them, he took the idols and buried them underneath the oak tree, and moved to Bethel to make sacrifices to God. “We needed something to really remind us why we moved to Nashville in the first place.” Bass guitar player Jared Ison says. “We all made sacrifices to pursue this ministry, but at the same time were holding on to false idols of doubt, fear, and insecurity.” Former drummer Addison West Parris explains further, “we needed to bury anything that wasn’t of God throughout this whole process. We needed to kill our Idols. This name change is a symbol of us doing so.” More than a band; a Christ-centered ministry with a heart to serve, and a passion for good music.