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Byword (bi’ wûrd) n. Something noteworthy or worth hearing. It is a title that the members of this band wish to mark a transparency in their music, glorifying the source of their inspiration and hope: Jesus Christ. Raw and energetic, filled with melodic guitar riffs, victorious baritone vocals, and a sincere message, Byword is a rock group of passionate young Idahoans, seeking to lead the people of this generation into a fresh encounter with the Savior of the world.

The band’s latest studio effort, Here Is Love, released in May 2006, proves to be an accessible collection of works, representing their desire to reflect the grace and love that Christ has made available to all. “It’s about a relationship, not a religion, “says Elliot Stone, lead singer for the group, “We hope this project is a clear and redeeming voice that is able to melt walls of misconception about what it means to know Jesus and embrace Him.” The CD offers dynamic guitar work and soaring vocal melodies while also providing tender lyrical commentary and intimate acoustic instrumentation. As you listen, you will experience the musical flavors of artists such as Third Day, Jeremy Camp, and Switchfoot. During the construction of Here Is Love, Byword had the opportunity to work with many wonderful musicians including Dale Baker, drummer of Platinum selling recording artists Sixpence None the Richer (“Kiss Me”, “There She Goes”), as well as Grammy award winning audio engineer, Richard Dodd (Tom Petty, Green Day, Jars of Clay), who mastered the album.

Here Is Love marks yet another impressive milestone for this up and coming band who has enjoyed an exciting history together. Beginning as a local youth praise team in Jr. High, Stone (22) and Young (23) later joined bassist Brent Ragan (23), collaborating in early high school. By the summer of 2002, they decided to put out their first self-titled recording. That fall, “I Give You Me,” a single off of that record, won the Breakaway Talent Contest sponsored through Focus on the Family. The grand prize awarded the band a trip to Nashville, TN, where they spent time with Grammy award winning recording artists Audio Adrenaline (Worldwide), recorded a single with Grammy nominated producer Tony MacAnany (POD, Jennifer Knapp, Nicole C. Mullen) at Dark Horse Studios, and were featured on the front cover of Breakaway, a magazine circulating to over 100,000 readers nationwide. Later, in 2004, the bandmates decided to devote themselves full-time toward their music ministry and, since then, have been traveling the Northwest and the nation, leading worship and playing concerts for youth and outreach events, while also self-producing the before mentioned Here Is Love. Through their travels, they met drummer Tim LoPresto (21) who, completing their ensemble, joined the group in May 2006. That fall, Byword released their first single, “The Storm,” to Christian rock radio stations around the U.S., gaining airplay on 35 of them. Most recently, the band enjoyed a wonderfully busy summer on the road, logging over 50 performances, and plan on writing and recording new material through the end of 2007.

Though blessed with many fond memories, the opportunities that Byword has had to join with a body of people and seek after God have been their most meaningful experiences. “Nothing compares, “ says Stone, “All worries, burden, and distraction fade away with each chance we are given to stand witness to the Holy Spirit working in the hearts of people, changing them, speaking to them, and shaping their lives.” As Here Is Love continues to spread, Elliot, Neil, Brent, and Tim desire to remain a byword in this world that all might experience the life changing power found in Jesus Christ.