"They were a band looking for a singer and I was a singer looking for a band." explains Alex Lawhon, easily summarizing the assembly of the four individuals that would become known as Colourslide. "We had some fantastic songs and more importantly extremely lofty, maybe bordering egocentric, notions that this collaboration would become noteworthy," Lawhon continues. So, before ever playing a proper show together, the band booked studio time in North Carolina and decided they would record a full-length album. "It was backwards thinking I suppose – a record first, then shows and touring – but it seemed to be the most natural thing for us at the time – make a great record, then go promote the hell out it." This "backwards" philosophy paid off.
After debuting to a sold out room (thanks to relentless advertising and word of mouth) in their hometown of Gainesville, FL, Colourslide released their eponymous debut, which quickly went to number one at Awarestore.com. The record received extensive radio airplay throughout the south and was subsequently licensed to ESPN, MTV, Oxygen and E!. To date it has received over thirty television spots with many millions of viewers. "The overwhelmingly positive reactions and accolades received from the CD were quite unexpected," says guitarist Dean Newman, "Not because we didn't believe that it was amazing, but because it happened extremely fast and was so universally enthusiastic." The praises that Newman are referring to are the "Maxell Song of the Year" award in the John Lennon Songwriting contest for the Lawhon/Newman penned "Wake Up Call". Billboard magazine featured the band on the back cover of it’s August 2nd issue for the win. Then being chosen as the premium unsigned band in the world by Gretsch Guitars as part of their 125th Anniversary celebration. "The relationships we have made with both of these organizations have been tremendously rewarding and anything but fleeting. “The companies really believe in the band," Newman continues.
2008 saw Colourslide performing on the Vans Warped Tour, a stop at Summerfest in Milwaukee, shows at Irving Plaza and The High line Ballroom in New York, festival dates in the Carolinas and a headlining show for ESPN in Connecticut. Somehow through all of this traveling the band managed to record its sophomore album and spend a month in Los Angeles mixing with legendary producer Jack Joseph Puig at Ocean Way Studios. "Everybody's Right About Everybody" was mastered by the incomparable Bob Ludwig at Gateway Mastering in Maine.
When asking the band about the remarkable achievements they've garnered in such a short time Lawhon states, "The three things that every great band has are a resolute love of their art, extraordinary songs, and a mind blowing live show. I think we have all of those things...apparently I'm not the only one."
Colourslide plans a fall release for "Everybody's Right About Everybody". They have arrived.
You guys were great tonight at The G Spot! Thanks for making my first night waitressing the best! Maybe next time we can hang out afterwards! Be careful on your drive!
Athenaeum...you guys will get a hell of a lot of new fans from that show here in Charlotte :) Have to see if I can make it out to that! Hope each of you are well!!
Hey! Just wanted to say I loved meeting all of you at Nick's 16th party, and voted for you guys every night of Powerplay! Can't wait to hear them announce your win. xD Love you all !!
Congrats!!! Just heard you guys on the premiere of the Realworld/Road Rules Challenge "The Ruins." They played your music throughout almost the whole show!!! I loved it
