NEW YORK (Top40 Charts/ Slanted Records) - Slanted Records' rock band After
Edmund garnered their first GRAMMY nomination, according to the
National Recording Academy of Arts & Sciences, as announced last evening on "GRAMMY Nominations Concert LIVE! Countdown to Music's Biggest Night," aired on the CBS Television Network.
The Georgia-based, five-member rock band's debut release, Hello, was honored in the Best Rock or Rap Gospel Album category (No 53) alongside artists Flame, Sanctus Real, Superchick and TobyMac . The recording was produced by GRAMMY-nominated and award-winning producer Scotty Wilbanks.
"We're honored to receive a nomination for a GRAMMY Award for our album Hello," stated band member Yates. "It's a great privilege to join such an elite group of nominated musicians, and it's wonderful to be recognized by our industry and our peers as creators of relevant art. As with everything, all glory to God in heaven - the greatest Creator of all."
"After Edmund's first Slanted release, Hello, was highly anticipated a year prior to its release and was met with great critical acclaim," Barry Jennings, president of Slanted Records, said of the nomination. "To then be nominated for a GRAMMY Award-the industry's highest honor-for your first major label effort is a remarkable feat indeed. These five young men are multi-talented singers, songwriters and musicians; and we are extremely proud of their achievement."
After Edmund was one of three winners of MTV2's Rock the Revolution contest this summer in the Atlanta area. The members were awarded a performance at the Lakewood Amphitheatre for the Atlanta show of the national Projekt Revolution Tour featuring Linkin Park, Chris Cornell and The Bravery.
The band has just completed the nationwide Truth Hope & Love Tour with Christian music mainstays Building 429 and newcomers Addison Road. The 30-city tour hit states including Arkansas, Texas, Alabama, Kansas, Missouri, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida, Georgia, Indiana, Ohio and Minnesota.
Earlier this week, Hello was selected in the Top 10 Critics Picks for 2008 according to CCM Magazine's editors who select their top choices for the best faith-based albums of the year.
"Distortion never sounded so delectable thanks to this disc packed with ethereal knob twirlers, cutting-edge programming, electricity-doused instrumentation, and perhaps most importantly, culturally relevant songwriting," stated an editor of the release.
Hello was also named a standout release for 2008 by the staff and senior music editors of the Gospel Music Channel website; and last month, an editor from Christianity Today (ChristianityToday.com) listed Hello as one of his favorite albums of the year.
After Edmund has also been nominated for Best New Christian Group or Artist as well as for Best Band/Artist (Rock or Rock/Pop) for this year's Golden Ear Awards, selected by readers of Ignite Your Faith Magazine (formerly Campus Life Magazine).
Hello hit shelves in February garnering acclaim by various industry insiders. Known for their high-energy live set and their distinct modern rock style, After Edmund enjoyed their first overseas tour this summer to Sweden and were featured on various festivals including one of the headlining positions at the popular SHOUTFEST. They made appearances on tv shows including "Good Day Atlanta," "Live at Nine," "Live From Studio B," "The Harvest Show" and "Positively Arkansas" among others.
