ELEVATION

Elevation formed with vocalist Nathan Smith in 2002. Now, only years later, this five-piece has all of the essential elements needed for their rise to greatness.

Smith explains, “I kind of have been in the band for about five or six years just writing and developing a repertoire and also just kind of figuring out who we were.” Lead guitarist, Andrew Averso, continues by saying, “It took us a good while to get all the right members together, but everything finally came together, and we just took off running.”

Running, indeed. With such a full and sweeping sound, Elevation has captured audiences nationwide and has successfully filled a void in the musical community. In Elevation, rock has returned to its southern roots; genuinely reviving the genre where most other bands have failed, whilst providing a refreshing and positive appeal to a modern audience.

Although it is clear that Elevation's music is heavily influenced by classic rock, some of their songs tease the boundaries of genre; sometimes shifting to a more indie or ambient sound. But as the songs play with different sounds so does Smith's voice, distinctive yet familiar (going from soft to punchy, or from clear to gritty) but always completely convincing. Averso also hails Smith as “the most genius songwriter I have ever come across working with,” asserting that Smith “always goes straight for the best melody.”

The band is rounded out by rhythm guitarist Luke Hickok, bassist Matt Perez, and drummer Stephen Bailey.

The key to Elevation's strength does not just lie in the talent of its five members, but more so in the tightly knit friendships between all of the group's individuals.

The band's debut album “Strangelove” was recorded in Atlanta in the winter of 2007. The album was produced by Dan Hannon (Manchester Orchestra, King Konga, Aaron Shust) and mastered by Grammy Award winner Adam Ayan (Nirvana, The Rolling Stones, Foo Fighters, Incubus).

Elevation's first single off of the new album, “Razoreyes,” was re-mixed by Mark Endert, a superstar producer who has worked with Maroon 5, The Fray, and Madonna.