|PIC1|It was all supposed to be one of those independent projects, explains producer Lynn Nichols (Switchfoot, Phil Keaggy). But then something happened.

“Julian Drive’s music represents the heartland of America in style, and the heart of God in spirit,” says Nichols. “It deserves a national platform, and I am excited to see the band take their music and ministry to the masses.”

The back story is clear on how that energy and direction found its way into a band like Julian Drive.

Founded by lead singer Shane Bowers and keyboardist Shaun Bennett, Julian Drive additionally comprises guitarist Jesse Triplett, bassist James Nitz, and drummer Brian Wilson.

After playing the local church circuit near its hometown of Athens, Georgia for some time, Julian Drive entered and won the 2004 Exalting Him National Talent Search, beating 2,000 other contestants.

Their prize came in the form of numerous opportunities for the band to perform nationally, and by 2007 Julian Drive had played more than 260 events coast to coast, sharing the stage with the likes of David Crowder Band and Israel Houghton.

Their debut album – My Coming Day – is suitably saturated in eternal optimism and heavenly focus. The sound is straight up and down pop-rock, with all the hooks and melodies in the right place. It serves as a perfect platform for their message.

“We’re not interested in the rock star mentality,” says Shane Bowers. “We are much more interested in how we connect with the audience. If you come to one of our shows you’ll likely find us hanging out with the kids. That’s where our heart is.

“Our grassroots ministry has been plugging away for several years now and God has allowed us to reach so many lost souls through the platform created by our music.

"Signing to Inpop has opened up an entirely new avenue for what we’ve been called to do as a band and as ministers of the Gospel.”

For more information on Julian Drive, visit www.juliandrive.com or www.myspace.com/juliandrive.