More than likely you probably haven’t heard of Wideawake, one of the most hardworking bands in the industry today. Whether their schedule is packed with a tour around the country, recording another album in Toronto, or just traveling all around the great – and very large – state of Texas, making money in order to move on to bigger and better things, the five guys in this pop rock band with a Christian twist work hard for what they do.
After winning a talent show in their home town of Seattle, Washington, Scott Leger, Nate Navarro, Steve Rude, Curtis Ryker, and Eddie Willis decided to become Wideawake, combining acoustic pop with a modern rock sound to create a down to earth style of music. Since moving their home base to Austin, Texas – the live music capital of the world – in March 2002, the band has taken on a promising roll as one of the most celebrated local bands in recent years. This year alone, they’ve won best pop band, best songwriter and best vocals for lead singer Scott Ledger, best electric guitar for Eddie Willis, best rock band song for “She Likes Purple”, and album of the year in the 2004 Austin Music Awards, plus multiple readers’ choice awards from the Austin Chronicle. They’ve even had the honor of playing with Sheryl Crow when she flew out to see them play a show and joined them on stage for a version of her own hit, “If It Makes You Happy.”
Not only are they critically lauded, but their touring has helped them develop a dedicated fan base throughout the country through word of mouth marketing.
Touring behind their debut album Wideawake for two years under the name Thread, the original three members created a repertoire of pop songs that helped them build a
fan base across the United States. Deciding on a name change after moving to Texas and recording their second album, Wideawake released Bigger Than Ourselves in 2001; it’s a fine example of understated classic pop rock that refrains from being cheesy yet never becomes too refined. With a Christian based mentality apparent in their lyrics, each song is hopeful without being preachy. According to the band, the name of the album refers to “the universal need for relationship and community; the value of not taking anyone or anything for granted; appreciating the simple and ordinary in others so much that it becomes extraordinary,” a philosophy that’s evident in all of their music.
To date, Wideawake has sold more than 15,000 independently released CDs (before the national release of Bigger Than Ourselves in February of 2004),
toured in four different countries and nineteen states, won numerous awards, had a showcase at the South By Southwest Music Festival, and played over 400 live shows – a number that’s been growing rapidly as they’re known to play up to four shows a week whenever in Austin. Their songs have been featured in The Ring, on the 100th episode of Dawson’s Creek, and even episodes of MTV’s Road Rules. They also finished in the top ten of the Jim Beam/Rollingstone.com independent band of the year contest in 2002. Spending the summer of 2004 recording their third full length studio album while also preparing for the release of their first live album, Wideawake continues to work hard to make a name for themselves without giving into the glitz of stardom.
For more information on Wideawake visit www.wideawakeisaband.com for tons of photos, audio samples, tour dates, news, and to purchase some of their EP's that are available.
by: Leslie Flynn
More than likely you probably haven’t heard of Wideawake, one of the most hardworking bands in the industry today. Whether their schedule is packed with a tour around the country, recording another album in Toronto, or just traveling all around the great – and very large – state of Texas, making money in order to move on to bigger and better things, the five guys in this pop rock band with a Christian twist work hard for what they do.
