Crowfield is further testament to the level of artistic quality produced by our low country. Granted the two founding members were from Indiana they chose to relocate to Charleston and set about surrounding themselves with some of our finest regional talents. This and the opportunity to record with producer Rick Beato and engineer Ken Lanyon at Black Dog Sound Recording Studios in Stone Mountain, GA. gave them access to an additional repertoire of talent and creative input. The proof is in the work accomplished and their three offerings still stand as powerful, intelligent, and emotional reminders of the possibilities when all things fall in place.
From ReverbNation:
Crowfield's journey to the national stage was accompanied by breakups and breakdowns, tempered by successes and letdowns, and defined by the act of giving a little more when there was nothing left to give.
After the band's creation in 2008, their music evolved from a vintage American sound that reflected their Heartland roots to a more modern and slightly edgy style of Rock and Roll. Throughout this evolution, however, the sincere and often heart wrenching lyrics of lead singer Tyler Mechem continued to resonate with listeners. Indiana natives Tyler Mechem and Joe Giant formed the band that would come to be known as Crowfield when they relocated to Charleston, SC in 2005. In 2008, they caught the ear of acclaimed producer Rick Beato. Crowfield's premier album "Goodbye, Goodnight, So Long Midwestern" (Ten Star Records) soon followed. The addition of drummer Parker Gins and guitarist, Micah Nichols, and a frenetic touring schedule led to bigger crowds and more illustrious venues.
Developing markets beyond the Southeast began to require a full-time booking agent, so in Summer 2010 the band enlisted the help of William Morris Endeavor Agency. Crowfield then signed with Universal Records, but the deal was short lived as the record company's size conflicted with the intimate grassroots approach that led Crowfield to their initial success.
Crowfield's sound continued to evolve as the band lineup began to change. The departure of bassist Jonathan Gray and the addition of Ethan Ricks in late 2010 represented the band's final departure from their initial sound and style, and marked the first time in the band's history that everyone was considered a permanent member.
The band decided that their second album should be self-titled, as it was a collection of songs that were written and developed as the band matured into its current form. The album was again recorded at Black Dog Sound Recording Studios in Stone Mountain, GA., with producer Rick Beato and engineer Ken Lanyon, but this time production on the songs was minimized in order to capture the emotion and energy present in their live shows. The self-titled album was released on June 28th 2011 accompanied by a live show in Charleston, SC at the Music Farm. The day was wrought with mixed emotions among the band members because it marked the final show for co-founder and keyboardist Joe Giant, as he left the band to continue his educational pursuits at the University of Minnesota.
The band continued performing live with the addition of Whit Algar replacing Joe Giant on keyboards and in 2012 they returned to Black Dog Recording Studios to record their third and final album titled "The Diamond Sessions", named after their manager and friend Jonathan “Johnny” Diamond who had recently passed away in November of 2011. Once completed and released, Crowfield again took to the road to promote the new album but in 2013 the band decided to fold. The final live performance for Crowfield was a special concert held at the Music Hall in Charleston, SC on March 15 aptly titled "Goodbye, Good Night, So Long". They were joined onstage by members past and present for this special event.
Band Members:
Tyler James Metchem - Vocals, Acoustic Guitar
Joseph R. Giant - Piano, Keyboards, Vocals
Whit Algar - Keyboards
Micah Nichols - Guitar, Vocals
Ryan Holderfield - Guitar
Brent Adger Pace - Bass
Jonathan Gray - Bass
Ethan Ricks - Bass, Vocals
Parker Gins - Drums, Percussion, Vocals
