Chasen

Ever try to talk about God at a bar? Faith and clubs may seem unlikely companions, but powerhouse pop/rock trio Chasen sees no need to divide the two. Whether playing for crowds on Sunday at their hometown church, or on weekdays at clubs like House of Blues and Ashville's own Orange Peel, this new band's refreshingly unaffected honesty and hook-heavy rock sound right at home. The band got its start in the church, writing praise and worship choruses for Sunday services and youth group events. Lead singer/songwriter and namesake Chasen Callahan pulled together fellow band mates - guitarist Evan Silver and drummer Aaron Lord - to help him compile an independent CD of songs Callahan had played at summer youth camps. The music was so good, the disc soon found its way into the hands of upstart label OMG, a small new entertainment enterprise in the historic West End of Greenville, South Carolina. Drawing inspiration from its location - well outside the modern music hubs of L.A., New York, and Nashville - OMG sought to find fresh talent in unexpected places, and saw the young band as a perfect debut for its roster. OMG's hunch was correct. Since signing, Chasen has already tasted extensive success, despite not yet having a project in the marketplace. The band has toured heavily, opening for the likes of Reliant K, NEEDTOBREATHE, and mainstream rockers Sister Hazel. They've already seen an early single, "Crazy Beautiful," climb to a Top-5 position on Christian radio charts. Leveraging its forward-thinking predilection, OMG also orchestrated a cross-promotion with the Zipit Wireless Messenger 2, or "Z2," whereby national advertising for the hot new teen-targeted portable device prominently features Chasen's music.