The Benjamin Gate: Difference between revisions
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==History== |
==History== |
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The band, along with their manager and co-songwriter Marc "Thux" Theodosiou, left [[Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape|Port Elizabeth]] and came to the United States in [[2001 in music|2001]] after David Bach at [[Forefront Records]] heard their demo that they had sent to [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] for mastering. |
The band, along with their manager and co-songwriter Marc "Thux" Theodosiou,<ref>DeBoer, Terry (December 8, 2001). "Christian group soaring as songs climb charts", ''[[The Grand Rapids Press]]'', p. A10.</ref> left [[Port Elizabeth, Eastern Cape|Port Elizabeth]] and came to the United States in [[2001 in music|2001]] after David Bach at [[Forefront Records]] heard their demo that they had sent to [[Nashville, Tennessee|Nashville]] for mastering. |
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The Benjamin Gate released two local, independent albums while in South Africa, ''Spinning Head'' and ''comeputyourheadupinmyheart''. Many of the songs of ''comeputyourheadupinmyheart'' were retooled and re-released on their first major-label album for Forefront Records, ''["untitled"]''. This album and ''Contact'' were critically acclaimed albums.<ref>Thorne, Evan (November 22, 2002). "Benjamin Gate make catchy, fun pop on 'Contact'", ''[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]]'', p. 6.</ref> They were nominated for four [[Dove Awards]], produced two No. 1 and one No. 2 singles, and toured the United States and Europe. Their merchandise was easily recognized by their [[gasmask]] logo. They had an endorsement contract from [[Oakley, Inc.]] This success helped them to be included on three [[Festival Con Dios]] tours. |
The Benjamin Gate released two local, independent albums while in South Africa, ''Spinning Head'' and ''comeputyourheadupinmyheart''. Many of the songs of ''comeputyourheadupinmyheart'' were retooled and re-released on their first major-label album for Forefront Records, ''["untitled"]''. This album and ''Contact'' were critically acclaimed albums.<ref>Thorne, Evan (November 22, 2002). "Benjamin Gate make catchy, fun pop on 'Contact'", ''[[Daily Herald (Arlington Heights)|Daily Herald]]'', p. 6.</ref> They were nominated for four [[Dove Awards]], produced two No. 1 and one No. 2 singles, and toured the United States and Europe. Their merchandise was easily recognized by their [[gasmask]] logo. They had an endorsement contract from [[Oakley, Inc.]] This success helped them to be included on three [[Festival Con Dios]] tours. |
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==Band members== |
==Band members== |
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* Costa Balamatsias |
* Costa Balamatsias – [[bass (guitar)|bass]] |
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* [[Adrienne Camp|Adrienne Liesching]] |
* [[Adrienne Camp|Adrienne Liesching]] – [[Singing|vocals]] |
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* Justin Mulder |
* Justin Mulder – [[Drum kit|drums]] (later replaced by Brett Palmer) |
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* Brett Palmer |
* Brett Palmer – [[Drum kit|drums]] (later replaced by Nick Volsteedt) |
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* Marc "Mac" Pautz |
* Marc "Mac" Pautz – [[guitar]] |
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* Chris Poisat |
* Chris Poisat – [[guitar]] |
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* Nick Volsteedt |
* Nick Volsteedt – [[Drum kit|drums]] |
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==Discography== |
==Discography== |
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Revision as of 03:06, 24 October 2012
The Benjamin Gate | |
|---|---|
| Origin | South Africa |
| Genres | Christian rock |
| Years active | 1998–2003 |
| Labels | Forefront Records (2001–2003) |
| Past members | Costa Balamatsias Adrienne Liesching Brett Palmer Justin Mulder Marc "Mac" Pautz Chris Poisat Nick Volsteedt |
| Website | TheBenjaminGate.net |
The Benjamin Gate was a South African Christian band formed in 1998 following the motor vehicle accident and subsequent death of a mutual friend and fellow musician, Ben.[1] Their name, which was also the name of one the entrances into the original city of Jerusalem, was chosen as a tribute to him.
History
The band, along with their manager and co-songwriter Marc "Thux" Theodosiou,[2] left Port Elizabeth and came to the United States in 2001 after David Bach at Forefront Records heard their demo that they had sent to Nashville for mastering.
The Benjamin Gate released two local, independent albums while in South Africa, Spinning Head and comeputyourheadupinmyheart. Many of the songs of comeputyourheadupinmyheart were retooled and re-released on their first major-label album for Forefront Records, ["untitled"]. This album and Contact were critically acclaimed albums.[3] They were nominated for four Dove Awards, produced two No. 1 and one No. 2 singles, and toured the United States and Europe. Their merchandise was easily recognized by their gasmask logo. They had an endorsement contract from Oakley, Inc. This success helped them to be included on three Festival Con Dios tours.
The group parted ways in 2003 due to Adrienne's engagement to Christian artist, Jeremy Camp. It was noted that Adrienne felt that with her new family starting, that she could not handle the duties required of her both as a rockstar and as a wife. Since then Adrienne has married musician Jeremy Camp, and they have two daughters, born 2004 and 2006. She has also released two solo albums. Mac and his wife and children have relocated to southern England to be closer to his mother-in-law. Costa Balamatsias remained in Nashville playing with various artists until early 2006 when he relocated back to South Africa. Nick Volsteedt, a former Mr. South Africa title holder, went to Los Angeles to pursue a modeling career. Marc Theodosiou currently works in the music industry for First Company Management.
Band members
- Costa Balamatsias – bass
- Adrienne Liesching – vocals
- Justin Mulder – drums (later replaced by Brett Palmer)
- Brett Palmer – drums (later replaced by Nick Volsteedt)
- Marc "Mac" Pautz – guitar
- Chris Poisat – guitar
- Nick Volsteedt – drums
Discography
- Spinning Head EP (1999)
- comeputyourheadupinmyheart (1999)
- ["untitled"] (2001)
- demographics (2002)
- Contact (2002)
References
- ^ Demalon, Tom. "The Benjamin Gate: Biography", Allmusic. Retrieved October 24, 2012.
- ^ DeBoer, Terry (December 8, 2001). "Christian group soaring as songs climb charts", The Grand Rapids Press, p. A10.
- ^ Thorne, Evan (November 22, 2002). "Benjamin Gate make catchy, fun pop on 'Contact'", Daily Herald, p. 6.