'Better Days Ahead' Forms Under Creative Group

By John Ma

A five-member band that formed at Greenville College in Illinois in 2001, is currently in the studio working on their self-titled debut CD, Better Days Ahead, scheduled to release on October 26, distributed through Provident Music Distribution.

One year after signing its first artist, Warren Barfield, and launching his successful debut, Creative Trust Workshop (CTW) has signed a new artist to the label's roster.

The band was introduced to Christian music retailers and other industry professionals at the recent Christian Booksellers Association (CBA) International Convention in Atlanta.Ga. BDA opened the Provident Music Showcase event at the Fox Theatre, performing two songs from their upcoming release.

BDA is Matt Jones (lead vocal), Dave Ray (guitar, principle songwriter), Clint Milburn (lead guitar), Ben Eggebeen (bass) and Jake McDaniel (drums). The five 21-year-olds met their freshman year at Greenville College, among the top colleges in the nation that offer a degree in contemporary Christian music. Greenville College is also known as the training ground that brought the public Jars of Clay.

BDA has self-produced and released several independent recordings and has developed a fan base by touring in the Midwest and Northeast and has performed at summer festivals alongside artists such as Switchfoot, Sixpence None the Richer, Jars of Clay and Audio Adrenaline.

"At a time when the trend in music is towards a more brooding and introspective style of music, BDA is a refreshing reminder of the enduring qualities of groups like the Beatles in mainstream music and PFR in Christian music, rock bands with memorable melodies, distinctive music and universal lyrics," said Dan Raines, president of Creative Trust Workshop. "BDA's music is as infectious musically as it is compelling lyrically. I think they will have an immediate impact at radio and retail on a national level, like they have already had on a regional level."

"We love the idea of being on a smaller label like Creative Trust Workshop that has already established a great reputation in the industry and which will enable us to develop and grow as a band," said Jones.

"They've already proven to be great cheerleaders and amazing mentors to us as we go through the process of producing our first major label CD," added Ray.

BDA, whose name is an acronym for "Better Days Ahead," (and the name of its CTW debut) is working with veteran producer Scott Williamson. John Mays, who provided A&R direction for Barfield, will also work with BDA on their debut record.

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