Daughtry to Headline Spring Concert April 26
Multi-platinum recording artist Daughtry will headline Converse’s annual Spring Concert on Saturday, April 26 as part of the college’s 125th anniversary celebration, with pop-rock band The Well Reds of Atlanta opening. Gates open at 7 PM and the concert begins at 8 PM on the back campus lawn. Tickets are $20 for college students, $40 general admission, and $50 day-of-show, and are available through the Converse Box Office.
About Daughtry
Daughtry has scored four No. 1 hits, garnered four Grammy nominations, won four American Music Awards, sold over 7.5 million albums and 17 million singles worldwide, and sold out concerts around the world. Daughtry’s self-titled debut was the fastest selling rock debut in Soundscan history and its follow up, Leave This Town, marked the quintet’s second consecutive No. 1 album. Daughtry’s third album, Break The Spell, was certified gold in 4 weeks of its release and the band’s new album, Baptized, was released in November. In addition to recording and touring the globe, Daughtry is also dedicated to using its position to raise awareness about a number of charitable causes including an ambassadorship with DC Comics We Can Be Heroes campaign.
“Can people relate to this? Is it real? Is it honest? That’s what everyone should take away.”
The Making of Baptized
Motivated by intensely creative writing sessions with the likes of Martin Johnson , Sam Hollander and Claude Kelly , the singer, songwriter and musician quickly discovered the direction of his latest body of work.
When the time arrived to make his fourth full-length studio album, Baptized, Chris Daughtry followed his instincts. “I needed a change,” he admits. “I started hearing these new sounds over my voice, and it was so inspiring. There wasn’t just one style either. It was a completely different vibe all around. I really wanted to pursue that to the fullest. This is probably one of the most inspiring records I’ve ever done.”
In early 2013, Chris began working on what would eventually become Baptized. In between a hectic touring schedule, he flew to Los Angeles for in-studio sessions with Johnson and Hollander or Kelly. “As fans of the band, they would do things that I normally wouldn’t do, and that’s why it was so exciting. I was much more open to explore a new style of writing with this album. Whether it was on keyboard, piano, or even banjo in some cases, the soundscape really felt alive. We’d write a song together and cut the vocals right then and there to capture that energy. It happened so quickly. We didn’t need to overthink anything. The magic was there.”
In many ways, the title encapsulates Chris’ ethos completely. “I always wanted to call the album Baptized, because it felt like a new chapter,” he declares. “It’s a bold statement.”
At the end of the day, Baptized certainly signals a rebirth for Chris and the band, which includes Josh Paul , Brian Craddock , Josh Steely , Robin Diaz and new addition Elvio Fernandes . “I want fans to keep an open mind about it,” he concludes. “The songs are very much what I do lyrically and melodically. I’ve always been a sucker for a great melody. That’s what songwriting is all about. Can people relate to this? Is it real? Is it honest? That’s what everyone should take away. It’s real and authentic. This is where I am right now.”
About The Well Reds
Known for their infectious melodies and polished live performances, The Well Reds are a pop-rock quartet band from Atlanta, GA comprised of Jeremy Ezell, Torin Degnats, and brothers Sean and Rex Crawford. With a sophisticated alternative pop-rock sound, The Well Reds have performed with acts including Hot Chelle Rae, Parachute, Minus the Bear, and Automatic Loveletter.
While The Well Reds have garnered national recognition beyond their Georgia roots, the well-dressed southern boys come with no pretense. The band’s aim is to invest in people’s lives by creating great music that fans can connect with.