Forefront Records Signs Ohio-Based Band This Beautiful Republic

Debut Project to Release March 20

Nashville, Tenn. —Forefront Records announces the addition of Toledo, Ohio’s own five member rock outfit This Beautiful Republic to its roster. The band will release its national debut March 20, 2007.

Comprising lead singer Ben Olin, drummer Andy Smith, guitarist Jeremy Kunkle, bassist Brandon Paxton and Adam Smith, also on guitar, the small-town boys produce a sound that’s anything but small. The band’s catchy vocals, riveting guitar sound, and unshakable fan loyalty have won crowds in and around Toledo for nearly five years. Such buzz surrounding This Beautiful Republic garnered national attention from multiple labels, with Forefront Records landing its latest new signing.

“Forefront Records has always had a reputation for signing top-notch rock bands that have a heart for the Church,” says Peter York, president of EMI CMG Label Group. “We have the utmost belief and trust in these guys to carry the Forefront Records banner well and to make great music that will impact this generation. The band’s live show is not to be missed.”

“We’re really honored to be apart of the Forefront Records/EMI family,” comments frontman Olin. “The label has a rich legacy of artists, and we can’t wait to see what our relationship with Forefront holds for us in the future.”

Releasing March 20, 2007, the band’s first album will be produced by Allen Salmon (most noted for engineering records by Sanctus Real and Mute Math). Celebrated mix engineer Mark Needham (The Killers, Fleetwood Mac, Michelle Branch) will additionally lend his talents to the project. The band’s first radio single “Jesus to the World” goes for adds at both the Christian Hit Radio and Christian Adult Contemporary formats on Nov. 10.

The band has signed an exclusive booking agreement with Creative Artists Agency. John Huie, CAA agent and head of the Nashville office, remarks, “It’s been a long time since we’ve been as excited abouta new band as we are about This Beautiful Republic. I think they’re going to be big on CHR, Rock, and AC radio;a combination that is rare and even better.....these guys have the live show to back it up. We expectbig things from this band.”