There was never a lot of money to spare at the Pantana household in Lynchburg, VA. Twin brothers Josh and Jason, the youngest of five children, learned to get by. So when Dad brought home a guitar, which he paid $1 for at the flea market, they made do. Meaning the fight was on! Competitive by nature, the eleven-year-old boys fought for rights to the guitar in a race to see who would become the better player. What began as competition would soon become complete absorption into a world driven by the love of music. Finally, when they were twelve, their older brother Matt, anxious for someone to play rhythm so he could perfect his lead playing, bought each of them a new guitar. He failed to take into account the intensity of his younger brothers. Before long, they were well on the way to surpassing his playing abilities.
Throughout high school, Josh and Jason played in small bands with friends at local venues and churches. Before long, they were writing and performing their own songs. While each gig had its fair share obstacles, they were also full of excited fans singing along with every word the brothers sang, offering newfound confidence and inspiration in each performance. When the brothers weren't playing guitar or writing songs, they spent hours listening to musical greats like The Eagles, Tom Petty, George Strait, Johnny Cash, Elvis, and countless others, taking what they loved most and melding it together into a distinctive Pantana sound.
By the time they reached college, they had already produced two recordings, on which they wrote all the songs. Their abilities did not go unnoticed. They received college scholarships to play and sing, and traveled with various artists as part of their band.
While in college they honed their craft. Soon, topping local radio charts with their songs, they became increasingly motivated to take it even higher. This deepening desire for success lead them to co-writing with other talented writers—namely, their mom. Together they created some amazing songs, which later caught the attention of ears in Nashville.
Tennessee was calling. They were faced with a difficult decision. Finish college or pursue their dream? So in 2006, just before their senior year of college, and after a whole lot of prayer and advice, the brothers packed the truck—along with their hopes, dreams, and a great deal of talent—and headed west for Nashville.
Two long, hard years have passed. Now, at age 23, Josh and Jason have completed this six-song demo. Produced by John Mark Painter, the demo is a tableau of the brothers' experiences and influences. Each song was written by the Pantanas with co-writers such as Thad Cockrell, John Mark Painter, Fleming McWilliams, and, of course, their mother, Linda Pantana. The songs are the perfect showcase for their amazing guitar playing and close family harmonies. They range in style from the classic ballad "Back to the Beautiful" to the country rocker "I Wish I Was a Train"--songs about faith, home, love, life, disappointment and hope.
Pantana is on the brink of the success they have worked towards for many years. With deep roots, they're ready to take a place in country music!
