More info at: www.hartkerecords.com
Bio:
Their music is joyfully adventurous. Their message is optimistic. Though aiming to
romanticize life’s simplicity, their style is uniquely complex. Christian, whimsical folk pop
band Colton and Zara aren’t ordinary indie kids. They have created an authentically original presence in the music scene by being themselves and staying true to their values in Jesus Christ.
Colton and Zara met at the young ages of 12 and 13 at a home school 4H function. Their families attended church together, and from there they started a youth group band. Despite making their mark in Kansas, Oklahoma, Missouri and Arkansas, the band eventually broke up. Nonetheless, Colton and Zara valued the musical kinship they had found in one another and continued to work together. Their music was eventually discovered online by Brandi Cyrus, elder sister of pop star Miley Cyrus, who was looking for new talent to showcase at the 2008 Band With a Mission in Nashville, TN. Most of the entrants were big bands with loud sounds and a huge stage presence – Colton and Zara were just two kids offering an acoustic set with a couple guitars and simple, sweet voices. Despite their underdog appearance, their distinct style and genuine voices caught the attention of head organizer Austin Cook. Taken by their blend of acoustic folk and indie flair, the duo was soon offered a developmental deal with Indevo Records and their first EP, Whimsical Dreams, was released in Spring 2009.
Despite the successful creation of Whimsical Dreams, Colton and Zara still felt their music lacked depth and richness. To build on their sound, the pair chose to add four more members to their group: Steive Davy (background vocals and hand percussion), Dustin Davy (percussion), Darren Schrag (bass guitar) and Becky Bennett (Drums). With both their band and sound more complete and producer Adam Hartke on-board, Colton and Zara released their first full-length album, My Favorite Day, in 2010. The group is now busy working on their yet-to-be titled newest project, produced by famed Nashville producer/songwriter Dan Mitchell (“If You’re Gonna Play in Texas (You Gotta Have a Fiddle in the Band)”), at Nashville’s premier recording facility, The Tracking Room.
Playing nearly 200 shows each year, Colton and Zara are on a full time mission with their music. They aim to spread a message of Christ and to inspire audiences to find personal happiness, love, and joy in Him. With personal values of love, harmony, peace and clarity, they aim to remind their fans that life doesn’t have to be a stream of stress and chaos; through their work, they show the bubbly, effervescent side of the human experience.
