Bestowed
Waynesville, North Carolina, United States | SELF
Music
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The Waynesville based Alternative Christian Rock Band “Bestowed” will be soon be competing in a Nashville, Tn. contest for a Word Recording Company contract. Band members say being chosen for the finals is a dream come true.
Sponsored by the 14-member Christian Festival Association and Word Records, the competition is considered a nationwide “Best of the best,” by many Christian artists and producers.
Bestowed’s road to the final event began in early 2010 when the Athens’ Tn. based Legacy Productions sponsored their second annual Battle for Christ contest. Bestowed heard of the battle, entered, and won the first round, moving to the final event held prior to a Decyfer Down Concert at Lee University, in Cleveland, Tennessee. At that competition they were voted tops in the Christian Rock category and moved on to an appearance and competition at the Ichthus Festival in Wilmore Kentucky. That festival annually draws more than 50,000 visitors.
In Kentucky, Bestowed entered and won the Ichthus sponsored Ascenxion <cq> Scout Project competition against nine other bands and now move forward to the Nashville event to compete with winners from thirteen other Christian festivals.
“All of us were in shock,” said Bestowed singer and keyboardist Kristin Dodd. “But we believe we are called to do this by the grace of God.”
Bestowed originated in 2007 when Ty and Lilly Carnes birthed a musical idea that has now grown into a band of committed musicians, eager to share their experiences and feelings through music. Ty is an extremely gifted guitarist, while Lilly is a vocal powerhouse. Adding drummer David Baiera in 2008 and later bassist Jessica Hensley and Kristin Dodd on the keyboard and vocals completed the group
The band is booked nearly every weekend, and are often compared to such well known Christian bands such as Skillet and Fireflight. But Ty Carnes says Bestowed is more than just a band who are Christians. Carnes said they always have a worship set on tap if needed to replace their regular music.
“We try to determine what is going on in the room,” Carnes said. He said their music is Christian Rock, but “We want out lyrics to be heard,” and the key is a myriad of female harmonies that help create their unique sound.
Legacy Productions owner Mark Hutchinson is more than just impressed by Bestowed, he sees them as a future “big name” group.
"From their first battle, Bestowed demonstrated a level of talent that was at the top level,” said Legacy Productions’ owner Mark Hutchinson. “Their unique band make-up, harmony, and musical style shows them as a truly marketable group.”
He expects their career to blossom and believes Bestowed has a legitimate chance of winning the recording contract.
“We will see them again, and no doubt hear them on the radio,” Hutchinson said. “Legacy is proud to have worked with them in the Battle for Christ."
Meanwhile, Bestowed is preparing for the Nashville connection – both in practice and in prayer. And winning that competition may just be the break they are seeking for their ministry.
To contact Bestowed, contact Manager Charles Baiera at:
Bestowed, Inc. · PO Box 1013 • Lake Junaluska, NC 28745-1013
(828) 627-2273 home, (828) 400-0630 cell
bestowedmusic@gmail.com
www.myspace.com/bestowedmusic
-end-
- LEGACY PRODUCTIONS
Discography
Alive (2009)
Photos
Bio
Bestowed is an alternative Christian rock band based in Waynesville, NC. Their objective is to connect to and communicate Christ through music on a deep and intimate level, sending a message of hope and guidance to a lost world. The original music offers inspiration and identification for those struggling to understand their purpose in life.
Formed in 2007 by Ty and Lilly Carnes, Bestowed has quickly grown into a band of committed and passionate musicians. With the addition of drummer David Baiera, bassist Jessica Hensley, and Kristin Dodd on keyboard and vocals, Bestowed found the momentum they had been looking for.
Bestowed has ministered, led worship, and entertained at a variety of churches and venues. They have spent the past year recording their first studio album, ALIVE (Billy Seals-Deaf Ear Studios), fine-tuning their unique sound, and perfecting an energetic live show.
In the spring of 2010, Bestowed won the First Annual Asheville Christian Artist Showcase and opened for Grammy-nominated group Decyfer Down. From there, Bestowed went on to win the Battle for Christ semifinals, hosted by Legacy Productions, which secured the band a spot competing in the Ascenxion Scout Showcase at the Ichthus Music Festival in Wilmore, Kentucky . Legacy Productions owner Mark Hutchinson said, "From the first battle, Bestowed demonstrated a level of talent that was at the top level. Their unique band make-up, harmony, and musical style show them as a truly marketable group."
While at Ichthus, Bestowed won Ascenxion Scout, and shared the main stage with Fireflight, Red, and Skillet and were invited played on three other Ichthus stages.
Since winning these competitions, Bestowed continues to book shows in Maryland, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Georgia, and North Carolina. In June 2011, they will continue to Atlanta Fest to compete in the annual talent competition.
Strong beats, heavy guitar, melodic harmonies, and thought-provoking lyrics are what characterize Bestowed. The main desire of their hearts is to minister, and each performance allows them the opportunity to do so. They are an up-and-coming band you don't want to miss.
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