Faith, camaraderie, passion and creativity are a pretty potent combination, and its those forces that have propelled the members of Detour 180 from their home in New Zealand to a burgeoning career in the U.S. After becoming one of the most successful acts in the land down under, the Slanted Records quintet is rapidly earning a reputation stateside as one of the industrys hardest working and most innovative young bands.
Its been awesome how God opened the doors for us to move to America, says lead vocalist Adrian Robertson. We moved to Nashville in the summer of 2005 and previous to that we did a number of tours out this way.
Detour 180s Slanted debut, Fighting for You, is bursting with the taut musicianship, visionary songwriting, and signature vocals that have earned them a global fan base. The songs cover a vast emotional and musical landscape. Back to the Cross is a powerful, poignant look at the very essence of Christianitywhat Christ did for us on the cross. See My Saviour is a buoyant anthem with an uplifting message. Recognise is a tender ballad about God recognising us in heaven.
Theres a strong message of hope that comes through in a lot of our material, says Adrian.
The band has had the opportunity to spread that message throughout the States due to their hectic tour schedule. One of the first things they did after moving to the U.S. was find a good booking agent and hit the road, performing more dates than many seasoned acts with a longer discography. On the concert trail, the members of Detour 180 have earned the respect of pastors and youth ministers because they have such servants hearts. We go in and say, How can we help you guys out? says guitarist Cain Coulton.
They love the reaction of American crowds but admit some other things about their new homeland have caused some confusion. There are a lot of differences between you lovely American folks and ourselves, says guitarist Morgan Lawrence with a mischievous grin.
Weve had a few problems driving over here. You guys drive on the wrong side of the road, and weve almost had accidents because people wont move for us. And the light switch issue, he continues. When you walk in a room and turn the lights on, we flick them down but you guys flick them up. Thats caused some problems - many evenings in the dark because we couldnt figure that out.
The whole band erupts in laughter and its easy to figure out who the primary source of comic relief is in this band. Theres an easy camaraderie amongst the members and an obvious respect for what each brings to the group. They are eager to laugh, anxious to reach out and perpetually ready to share their passion for the Gospel.
Weve never settled for something thats half-hearted, says Adrian. All of our music has come from a place of relationship with God. Thats why we call ourselves a Christian band. We love to play music and have a good time, but most important is that opportunity to change one persons life if nothing else.
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If you want to support Detour180 then here are some stations to contact (if you live in their area). Many of them have a 'music team' you can join, and they will send out surveys asking which songs you like most - other stations just have space on their websites for 'music comments'. The songs you vote for are the ones they play!
KFEX 93.1 fm - www.931kfex.com (Chanute, KS)
WPER 89.9 fm - www.wper.org (Washington D.C)
KZKZ 106.3 fm - www.kzkzfm.com (Fort Smith, AR)
KLYT 88.1 fm - www.m88.org (Albuquerque, NM)
KLFF 88.3 fm - www.klife.org (San Luis Obispo, CA)
WNAZ 89.1 fm - www.wnaz.com (Nashville, TN)
WORQ 90.1 fm - www.q90fm.com (Green Bay, WI)
WYLV 89.1 fm - www.love89.org (Knoxville, TN)
WONU 89.7 fm - www.shine.fm (Chicago, IL)
KFIS 104.1 fm - www.1041thefish.com (Portland, OR)
KFSH 95.9 fm - www.thefish959.com (Glendale, CA)
KLTY 94.9 fm - www.klty.com (Dallas, TX)
KXOJ 100.9 fm - www.kxoj.com (Tulsa, OK)
WJTL 90.3fm - www.wjtl.com (Lancaster, PA)
WQFL 101 fm - www.101qfl.com (Rockford, IL)
American Family Radio - www.afr.net (National network)
