From Wichita, Kansas comes Room Full of Walters, who are far too good to stay "indie" much longer. This album is as good as anything on modern rock radio now. Period. Pick it up..." -- Thom Granger, CCM Magazine (September 1997) ~
By the time the above review was published, college/modern rock band Room Full of Walters had already signed a deal with Word Records to release the group's album Sleepy-head nationally. It was the break for which the band had been waiting.
Since its November 4, 1997, release, Sleepy-head has steadily climbed the Christian music charts-despite its entry into the market during an unusually active holiday music season. The album's first single "Home" debuted at #21 on the CCM Rock Chart and, in February of 1998, it broke the top 10. And, even prior to any national promotions, the Walters began gaining critical acclaim.
These Kansans have a highly credible contribution here, with their latest entitled Sleepy-head. I really don't know to whom to compare it, stylistically, so I'll just use the generic terms "hard, melodic modern rock." These guys are actually one of the best independent bands I've heard this year, from the musicianship to the production, all the way through to the writing of the last song. -- hm magazine (July-August 1997)
After more than six years together as a popular college/modern rock band in the Midwest, Room Full of Walters felt called to be more up front about their Christian beliefs. Group members wanted to begin actively spreading the message of Christ. Their main calling: to reach out to so-called "seekers" as well as new believers. In band members' opinions, a few TV evangelists and the mainstream media, among others have tainted the image of Christianity. Through their music, Room Full of Walters hopes to help change that image. The message is simple: Judge Christianity by the words of Christ and nothing else.
The band's goal is to promote who Jesus Christ is, what His message stands for and to break down the stereotype of Christianity that exists today within the minds of non-Christians. The music serves as the medium, while the lyrics serve up the story of band members, who were "seekers" in their own right a few years ago, and who want to spread the message of what Jesus did for them and what He gives freely to every person.
Room Full of Walters began on January 1, 1991, when members of several popular Kansas bands decided to combine forces. After only a few weeks of practice, the group played its first gig at a fraternity party in Lawrence, Kansas. A sewer drain backed up, flooding the building with about a foot of brown, smelly water, but the show went on.
Bassist Kurt Starks recalls that night, "I just remember watching all these people who kept dancing in sewer water as it continued to rise and thinking...this band's going to be big!"
The Walters continued playing to college crowds and, in the summer of 1991, recorded their first album, Wonderful, on independent label Mercy Records. Two songs off the album "Reading Kipling" and "Talking Too Loud" received airplay on regional radio stations. The Walters' first single, "Reading Kipling," beat out several national recording stars to be voted into the "Battle of the Best New Music Wall of Fame" on Wichita's Top-40 station KKRD 107.3FM. Wonderful sold-out in the Kansas/Missouri retail market. During the next two years, the Walters played throughout Kansas, Missouri, Oklahoma, Iowa and Nebraska. In late 1993, the band released its second album, Swivel. This 16-song CD received good regional reviews and solid sales.
After four years of playing most every weekend, the band decided it was time for an extended break. "We weren't spending a lot of time at home," says guitarist Scheltgen. "We weren't burned out, but we definitely needed a chance to catch our breath."
During the band's hiatus, their lead singer Mike McDowell moved out of state. The guys figured it was fun while it lasted, but realized that they probably would never play again. Then all of that changed when Starks met singer/guitarist Jamie Woodson. The two started jamming together-just for fun. Soon the other band members-guitarist Mark Scheltgen and drummer Alan Austin joined them, and after two short months, Sleepy-head was recorded. Since going public with their faith, Room Full of Walters has met with tremendous response from fans and music professionals alike. More than 1,500 people attended the Walters' CD release party in Wichita last November. The band has played events with crowds of up to 15,000, and has opened locally for Plankeye, Fold Zandura, Grammatrain, All Star United, Eric Champion and for popular secular band Weezer, among others. Since the national release of Sleepy-head, the Walters have been contacted from DJs, writers and fans from around the country.
"Some how we are just connecting with people," says guitarist Scheltgen.
"Fans have sent us e-mails with stories of how our songs or performances have affected their lives. Others just drop a note to say they simply like our sound."
"The national exposure through Word has really opened up the possibilities for our ministry," bassist Starks adds.
National exposure aside, the Walters are hometown heroes of sorts. The group has received considerable regional news coverage including a feature story on an NBC affiliate, along with mentions on other local TV and radio stations. Ron Eric Taylor, Program Director of KICT-95, Kansas' top-rated secular rock station, had this to say about Room Full of Walters: When I first heard their independent release Sleepy-head, I was overwhelmed by the quality of this CD. In comparison to the major label releases that we play on the air, this CD sounds every bit as good. Because of superior song writing and musicianship, we immediately put the song, "Home," into rotation -- where it was very well received.
A second single, "Laughing at the Ground," followed in rotation at area stations including T-95 and KZZD 90.7 (Z91), Wichita's only Christian alternative rock station. Immediately following its independent release in February 1997, Sleepy-head was the #1 selling rock album (vs. national acts) at the Better Book Room, the leading Christian music retailer in the state. Sleepy-head was produced at Mercy Records in Lawrence, Kansas. All four members of the Walters live in Wichita. And bucking the stereo-type of rock musicians as single, slacker types, all four are family men with young children.
Discography
Go to Room Full of Walters' website
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