biography Based in the unlikely music locale of Albuquerque, New Mexico, SOULAR was formed when longtime friends Marsh Shamburger and Jared Ashcraft began a musical collaboration in 2002. Adding versatile drummer Ian Byrd, in 2003 to solidify the lineup, SOULAR’s self-titled debut CD included the single “Why,” which received regional radio play on a number of commercial alternative rock stations, including KTZO/The Zone in Albuquerque. That year SOULAR won a statewide search for New Mexico’s best new alternative band and began to gain recognition for their mesmerizing live performances. Building on the momentum of these early successes, SOULAR traveled to Portland,Oregon in 2004 to record their latest release, Time & Space, and the sessions became a watershed moment for the group. “Being together in Portland really birthed the sound of the band,” says bassist Ashcraft. “We found our own niche, genuine to who we really are.” The band also made a conscious decision that they were individually ready to make personal sacrifices in order to make better music, a commitment that has been at the heart of SOULAR’s growing national story. “sonically big melodies, hook-laden modern rock songs, and lush arrangementsimpressive.” - HEIDI DROCKELMAN, INDIE-MUSIC.COM Much of SOULAR’s spacious, atmospheric sound can be attributed to the band’s rich musical experience and background, as well as each member’s musical successes before coming together. Lead singer Marsh Shamburger graduated with a music degree from Baylor University and has published and produced numerous recordings and songs with companies such as EMI. Shamburger, who also provides guitar and keyboards, brings developed melodic and textural sensibilities to the rock genre. Guitarist Brian Lee has helped further take the band to new heights after joining in Feb. 2005. Brian’s unbridled guitar presence, singing, songwriting, and use of unique textures such as the theremin, have taken SOULAR to new heights of sonic creation and live experimentation. “Our sound is a fusion of all that we know and have listened to,” said Shamburger. “It is about what we are feeling and experiencing at the moment a song is written. We just write and perform the kind of music we like and the result is our sound and music." The resulting EP, Time & Space, has taken SOULAR to a new level of creativity and exposure. The record charted on the CMJ Radio 200 for 9 weeks, garnering significant play on more than 130 college stations across the country. SOULAR has now sold more than 10,000 combined copies of their two releases and maintained a relentless touring schedule; 2005 shows include the Atlantis Music Festival in Atlanta, The Midwest Music Festival in Indianapolis, and the Southpark Music Festival in Colorado, where they received glowing reviews. Following a number of recent successful industry showcases in Los Angeles, SOULAR is currently back in the studio in Portland, working on a recording for release in early 2006.