Biography
Cold December Way was founded by Matt Phelps and Ben Harpold in 2003 as an acoustic song-writing project.
The duo from Seattle area eventually had enough songs to begin playing live but both Phelps and Harpold wanted to take CDW electric. The duo invited friend Matt Cummings to helped lead Cold December Way into full rock-band status by joining on drums.
Cummings eventually had to leave due to a shoulder injury and was followed by the addition of two new members, drummer Dustin Talley and bassist Lukafresh. The band began playing live shows and recording their first album "Pause for Laughter," during the fall of 2005. The album featured a very electic mix of styles and both Phelps and Harpold taking turns singing lead - an aspect that would help to define the band's sound. Songs such as "With a smile," "Tredwell" and "Cinematic Moment" became popular with fans.
In 2007, "Pause for Laughter" was finally released but Talley and Lukafresh were no longer part of the mix. CDW was forced to go on a six month hiatus while they searched for a new drummer and bass player.
In 2008, Brian Lomatewama filled in the bass player slot and a whole lot more. He not only brought in his melodic bass style, but also began contributing as a song writer and third lead singer. Kevin Kildun replaced Talley on drums and was a valued member until his departure due to creative differences.
Cold December Way pushed on without a drummer and decided to return to their roots with the release of the band's acoustic album "Rebuit … and getting warmer" in 2010. The album features new songs such as "Broken Song" and "Ties I've Found," along with reworked songs for the acoustic setup.
The group continued to perform acoustic shows but still yerned for the electric sound they had strived for in the beginning.
Austin St. James came and went, as yet another casualty on drums, thanks to family issues.
During mid 2011 the band began work on its third album "Electrified", which is set to be released in early 2012.
The five song EP gives an electric life to such fan favorites as "Broken Song" and "Ties I've Found" and new unreleased works such as "Piece of Mind" and "Culture of Fear." The hard-copy CD is also designed to be a gift to fans who attend shows and includes remastered versions of songs from "Pause for Laughter."
The band is also moving forward with their third full-length album. It will feature all new material and CDW will premier many of the tracks in demo form on this Web site for fans to listen to prior to the studio version being recorded.
CDW recently welcomed drummer Steve Shrauner into the fold, who brings a rock-steady beat and creative vibe that has electrified new songs and brought fresh life to some of the old favorites.
Cold December Way has been through many drummers, a lot of adversity and even more Sunday afternoon pizzas, but one things has stayed consistent - attempting to make music with no boundries.
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