User:Romanejay/Human Anyway

Human Anyway is an American Christian Rock band based out of Springfield and Nixa, Missouri. The group consists of Zac Rantz (lead vocalist), Evan Marshall (lead guitarist and backing vocalist), Marcus Walker (rhythm guitarist and backing vocalist), Jared Crawford (bassist), Kevin Bates (drummer), and Nicholas Nance (guitarist and auxiliary).

Early Years (2007 - 2009)
Human Anyway formed in June 2007 with four members: guitarist Jeremy Anglen, bassist Christopher Anglen, guitarist Jonathan Hall (all former members of the secular band Seventh Reason), and drummer Jay Dela Cruz. In the beginning, the group lacked a frontman and so utilized the social networking site, MySpace, and posted an ad in hopes of fulfilling this need. Shortly after, Zac Rantz auditioned and joined the group. In August 2007 Jonathan and Jay parted ways with the band leaving the ensemble incomplete once more. The guys then recruited Matthew Petry to take up the position of drummer leaving them with a seemingly full membership. Realizing later that their music needed something a little extra, the group then brought in guitarist John Van Gorden to bring this foursome into its own as a five-piece ensemble.

Yet To Be Determined (2010)
In March 2010, the group released their first full length album, "Yet To Be Determined", in conjunction with a CD Release Concert at the same time, which included guest performances by Justin Harris, Pennyless Rock, and Josh Stewart. This album's eclectic mix of original songs allows for a wide range of appreciation from any music fan. A review from Christian County's The Sun quotes:

"This is not an album where every song sounds the same and covers the same topic. Each track is unique, having it’s own sound and message.  From “Humble Me,” which jumps out and lets you know this isn’t your parent’s Christian music that you’re hearing, to the slower ballad “Dear Child” and the catchy groove of “Beautiful Disaster”[...], the album keeps you entertained, tapping your feet, and, in some cases, banging your head."

The article goes on to say:

''"Like most bands starting out the guys have written all their own songs, which once again proves how diverse they are in style and talent." ''

The album was available for purchase and download online from either the iTunes Store or CD Baby, or the CD could be purchased through their website. .

A Change in the Lineup (2010 - 2011)
In September 2010, Matthew Petry made the announcement to the guys that he was leaving the band to pursue other ministry opportunities and spend more time with his family. Once again, the guys took up the search for a new member to fill the role of drummer. In the meantime, Justin Harris, one of John's longtime friends and the group's former sound technician, was asked to join the group in early 2011. Justin's addition produced a new feel in the music through smooth keyboard effects and auxiliary sounds on multiple levels. The search for a new drummer continued, and for a year the guys struggled with one set back after another. However, in doing so the group was able to develop an acoustic set for which they performed on numerous occasions, which only solidified their musical talent and ability. Finally, an acquaintance of Justin's was approached to audition to fill the vacancy for drummer. Christopher Crenshaw, a seasoned performer in his own right, blew the guys away with his ability to jump in and play around with anything that was thrown his way. He was asked to join the group in September 2011, and he readily agreed. Once again, after patience and prayer, the members of Human Anyway plunged forward in their endeavor and ministry.

Dear Child Special Release (2011)
On March 22, 2011, an EF-5 tornado left nothing but devastation after it made its way through the Southwestern Missouri town of Joplin. Immediately, the guys sprang into action and at the end of that same month released "Dear Child (For Joplin Missouri)", a fundraising effort in which 100% of the proceeds from the download of their song, "Dear Child", would go directly to help “Bright Futures", a Joplin Public School organization designed to meet the emotional and psychological needs of Joplin students in both the short term and the long term following the tornado. In this, the members of Human Anyway would show that ministry and aid to their fellow man was at the forefront of their minds.  The single was available for purchase and download online from either the iTunes Store or CD Baby.

Break Free [Single] and 417 Magazine Award (2012)
In the February Issue of 417 Magazine, Human Anyway was announced as the "Best Local Band" in the 417 area code as decided on through a vote of their peers. Around that same time, the band entered the studio to record their next single, "Break Free", with recording engineer, Paul Carabello, who is commonly associated with the band The Ataris. The song garnered immediate local radio play and positive audience feedback. The single was available for purchase and download online from either the iTunes Store or CD Baby.

Who We Are and Stephen Cooper (2012 - 2015)
In the same year, the band released their second full length studio album, "Who We Are", which featured their single "Break Free". The group also teamed up with Kansas City veteran and Hip Hop artist, Stephen Cooper, in 2015 to collaborate a rendition of "Truth in Lies". "Who We Are" and the "Truth in Lies" remix garnered international airplay.

Unlabeled Records, Chaos and Critical Mass (2015 - 2016)
November 2015 brought some exciting news for the newly reformed group as they signed with the Kansas City based record label, Unlabeled Records, along with the release of their next single, "Chaos". Early the following year, this song was featured on their third full length studio album, "Critical Mass".

Cry Me A River [Single] (2018)
In May 2018, the group released a cover of Justin Timberlake's "Cry Me A River", which built on the success of previous albums and will be featured on their upcoming fourth studio album.

Current

 * Zac Rantz - Lead Vocalist (2007 to present)
 * Evan Marshall - Lead Guitarist and Backing Vocalist (2015 to present)
 * Marcus Walker - Rhythm Guitarist and Backing Vocalist (2018 to present)
 * Jared Crawford - Bassist (2018 to present)
 * Kevin Bates - Drummer (2018 to present)
 * Nicholas Nance - Guitarist and Auxiliary (2014 to present)

Former

 * Jonathan Hall - Rhythm Guitarist (2007)
 * Jay Dela Cruz - Drummer (2007)
 * Matthew Petry - Drummer (2007 to 2010)
 * Jeremy Anglen - Lead Guitarist and Backing Vocalist (2007 to 2013)
 * Christopher Anglen - Bassist (2007 to 2013)
 * John Van Gorden - Rhythm Guitarist and Backing Vocalist (2009 to 2013)
 * Justin Harris - Keyboard, Guitar, Auxiliary, and Backing Vocalist (2011 to 2013)
 * Christopher Crenshaw - Drummer (2011 to 2013)
 * Bobby Mead - Bassist (2014 to 2017)
 * Joel Rees - Drummer (2015 to 2017)

Yet To Be Determined (2010)

 * 1) Humble Me (3:45)
 * 2) Treasure (3:11)
 * 3) Sober (4:08)
 * 4) Beautiful Disaster (2:51)
 * 5) What You Get Is What You See (3:47)
 * 6) Dear Child (3:07)
 * 7) Faith Walk (3:35)
 * 8) Prodigal (4:36)
 * 9) Speechless Heart (5:17)

Who We Are (2012)

 * 1) Break Free (3:24)
 * 2) Truth in Lies (2:53)
 * 3) Gift of Words (3:47)
 * 4) Ashes in the Wind (3:23)
 * 5) Sheep Among Wolves (3:22)
 * 6) Who We Are (2:52)
 * 7) Sober [Acoustic Version] (3:46)

Critical Mass (2017)

 * 1) Humble Me (3:36)
 * 2) Shattered (3:50)
 * 3) Prodigal (4:36)
 * 4) Here I Am (3:26)
 * 5) Chaos (3:39)
 * 6) At The Sunrise (3:50)
 * 7) Not Ordinary (3:34)
 * 8) Ghostbusters [Cover] (3:35)

Cry Me A River (2018)

 * 1) Cry Me A River (Single) (4:14)