Hello! We would like to introduce you to the ministry of Kindred Nation, a contemporary Christian music group based in the metro Detroit area. We feel a strong calling to share the gospel with the lost and hurting. We also want to encourage, challenge, and build up the body of Christ.
The group's name is taken from Revelation 5:9, which describes every kindred, every nation before the throne of God. This theme seems an appropriate description of our diverse blend of musical styles, which range from original urban and jazz-influenced pop to Latin, African, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern world music.
Members of Kindred Nation have shared the stage with national acts including Geoff Moore & The Distance, Tommy Walker, StorysideB, Whitecross, Smalltown Poets, Jacobs Trouble, Mark Farner of Grand Funk, Joe Perry of Aerosmith, Stanley Clarke, Doc Sevrenson, Phil Driscoll, Bryan Duncan & Sweet Comfort, Chubby Checker, Steve Camp, and Maynard Ferguson. They have received airtime regionally, including Detroit stations WLLZ, WRIF, WMUZ, WDET & WJR. Assembled together they are being described as one of the most unique Christian bands ever to hit Detroit.
The group released its first CD, "Believe Like A Child" in June 2005.
A typical Kindred Nation concert runs about an hour and a half. Our concerts include praise and worship, evangelism, ministry of the word, and an invitation for the hearers to commit their lives to Christ.
Kindred Nation is equally at home in coffee houses, churches, rescue missions, and outdoor festivals. We are currently booking engagements for upcoming months. Financially, we require no honorarium. We ask only for a love offering. We will gladly work with you on the details of P.A. and promotion.
Kindred Nation started as a writing session with Kevin Casteel and Jackson Baugh in February 2002. They soon added London, England guitarist, Simon Frost, followed shortly after by bassist (and longtime band member with Baugh), Carl Behrendt. As the group was formed, they picked up Detroit vocalist Chester Price.
In the summer of 2003, Simon Frost moved to Phoenix, Arizona for a business venture and Chester Price passed away unexpectedly from an aneurysm. After these events, Baugh, Behrendt, and Casteel considered dropping the band. Fortunately, "God supplied our needs", says Baugh. They were introduced to vocalist Scarlett Moore through another musician. Multi-instrumentalist Joe Palmer was contacted through Faithfest Music Festival director, Gary Schippling and another guitarist. Both Scarlett and Joe have been a "perfect fit" for the group's vision of music and ministry. The group performed live for the first time on New Year's Eve 2003 in Brownstown, Michigan.
Their first CD together, "Believe Like A Child" was released June 26, 2005. It was engineered by Sean Morse. It has a wide variety of music styles including pop, Gospel, jazz, reggae, African, South American and Middle Eastern flavors. It consists of original material with the exception a unique version of the standard, "Lord I Lift Your Name On High". The release is on Mission Records and was recorded at Kingfish Studio (Dearborn) and The Mission Studio (Downriver). It was mastered in Chicago at Massive Mastering and duplicated in New Jersey by Disc Makers.
Kindred Nation can be enjoyed at many festivals, coffee houses, churches and auditoriums as well as selected secular venues. They have played the Detroit Rescue Mission (and will again) and are going into the prison systems to do concerts. "We are about reaching people", says Baugh. They are also looking forward to recording another CD.
Rhonda Hanson Recording Artist, Nashville, TN
I know three of the members of the group Kindred Nation because they have been a blessing to me on past occasions by literally being my band on short notice. Jackson Baugh, Kevin Casteel and Joe Palmer are each gifted and accomplished musicians on their own. Jackson is an instinctive drummer who "sits in the pocket" (something very much desired here in Nashville) and yet can provide as much energy and assertiveness as is needed. Kevin has a keyboard finesse similar to my much respected friend, veteran keyboardist Harlan Rogers. Joe is a delight every time he performs, constantly surprising me by producing instruments I didn't realize he could play and mastering them all with equal skill.
I finally got a chance to hear Kindred Nation live! It seemed that conflicting schedules were always getting in the way, but in July at the 2005 FaithFest music festival, I saw them on the artists roster and deliberately added another day to my Michigan trip just to hear them. It's an amazing thing to actually see this band perform, even more enjoyable than listening to the CD, because of the visible enthusiasm each band member contributes to the show. Kindred Nation has a new, fresh sound; nothing like the redundant "cookie-cutter" fare many associate with todays radio rotation. In fact, I was reminded several times during their concert of Bela Fleck and the Flecktones [a popular contemporary jazz / world fusion group]. Kindred Nation has a nice, warm jazz vibe going on that draws you in. Their project Believe Like A Child has made it from my bookcase stack to my car. That is my test of a good CD. If it makes it to my car, it's good music. It's well worth your while to check this band out!
Gerald and Carol Ervin Pastors, Acclaim Ministries International Hosts, Anointed Faces Gospel Coffeehouse Recording Artists, Sounds of Imani Detroit, MI
Everyone is still talking about how wonderful Kindred Nation is.....We thoroughly enjoyed you all and look forward to our upcoming concerts. Anointed Faces supporters really love the different feel of KN. I think our groups have so much in common because we don't put God in a box. We desire to go beyond the boundaries to touch the nations. We thank God for our friendship with you guys.
Paul Rogers Christian Artist Member of "Mission : Grace" Detroit, MI
I got the CD yesterday and listened to it a few times... very impressive how you've blended many different musical styles on the album! Sometimes with certain genres of music some bands can't "pull it off," or make it sound authentic, but I didn't sense any of that with your songs. You have a wide comfort zone with the music you play and it's really cool to know that a "local" band can sound as good or better than some of the popular music played on the mainstream and even the Christian radio stations these days. You definitely bring a much deeper and broader musical palate to the listener, and of course the message with the album is right on target... When you, or us, or any Christian band writes a song like "One Cross," or "Grace, Mercy and Love," it's not a holier-than-thou message, as if we're "better" Christians; it's an honest question facing every Christian today... are we just talking the talk or are we actually walking the walk?
Jon Culbert Morning DJ WMUZ, Detroit, MI
I listened to your CD and really enjoyed it. I like the influences from musical styles around the world. I'd definitely like to come to one of your shows.
Chaplain Serafin Parr / Gus Harrison Correctional Facilities Adrian, MI
These guys (and gal) are incredible !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
If you/they ever need an endorsement for concerts in Correctional Institutions, please give me a holler.
What a blessing they were.
Thelton Hutson Spoken Word Artist & Resident Poet Anointed Faces Coffeehouse Detroit, MI
You guys have a whole lot of soul!
Denise Strong Publicist Red Letter Records and 4th Fridays with Rufus Harris Waterford, MI
I had the pleasure of working with Kindred Nation at a Benefit Concert for the passing of a mutual friend. They were an absolute joy to listen to and watch. Not only were their songs creative and melodic, but their message was timely and relevant. Their musicianship was exceeded only by their zeal for sharing the Gospel. The band has a heart for Christ and it showed in every song they performed. They are truly one of Metro-Detroit's hidden treasures - but hopefully, not for long.
I look forward to working with Kindred Nation in the near future. Do not rob yourself of the opportunity to experience their ministry. You won't be disappointed.
Amy Timbers Recording Artist, MI
I'm listening to your CD right now... very, very good. I'm impressed with everything... from the cd jacket, artwork & originality, to the music, to the quality of the recording, to the diversity in your music, to the lyrics, to the expert musicians, to the vocalist. It's very good--you should be very proud.
God bless your ministry. I'm excited for you, Amy
Rev. Randy Duncan Pastor Living Word Church, Plymouth, MI
Kindred Nation is a breath of fresh air in the predictable world of Contemporary Christian Music. While their bold blend of musical genres display an amazing depth of musical aptitude, their music properly serves their lyrics which are firmly rooted in the Word of God. They are a band that embodies the Great Commandment and the Great Commission. So, if you are looking for a Christian band that has a heart for the Lord and the lost, plenty of Soul, non-dumbed-down lyrics, and a powerful Gospel presentation, I would recommend Kindred Nation whole-heartedly!
Gary Schippling Director FaithFest Christian Music Festival Brownstown, MI
Kindred Nation is a Christian band with a wide music appeal. They are an amalgam of top-flight musicians with varied musical backgrounds, and this fact allows them to possess a range in styles and genres not often found in bands. The members of Kindred Nation are also of one accord in their belief and faith in their Lord and Savior. This strong faith is evident in their music ministry. The lyrics of their songs speak powerfully of The One they have chosen to serve. I feel blessed to have heard them many times and still am able to bring away with me a feeling of having shared in a time of worship and praise, where the best has been given for the Best.
Sean Morse Recording Engineer
Aside from being a phenomenally talented group of musicians and songwriters, they're truly some of the nicest people I've ever had the opportunity to work with. Catching a glimpse into their walks of faith has been an inspiring and motivating experience. It's been a privilege to be able to play a part in their ministry.
Eileen Martin Ford MP&L International Festival
Employees are still talking about what a wonderful event the festival was this year and the entertainment. I'll be sure to invite your band to return. Hopefully I'll be able to get to hear more of your great music.
C.W. Ross Christian Rockers Online CD Reviews
This release not only doesn't follow a cookie-cutter song formula, it takes you in many new wonderful directions. This release can best be described as a multi-flavor musical journey around the globe by way of many different musical styles. You'll find every style of music from; Jazz, Pop, and Rock to African, Latin, Caribbean, and Middle Eastern on this CD. No matter what the style is the music comes across as very professionally done and filled with different layers of instrumentation on each song.
Some examples of the more unique sounding tracks are:
"Shabu Hu," which means, 'He Will Come For His People' in Arabic. It's a song which has a rich middle eastern flavor.
On the well-known church hymn, "Lord I Lift Your Name On High" the band adds a Conga flavor to make it their own unique version.
One of my favorite songs on the release is, "Thank You." While not being one of the most complex songs found on the CD the lyrics are all about singing praise to God. This song will have you both clapping your hands and stomping your feet while singing along to its easily learned lyrics.
Being a former trumpeter in my younger years in school bands I have to throw in a shout out to Joe Palmer for his nice trumpet work found on several of the songs.
Without a doubt the most poignant song is, "Big Guy" a song in memory of band founding member and friend Chester Price. The entire CD is dedicated to his memory.
Except for two of the songs all the lead vocals are handled by band member Scarlett Moore. Her vocals come across as silky smooth and comforting while still being passionate.
If you're looking for something interesting, unique, passionate and well worth your time then you should get this CD!
Go and Do Michigan
With a mission unlike most other bands in the area, Kindred Nation plans to continue playing out at coffee houses and auditoriums in the area, as well as venues like the Detroit Rescue Mission and local prison systems. Aside from its live act, it also plans to record another album in the near future.
