"You know when you hear a song on the radio and you don't know who it is, but you love it and feel like you've heard it before? That's our band! The first time someone hears us, they go, 'I know that band!' Then someone explains, 'no, it's a brand-new song and band.' Saving Abel has an accessible and comfortable sound---you HAVE heard us before," states lead singer Jared Weeks. On their self-titled Virgin Records debut, songs range from the wild road tale in "New Tattoo" to the sexual innuendos of the aptly titled first single, "Addicted."
Weeks and Jason Null formed the band in their small hometown of Corinth, Mississippi in 2004. They met when Weeks, who was in a band, was playing guitar at his best friend's house, when Null, who was in a rival local group, walked in to rehearse with his band. Within days of that meeting, Null and Weeks were writing and honing the intimate writing style that now defines Saving Abel. In early 2005, the pair's songs caught the ear of noted producer Skidd Mills (12 Stones, Saliva, Submersed), who took the band into his 747 Studios in Memphis. Mills notes, "It was '18 Days' that hooked me. The first time I heard it I was like, 'these guys are the real deal; they'll be doing this for a long time.' Jason and Jared have always understood that the most important part of the music business is having great songs."
Saving Abel, the Virgin debut produced by Mills, features mostly brand-new tunes, plus a few favorites from the indie EP, including the poignant, perfectly crafted "18 Days," "Running From You," and "Drowning Face Down." Null explains that "18 Days" was lyrically inspired by sheriff Buford Pusser of 'Walking Tall' fame, while laughingly admitting that the rowdy road trip in "New Tattoo" ("The blue is for the bruise you left in my heart / and the red is for the color we're about to paint this town") is "based on a true story." Null furthers: "Our goals are always to concentrate on the song, not just one cool part to make a kid bop his head. Every person I talk to loves a different song of ours." Null was also the one who gave the band its name: "I Googled the story of Cain and Abel and found a line about 'there was no Saving Abel,' which just jumped out at me." Everyone agreed and the name stuck... much like Saving Abel's songs get instantly stuck in the minds and ears of everyone who hears them. With a radio-ready sound combining big riffs and memorable melodies, Saving Abel has created a polished combination of Southern and Alternative rock... 2008 style. Get Addicted. Get Saving Abel.
Show a little love for the hometown boys, as he sings on his upcoming release; Brent James knew what he wanted from an early age. He began singing with his mother in the front seat of their car and around the house while his father worked as an autoworker in Saginaw Michigan. James had a pretty good grasp on where he came from, always embracing his blue-collar roots. He began writing songs at the age of 9 while mowing lawns and doing chores for family all while telling his parents he would “move to NYC and become a singer one day.”
After fronting a couple bands and getting some touring under his belt, Brent knew it was time to make a leap. He packed up his bags and made the move to New York City. He began concentrating on song writing and honing his front man skills drawing on influences from Joe Cocker, Springsteen. Dylan & Mellencamp amongst many others. James: “There was never any shortage of amazing music playing around my house growing up. My parents had unbelievable taste. They introduced me to all the greats. I remember it totally making my head spin around”. Picture Bob Seger getting into a fist fight with the Beach Boys and that’s my son. He can go gritty or pretty….” says Brent’s dad Robert.
In 2009 a few of Brent’s raw acoustic demo’s that he made on his computer fell into the hands of Grammy Award Winning Producer Skidd Mills. Brent and Skidd hit it off immediately and began recording his debut full length at the Sound Kitchen in Nashville Tennessee.
“We moved so fast and it felt so easy it was a no brainer for me. You just know when you connect with someone musically and this was a live wire,” says James. With the record almost in the can and the band sounding better than ever, the sky is no limit for Brent James.
Saving Abel
Saving Abel 
THURSDAY
