Operating on common ground in the alternative rock realm but mixing a devotion to religion in the meantime, the Texas quintet Leeland has been overcoming obstacles and fulfilling steep goals since the early 2000s, when the group got started in Baytown, Texas. The contemporary Christian crooners have perfected their faith-inspired style of pop/rock music to the max, resulting in the well-acclaimed albums Sound of Melodies and Opposite Way in 2006 and 2008, respectively. Leeland continues sending out their Christian ideals and refined music to the mainstream alternative CCM realm, enjoying the massive success the group has garnered since its inception.Spearheaded by the talented lead vocalist, guitarist and frontman Leeland Mooring, Leeland was formed in 2005 along with keyboardist/vocalist Jack Mooring (Leeland's brother), guitarist Austin Tirado, bassist Jake Holtz and drummer Mike Smith. Leeland Mooring had been penning songs since the age of 11, and this combination of his two loves (music and religion) served as incredible inspiration for the budding musician. He caught the attention of EMI CMG Publishing president Eddie DeGarmo in the early 2000s after competing in a songwriting contest, and he eventually inked a deal as a songwriter with EMI for various sessions. Using his connections in the music industry to jumpstart a band, Mooring recruited the other members of Leeland and the CCM quintet started rehearsing their soon-to-be hit music in a funeral home parlor.Leeland released the debut album Sound of Melodies on Essential Records in 2006, preparing the band for blowout success to follow. The band's very first album reached the number two slot on the Top Heatseekers chart, setting Leeland up for phenomenal success with their 2008 follow-up album Opposite Way. The 2008 release garnered even more success and an even bigger fan base, hitting number four on the Christian charts and number nine on the Independent charts after its debut.
