What started in 2002 as a trio of high-school juniors performing locally in their Seattle hometown just for kicks has now expanded into a full-time, full-fledged success with a record-breaking debut CD, a budding radio hit ("Gone So Young") spinning on stations across the country, and a new video getting lots of attention. Amber Pacific's college plans have been placed on hold and lives have become road-bound.
So how did this all become a reality? Chalk it up to getting the right music in the right hands. While recording their second EP (which was tracked with the intention of having friends and associates hear their progress), the band's producer Martin Feveyear introduced them to an acquaintance who was able to get their disc in a few labels' hands. The band agreed to give it a shot and the attempt paid off--big time.
The music found its way to the Hopeless Records office in Van Nuys, California, where company president Louis Posen recognized he had been given something special. Meetings were scheduled and a relationship was offered. Only one problem existed, Amber Pacific had just lost their drummer. The band, which also includes singer Matt Young, turned this loss into a positive, using it as an opportunity to improve the band. The search wasn't easy, but with a little hard work, they managed to locate Dango, a Nashville native who held a degree in music. He flew out and aced the audition.
With their roster solidified, the act signed to Hopeless in January 2004, and released their debut EP Fading Days in May 2004. From there, touring and a lot more touring helped turn Fading Days into and underground hit, leaving lots of fans craving a proper full-length from the band.
With a loyal following building and press buzzing about the band, Amber Pacific entered the studio again with producer Martin Feveyear. They spent roughly seven weeks in the studio perfecting The Possibility And The Promise, which would become one of the top pop-punk albums of 2005.
"Our big goal was to not have any filler songs on the album," guitarist Will Nutter says.
"We wanted to be able to listen to it all the way through," adds bassist Greg Strong
Not having any filler has served Amber Pacific well. WithThe Possibility And The Promise, the band has carved out a near permanent slot on the top independent artist charts and they have toured the country several times, rocking audiences along side bands like Matchbook Romance, Silverstein, Chiodos, Paramore, the Lashes, and more.
Yes, a lot has changed since Amber Pacific was self releasing EPs in Seattle.
