Band-ography

Hey guys. Ben here. ok. for real this time. no like any of you read the first [test] post. this is the first legit post :D

So, to begin, the band is composed of five of the coolest people that God has ever saved.

Garrett McGeein - Vocals

Reed Mitchell - Lead Guitar

Jason Ortiz - Rhythm Guitar

Zak Campbell - Big Black Bass

Steven Castillo - Drums

Garrett, and Reed pretty much grew up together in the little town of Gardnerville, Nevada. Gardnerville, as beautiful as it is, is one of those towns that Californians just pass through when they trying to get to Lake Tahoe or Reno. Garrett has always been gifted with a brutal voice box, and it's no coincidence that he and Reed, a guitar prodigy, became best friends. Early in life, they met Zak, the jolliest friggin' black man on the planet. It's so hard not to love that guy. He moved up to Nevada from San Diego, and quickly became friends with Reed and Garrett. Going to the same middle and high school together (mostly) the three practically lived with each other.

Starting the well known band Disfiguring the Goddess, Reed and Garrett left on good terms. After, trying and erring over and over again in the music scene, trying multiple different types of genres, Gare and Reed began a side project that fell as soon as it started (xWholeHeartedx). But a new vision was given to them, and they got to work. However, they were a drummer and bassist short (because Zak hadn't joined the band yet. dang high school.) Lucky for them, I knew two legit dudes who were really able to rock those two instruments: Micah and Lars. With the weekly Bible studies on Friday nights, Reed, Gare, Micah, and Lars, birthed what is now an upcoming metal scene phenomenon: I Built The Cross. Through their blood, sweat, and tears, and many microwave taquitos later, the four were able to pump out the three debut songs (Stand Together, Heart of a Servant, Encouragement) that qualified for their Pre-EP. However, through a rift in destiny, Micah and Lars left the band, but still remain good friends today. What now?

That's when Zak stepped up and took the bass position.

Soon after, they took on Jason for rhythm guitar. Who, admittedly, I [Ben] don't really know a whole lot about. I do know he has been sober for the past year and so, so kudos to you, man. Christ has brought you a long way, and I'm excited to see what He'll do with you :D

But still a drummer short, things started to look bleak. But God is so good.

A brutal drummer from the humble lands of Florida flew all the way from the east coast to the west coast to see if he could fill the position. Taking a HUGE leap of faith, he moved EVERYTHING to live closer to his new found project in Nevada. Good for him, too, because he is exactly what these men needed.

So there you have it. An abridged history of IBTC. Not much, but what else is there to do when you're sitting in a coffeehouse, homework-less, next to people who won't even talk to you? Write a blog! Hopefully, some of you follow in my footsteps ;)

And who am I? Who is this Ben? "He must be this manly, good-looking warrior that spends countless hours doing what he can to get IBTC's word out" you must be thinking. Oh please, you're far from correct. (Except the manly, good-looking part. it's the beard ;))

I'm just a good friend, who also grew up in Gardnerville. And being as little of a town that is, I was bound to meet these guys. I'm so glad i did :D

Stay tuned for more! Thanks for reading!

P.S. Make sure you buy their album on iTunes! And force all your friends to buy it! :D Here's the link: http://itunes.apple.com/us/artist/i-built-cross/id284948745

Thanks, guys!