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| COMMON UNION is: Cam Green (vocals) - profile Mitch Green (guitar) - profile Brian Koehneke (guitar) - profile TJ Wells (guitar) - profile Josh Elias (bass, back-up vocals) - profile Noah Karbach (drums, back-up vocals) - profile In January of 2003, the band Unamerican Dream was scheduled to have a show. At the time Brian K. and Matt Spinks were playing guitars for that band. Unfortunately, the lead singer had to pull out at the last minute. This was the last show, however, for Matt because the following week he was leaving to serve as a missionary in Nepal. He wanted to rock one more time despite the setback, so Brian sat down with his guitar and spent hours throwing some music together for a whole new set. They called Ian and Cam - good friends - and asked if they could pull something off in the FOUR DAYS before the show. So they practiced every day and got 5 songs nailed down. The show was a success, and the fellas decided to continue (minus Matt). Ian took his place on bass, and Cam's brother Mitch volunteered his guitar skills. Between 1st and 2nd shows, Brian's old bandmate Jesse was playing drums. Then Jesse changed his mind and started bass with The Gunns. So Ian went back to drums (with our friend Noah playing as sub from time-to-time). Later Noah took over full-time and CU borrowed Josh from Firefly Massacre to play bass. In November 2003 the band released "Wall Unit Air Conditioner," a demo recorded in 1 night and containing 7 songs: Intro to War, Marksman, Separate/Liberate, Victory Day, Writing My Own Eulogy, A Cause for Chaos, Epiphany. In the same month, Brian accepted God's call to work in Bulgaria with the Turkish-speaking Gypsy community there. He taught English, computers, the Gospel, and shared Christ in the Muslim community. He remained there for 9 months, coming home 1 month early because of a change in the visa law for Americans. After he left, the band took a month off to spend with families and friends. Common Union rejoined on January 7th 2004, with a new lineup. Stephen Boyd for a short time joined as auxilary percussionist. They played 1 show together on January 25th. About two weeks later, Stephen decided that Common Union just wasn't for him, and they parted ways. Common Union continued to thrive in all areas of faith and music. While writing new material, the band also welcomed TJ Wells to play on guitar. This not only served to cover Brian's parts on 2nd guitar, but TJ also brought his own style and personality into the CU sound. Now that Brian has returned from Bulgaria, the band continues with 3 guitars to rock the faces off any who dare listen. As the sound evolves, the focus stays the same: to live the life of unity and fellowship God has given to us through Christ's sacrifice. That is what the name "Common Union" is about. For more on that, go to the "Ministry" page. |
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