PureVolume

Members: Ben Montgomery, Bradley Wilson, Sam Montgomery, Dan Montgomery, Tim Montgomery

"When I was in the 7th grade I wrote my first song," says Ben Montgomery, lead singer, guitarist and songwriter for Crying Stones. "It was horrible, but it had potential." And potential seemed to be the word that followed Ben for the next few years.

Shortly following his first song he joined with High School buddies to form a band. After many ideas, the name Crying Stones prevailed, and the members began to write songs together taking such influences as Relient K, MXPX, and Gametime. After a couple months, CS had their first opportunity to perform: The Mound City Talent Show. "I'd say that show was a learning experience for the band," says Sam (drummer). "We definitely weren't all that great that night, but it opened doors and eyes of the Northern Missouri area that a new band was on the move."

And on the move they were. The next few years would determine the shape of the group. Playing all over Northern Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska, the band began to expand. A fan base began to grow.

Ben adds, "It was a really interesting time for the band. Our music was getting better and the shows were getting more and more numerous, and it just felt as if we were on the edge of a huge explosion."

And explode they did. Just six months following the addition of Bradley on bass, Crying Stones released their first full-length album "Ode to Your Mother." Sales boomed for the first two months of release and the boys knew that they had "potential" all over again. That same summer following Brad's addition the band played an average of 2-3 shows a week and even traveled as far as Washington State to embark on a two week tour. They even took the act coast to coast when they traveled to Washington D.C. just 9 days after returning from Washington State.

In the fall of 2004, Ben and Sam's cousin, Jordan Goldsmith, wholeheartedly took on the role of rhythm guitar and background vocals for Crying Stones. Since then Dan and Tim Montgomery have joined the band on guitar/vocals and keys, and Jordan has chosen to pursue other musical interests.

Now the thing Crying Stones look forward to is the release of their next full-length album "Crying Stones--Punky Soup" set to be released in June of 2009, and the road to rock stardom that God is leading them down which Ben originally dreamed of nearly 10 years ago. And this dream seems to be a reality which rather noticeably is fast approaching.

As they strive to take you (the audience) to that place where God is, they promise that all of their talent is given by God for the Glory of His Son and their goal and focus is to see Him lifted up.

Crying Stones Management

For more on Crying Stones

www.cryingstones.com
www.myspace.com/cryingstones
www.purevolume.com/cryingstones