Smalltown Poets has always been a band dedicated to their fanbase, which has continued to consistently grow throughout their nearly two decades as a band. Even though they have only recorded studio albums every few years and band members are scattered across the country, Smalltown Poets has stayed constant, releasing inspiring, hook-filled rock and pop songs. With "Christmas Time Again," all original members traveled to Atlanta to work together for the first time in sixteen years. This gave the band the opportunity to not only create a unique holiday project, they were able to renew their commitment to their band, and to each other.

"Thanks to technology and modern recording techniques, we have been able to stay a band, writing music and recording, even though we live in different cities across the country," states Michael Johnston, lead vocalist. "It's strange to say, but coming back together as a band in the studio felt like home. So many themes in Christmas music focus on family, togetherness and those sorts of feelings, so being together in the studio brought new meaning to those themes. I think you can hear it in the songs."

"It was extraordinary how quickly we fell back into place musically. The whole process was as if we never stopped touring and living in the same areas," explains Danny Stephens, keyboardist for the band. "Now we feel truly honored and excited for the experience to share these songs live."

Formed in 1996, Smalltown Poets began in Georgia when high school friends Michael Johnston, Danny Stephens and Byron Goggin, met Kevin Breuner and Miguel DeJesus who were musicians then based in Nashville. Quickly, the band received accolades from both critics and fans alike, with numerous Top 5 radio hits, including the song "If You Let Me Love You" that went to #1 on the Billboard CHR radio charts, and "Monkey's Paw" hitting #1 on Christian Rock Radio. Now, after 6 studio albums, 2 Grammy nominations, 7 Dove Award nominations and a Billboard Music Video Award, this Christmas project has brought the band together as never before.

Michael continues, "Smalltown Poets is a brotherhood, so this reunion has felt incredibly special. We have realized that we're better husbands, dads, friends and musicians because of one another. Over the years, we have become much more than Smalltown Poets the band. We are Smalltown Poets family. We are delighted to bring this deeper, richer purpose to the recording process. To be together feels like home after an extended trip away."

Christmas Time Again tour dates:
Nov. 30 - Snellville, GA
Dec. 2 - Dallas, TX (Private event)
Dec. 3 - Ft Worth, TX
Dec. 4 - Duluth, GA (Atlanta)
Dec. 18 - Shelby, NC

Smalltown Poets "Christmas Time Again" is available November 25 at online outlets including iTunes, the Smalltown Poets website and at concert events - https://itunes.apple.com/us/album/christmas-time-again/id938584024

http://www.smalltownpoets.tv

For more info on Smalltown Poets visit the JFH Artists Database.

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