Augustana

Augustana Biography

Augustana is an alternative rock (or piano rock) band that originally met and formed at Greenville College in Greenville, Illinois, United States. The original band members included Dan Layus, Josiah Rosen, Simeon Lohrmann, and Kyle Baker. The band recorded Midwest Skies and Sleepless Mondays on campus in early 2003. After locally releasing their Mayfield EP, the band parted ways with drummer Kyle Baker and bass player Simeon Lohrmann; and added Josh Calhoun (drums) and Jared Palomar (originally keys, moved to bass guitar) to the lineup. Soon after, the band decided to quit school and head to Los Angeles in search of a label. Augustana quickly signed by Epic Records in California during 2004. Josh Calhoun was replaced by Justin South. Their first major-label album, All the Stars and Boulevards, was produced by Epic Records and catapulted them into the spotlight. The band is perhaps best known for its single, Boston, whose music video features the lead singer on a beach full of pianos and was featured on the WB show "One Tree Hill." Their music has also been largely played on NBC's comedy, Scrubs. Characterized by piano lines and the breathy vocals of Dan Layus (the lead singer), Augustana's sound is at once contemplative and slow, but also captivating. Josiah Rosen left the band in April of 2006. Chris Sachtleben replaced Josiah. David Lamoureux also parted ways with the band end of 2006/early 2007. John Vincent replaced David. In early 2014 the band announced that they had signed with Razor & Tie. On April 22, 2014, Augustana released the album, Life Imitating Life. On September 2, 2015, Augustana release three new tracks ("Climb", "Must Be Love" and "You Can Have Mine"). In 2016, they began touring as an opener for the Dixie Chicks on their DCX MMXVI World Tour. On August 3, 2016, Augustana's social media sites changed their named to Dan Layus, the name of the sole remaining founding member and lead singer/songwriter. Dan Layus released the album, "Dangerous Things," on October 21, 2016. The band members are: Dan Layus (lead vocals, piano, guitar) Jared Palomar (bass, keyboards, vocals) Chris Sachtleben (lead guitar, mandolin) Justin South (drums) John Vincent (keyboards, vocals) Former band members include: Simeon Lohrmann (bass, vocals) Josiah Rosen (lead guitar, vocals) Kyle Baker (drums) Josh Calhoun (drums) David Lamoureux (keyboards, vocals)