OP - Info & Bios

OP ~ Info & Bios
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A child of adoptive parents, Shane found his way into his first family in July of 1971. Growing up in a family as an adoptee left Shane with the burning question "In whom do I find my identity?"

Spurred on by his love of music, Shane explored these questions while performing with several bands including About A Day. With his characteristic exuberance and "everyman" qualities, Shane contributed thought provoking, deep lyrics that were accessible to all audiences.

In Orphan Found, Shane explores the topic of adoption from his very personal experience. Elements of longing for acceptance, desire to establish an identity, coupled with a real sense of peace that comes only from above, pervade the new lyrical verse entitled "Orphan Found". The depth of feeling and the joy of this story carry you from beginning to end of this amazing piece. He aims to make you laugh, break your heart, and let you take a glimpse of the pure joy that he has found in his search for his true Father.

Orphan Project is thoroughly modern rock that grips the listener with it's emotionally charged lyrics, artistically intricate melodies, and incredible musicianship.

Orphan Project began in November of '01 when Shane Lankford (About A Day) approached John Wenger (Mars Hill & solo) with an idea to write a concept album on physical and spiritual adoption. John said yes and the process began to create a soundscape that could handle the lyrical depth of what Shane wanted and needed to get out. Based on major influences Kansas, Yes, Peter Gabriel, Dream Theater, and U2...Orphan Found was written.

Shane asked good friends, guitarist Chris Maggitti, drummer Nathan Grant, violinist Cindy King, and bassist Jason Chaillou (1up2down & About A Day) to play in the studio on the CD and John gathered bassist Colin McGough (Mars Hill, Forever Moon, & Cinema 8) and cellist Ben Hardesty. Together with the incredible leadership of John Grant and Tony Correlli (Secret Sound Studio in MD) they recorded Orphan Found during April-June '03.

In addition, Shane’s vision was to also perform "live", so the search began for members to join the band.

After searching for people who would have the time to commit to Orphan Project and some auditions, the final members of Orphan Project were found: Shane Lankford (lead vocals), John Wenger (vocals, guitars, keyboards), Colin McGough (bass & vocals), Tony Correlli (keyboards), Scott Spivey (lead guitars & vocals) and Tim Kehring (drums & vocals).