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Two Acadiana Musical Acts Receive 2016 Grammy® Award Nominations

Feb 02, 2016 04:44PM ● By News Desk

Lafayette’s own Lauren Daigle (Shown below) and musical group The Revelers (Shown in the cover photo) both received the official word that they have been nominated for a Grammy at the 58th Annual Grammy Awards.

While the official winners will be revealed February 15th, FACE Magazine seized the opportunity to speak with Daniel Coolik of the Revelers and solo artist, Lauren Daigle about the  potentially career changing nomination.  

The Revelers who were Grammy Nominated for their album “Get Ready” in Best Regional Roots Category consist of Blake Miller, Accordion; Chas Justus, Guitar; Daniel Coolik, Violin; Glenn Fields, Drums, Eric Frey, Bass; Chris Miller, Saxophone.

They are a modern Southwest Louisiana roots band comprised of six fiercely talented, hardworking, fun loving guys. The self proclaimed working class band travels out of town more than six months out of the year playing live shows. Most members have known each other for 10+ years, some playing together for more than fifteen. Each musician brought their own flavor to form The Revelers in 2010 to make music that makes people get up and dance.

That was the premise of their sophomore album, “Get Ready”according to Daniel Coolik, which was recorded at the studio of recording engineer, Ivan Klisanin. “There’s no real theme….we just tried to write songs that make people get up, dance and have fun,” he explained. The record features both English and French songs, written by various members. The album title is credited to Blake Miller of Iota, who wrote four French tracks featured on the record.

When making the album, no one expected a Grammy nomination. Although most members have been nominated before in other bands and projects, this is a first for The Revelers. Coolik was vacationing in Canada when he got the news. “It was very unexpected,” he recalls. When asked about the band’s thoughts on the possibility of winning, Daniel replied, “I can only speak for myself. If it happens, cool. If not, that’s okay, too.”

Catch The Revelers Upcoming Local Shows:
February 5th     Artmosphere - Lafayette
February 6th     Lakeview Park & Beach - Eunice
February 9th     Tee Mamou Mardi Gras Folk Festival - Iota

Daniel Coolik: “It’s always nice to come back home and see loved ones and familiar faces…being on the road doesn’t allow that on a daily basis.”
  • Additional Information can be found on their website: www.revelersband.com
  • Photo credits to Lee Celano

 

Lauren Daigle is a Christian solo artist who has been Grammy nominated for her album, “How Can It Be” in Best Contemporary Christian Music Album Category.

The 24 year old Lafayette native is taking the Christian music world by storm with her debut album, “How Can It Be”, which was released in April 2015.  In addition to the Grammy nomination, the title track [released as an EP in the fall of 2014] received a K-LOVE nomination for Worship Song of the Year, went Top Ten at Christian radio, No. 1 on iTunes Christian Singles Chart and was named by iTunes as one of the Top Christian songs of 2014. At the same time, the EP  How Can It Be  reached No. 1 on the iTunes Christian Albums Chart and was named one of the Top 20 Christian releases last year by the online retail outlet.

Writing most of the songs alongside Paul Mayberry, Jason Ingram, Mia Fieldes, Hank Bently, Michael Ferrin, Paul Dunkin, Justin Ebach, and Leslie Jordan, Daigle is elated at being nominated. “When I was a little girl I would throw Grammy parties with my friends. I would study the red carpet and be enamored with the entire process. When I found out I was nominated, I was filled with excitement. I was so completely honored. It immediately made me think about the dreams that God stowed away in my heart,” she says.

The inspiration for “How Can It Be” was deep heartache and loss experienced by the death of Lauren’s grandfather, to whom she was very close. Using the pain as a catalyst for growth and healing, Lauren spoke of the process, saying “I truly believe that his death inspired the birth of a new sound in my heart that I was able to share on the record. It challenged me to make every second count. I wanted people to feel the presence of God the way I encountered it for myself in the room the night he passed. I was shown that Jesus is a God of peace and love, and comfort for all of those in need.”

Daigle is currently touring and working on a second album inspired by people she is meeting on the road. Italy is the next stop to fuel a new approach on writing as she immerses herself into their culture.

Upcoming Shows:
April 1st    Winter Jam Tour – New Orleans, LA

Additional information can be found on her website: www.laurendaigle.com