Winter was approaching and we all felt trapped. For years, we had played in Nashville modern rock groups, playing successful regional shows, selling thousands of CDs, getting play on popular MTV shows. But we felt a yearning for change, a need to break out of the old mold. We formed Lovers and Liars with a focus on doing things differently. We broke with modern rock tradition, trading Les Pauls and Marshall stacks for lead piano, drum machines, and synthesized textures. Switched straightforward singing for a diverse Mike Patton-style approach, using a variety of vocal deliveries to convey more complex sonic ideas. At the core, though, we stuck to hooky, personal songwriting, something that all too many of today's otherwise worthy "experimental" groups seem to forget to do. We found that our outside-the-box approach drew converts instantly. The Nashville modern rock scene was the first to embrace our new direction, craving a new sound and approach as much as we had. Three months after our packed-house stage debut, we were awarded "Best Alternative Band" and "Song of the Year" (for Buried Alive) honors at Nashville's Local Buzz Rock Awards. Kevin Matisyn, singer of Evans Blue, caught our set at the awards show and, declaring us his "new obsession," began raving about us publicly to his fans. We found ourselves sharing the stage with some of the biggest names in modern music, including Shinedown, Seether, Theory of a Deadman, Saving Abel, and Framing Hanley, and making new converts at each show. On August 22 we released a Dual EP, Before and After the Awakening. Recorded and produced entirely in frontman Stacy Hogan's private studio, it's a 10-song, 2-disc set that explores two different perspectives: The frustration and confusion of being trapped in a seemingly inescapable situation, and the freedom that comes from finally moving on. It's a different kind of release that we feel is worthy of the approach we've taken from day one. And yet it still feels like just the beginning... What people are saying about Lovers and Liars: \"Lovers and Liars are my new obsession!\" -- Kevin Matisyn of Evans Blue Best Alternative Band and Song of the Year (for Buried Alive) -- Nashville\'s Local Buzz Awards \"Fresh off a slot at Buzzfest and with one of their songs receiving airplay on MTV, Lovers and Liars are quickly opening eyes and ears not only locally but nationally.\" -- NashvilleRock.net