VOTA has come together and created a new sound for Christian music fans to experience. Over the past year, the band – Bryan Olesen (front man/guitar/songwriter), Case Maranville (bass), Scott Rutz (drummer) and Riley Friesen (guitar/keyboard) has become part of the INO Records family and are preparing for the release of their self-titled album. The project will be released on February 10th, 2009.

“We are looking forward to being a part of this new chapter in VOTA’s career,” says Jeff Moseley, President of INO Records. “They are a band who has consistently proven their talent and passion in their music at shows all across the U.S. and we’re excited for audiences to get to hear their new sound on their debut with INO.”

Formerly known as Casting Pearls, the group felt that with a fresh sound, new band member, new label and management it was important to rename the band to signal all the changes. There was also one other small issue:

“With Casting Crowns having such a name in the Christian music industry, we felt at this point being named anything that starts with Casting may cause some confusion,” jokes Olesen. “We felt it best to set ourselves apart from the possible puzzlement and start fresh.”

Produced by Nathan Dantzler (Relient K, Audio Adrenaline, Tree63) the 11-track album exerts high-energy artistic sounds, taking cues from the players’ previous alternative dichotomy and adding dance elements influenced by dance poppers Maroon 5 to ethereal rockers Augustana.

“Hard To Believe” is the first single from the new record and it impacted CHR on October 3rd. Olesen wrote it at a time when he realized what God is capable of and all that He has done. When he really thought about it, he realized God’s power and love is truly hard to believe. To listen to the single and several other songs on VOTA’s YMZ artist page.

Fans can also expect an explosive entertaining show when seeing VOTA live. The pop-rock band can be seen on the Sanctus Real “We Need Each Other” Tour this fall, accompanied by Tenth Avenue North and Sammy Adebiyi.