Album Notes

"Coda" is defined as a concluding musical passage that stands alone from the rest of the piece. Brent Coleman and Patrick Kane Damphier, founding members of the Nashville-based band Coda, knew they had come up with a name that described their musical style perfectly; something that stands out from the rest.
Coda is exactly what the modern music community needs: something original that has no boundaries. Their songs are initially written on acoustic guitar or piano, enabling them to combine their unique melodic sense with Damphier's thought-provoking lyrics and vocals. Coleman's classically trained guitar, blended with heavy electric riffs, precise harmonies, and tasteful, dynamic arrangements, define the Coda sound. "Their music is enriched with the kind of musicianship that a majority of bands never even grasp," says Nathan Cougill of NashvilleRock.net.
Coda's first live performances came during May of 2002 in support of their initial studio recording, From the Beginning, and released on their own independent label, Gize Records. These early performances consisted of Damphier and Coleman playing stripped down versions of the record on acoustic and classical guitars, but quickly evolved into something both of them wanted to pursue further in the context of a band. October of 2002 was Coda's first full band show with the addition of drummer Jerry Roe and bassist Chris Van Belkom. Over the following months, they quickly gained a stellar fan base in and around Nashville. By the end of 2002, Coda had sold well over 1,000 copies of From the Beginning to become Tower Records' best selling local artist of the year. In 2003, the members of Coda continued to build momentum in support of their debut album by packing out local venues 3rd & Lindsley, The End, Blue Sky Court, and Exit/In. The popularity of the first album motivated Coda to once again enter the studio with the challenge of creating more new music. The finished product is Empires Fall, slated for release December 18, 2003.
Coda enjoys a great deal of success today, yet the formation of Coda's talent was a long time in the making. Founding members Brent Coleman and Patrick Kane Damphier began playing music together as friends at the age of ten. Patrick played drums, and Brent played guitar in a number of bands over the years before they finally decided to create something that was their own, thus laying the groundwork for Coda. Brent received a Bachelors Degree in classical guitar in the spring of 2003 at Middle Tennessee State University, and is currently on full scholarship at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, TX pursuing a Masters Degree in classical guitar. Patrick Kane Damphier will graduate with a degree in Music Business at Middle Tennessee State University in May, 2004. He has done extensive studio work over the past six years working for County Q Productions in Nashville and independently producing numerous albums, including both of Coda's studio efforts. Former lead singer of successful rock band Habbit, Chris Van Belkom brings great vocals and musical ability to Coda as the bassist for live shows. Drummer Jerry Roe, although only nineteen years old, signed his first drum endorsement with Mapex drums in October of 2003.
The members of Coda are not only accomplishes musicians, they are avid music fans. As such, they often ask themselves the same question all fans ask, "Where can we hear something different?" Listen to Empires Fall and From the Beginning. Coda has found an answer.