Album Notes

"New Influence" captures the style of Creed and rising Christian artist Jeremy Camp while at the same time adding their own flavor. The songs on this CD were masterfully created and produced and carefully put in place to form this masterpiece of infectious Christain rock. Each song has a story and will speak to the depths of your soul. Whether it's the U2 delayed guitar effects, the distortion crankin' or the acoustic guitar accentuating the melody, lead vocalist Joe Monto delivers pure vocals and drives intense emotion to make each song an incredible experience.

New Influence--the band began in the Summer of 2002 by Joe and Lisa Monto. One day Joe asked his wife Lisa how she would feel about starting a rock band and hitting the road to tour the country. She thought he was crazy! But Joe being the persistent guy that he is, talked his wife into playing the bass, Tony , their son, into playing the drums and the family purchasing a 15 passenger van (for their 4 kids and band gear) and hitting the road.

Tony Monto (Joe & Lisa's son) is the key piece to New Influence as he gets "in his groove" on the drums. It's happened on tour time and time again--people were amazed at Tony being only 15 years old, yet he's such an amazing drummer!

Lisa is a GREAT bass player! She really makes the bass come alive with her tasteful bass lines. Her background in music have cleared the way for her to bring the bass to the next level.

People always come up to Joe and tell him how much he sounds like Scott Stapp of Creed or Jeremy Camp. "I get it all the time" says Joe . "Actually, I'm older than those guys, so they sound like me." Actually, Joe is honored to have people compliment and place him in the same category with those two very gifted vocalists. "It's an honor" says Joe.

Since last May (2003) New Influence has toured across 30 states and has been the awesome experience that Joe Monto has always dreamed about. The fans have been swooping up on the "New Influence" CD at their concerts.

New Influence is stoked about this CD because the songs they wrote on this album really fit together like a puzzle. This is CD that you definitely want to add to your collection!