Bio
Altar’d is an alternative Christian rock band hailing from central Louisiana with a heart for ministry and a drive for musical excellence. With seven years of touring and four full-length albums under their belt, Altar’d has seen success in the field of ministry as well as the music industry.
During a four month West Coast “mission tour” in 2008 the band literally lived from show to show and really learned what it was to fully depend on God and see Him move in peoples’ lives. “We’ve been fortunate enough to see the impact of our music for the kingdom first hand,” says lead guitarist, Corban Calhoun. With intense praise and worship sessions and high energy rock performances, the band has something for everyone. Matt Johns, front man and founder of Altar’d, considers himself “blessed beyond belief” with the current lineup in the band. “We have some of the strongest players I’ve heard, and they’re playing for the right reasons” he says.
Altar’d has been well received on a national level. In 2007, the band’s Live album earned them nominations for “Rock Band of the Year”, “Rock Album of the Year”, “Rock Song of the Year” (I Am Not Ashamed), and “Male Vocalist of the Year” (Johns) for IndieHeaven’s Momentum Awards. This afforded them the opportunity to share the stage at Big Spring Jam 07 in Huntsville, Alabama with headliners Toby Mac, Skillet, Family Force 5, Thousand Foot Krutch, and BarlowGirl to name a few. Through 2008 and 2009 the band toured the U.S., including stops at Creation Northwest, ChristJam, Christfest, and X-Fest; while piecing together their current full length album, “Divided”, with Dove Award winner and Grammy nominated producer, Barry Blair (Audio Adrenaline, Bleach). 2010 has seen the band’s first minor market radio release, “You Are There”, hit #1 on four of Christian Radio Weekly’s charts (A/C, CHR, Canada, and Internet). Much is expected out of the Altar’d as they release their first major market single, the title track from the new album, “Divided”, and tour to support it in 2010/11.
Altar’d consists of Matt Johns (vocals), Corban Calhoun (lead guitar), Jon Lafitte (bass) and Blake Powell (drums). The band is currently touring the Southeast and writing songs in anticipation of another recording project.
Corban Calhoun is the lead guitarist for Altar’d. He is influenced by guitarists such as Slash, John Petrucci, Yngwie Malmsteen, and many others. He has played guitar for 5 years and is also a skilled pianist and drummer. He has also traveled and recorded with the Trey Thomas Band and Fire. Corban is a very passionate musician who puts his whole heart into writing and playing music. He is proud to endorse Gibson Guitars and Mack Amps.
Jon lafitte, the bass player for Altar’d, has been playing bass guitar for 7 years. His early music influences included The Steve miller Band, Steley Dan and Aerosmith. It wasn’t until he heard the melodic sounds and heart felt lyrics of Stone Temple Pilots that his passion for music was realized. Complimenting the blues style of Kyle Robson and the driving leads of Corban Calhoun, Jon’s style of bass playing is one that can be described as a tasteful pocket player.
Blake began playing drums at the age of 2. After a few months beating on pots and pans with spoons his parents decided to get him his first drum set. After that the rest is history. In 1995 and 1996 Blake competed and took first place in the Louisiana Statewide drum competition "Drum Wars". He also played in his fifth grade talent show, after he played the kids all gathered and wanted his autograph. After this He began to play with his church praise and worship band. Blake began to travel in Jr High with the Alpine Worship Team. In August of 2004 he tried out for Altar'd. He went on to home school and travel full time his senior year. Blake is proud to endorse Risen Drums.
Matt Johns, the front man and founder of Altar'd, grew up playing the drums at churches and for the southern gospel outfit, the Joyful Sounds. He later learned all the instruments needed to record modern praise and worship tunes for a home-made project which turned out to be the first attempt at an album by Altar'd. In the summer of 2004, Matt enlisted the help of some fellow musicians to finish the record and ended up with a band that played 50 shows in its first year. In 2005 the band began to write their own music, moving towards a more Alternative Rock sound. In 2007, Matt was nominated for Independent Christian Music's Male Vocalist of the Year with the band being nominated for Rock Band of the Year. In California, while on tour the summer of 2008, Matt met his rockin' wife, Jess, who was also on tour with her band as well. They are now happily married and have two dogs (children), Bella and Gator. Matt is proud to endorse Composite Acoustic guitars.
