Carson City’s Hein, I Am They releases debut album

At 15 years old, Matt Hein never imagined he would become a musician, much less hear himself singing on the radio someday.

The now 28-year-old, Carson City resident is guitarist and lead vocalist for the band I Am They, which is set to release its self-titled debut album Jan. 27.

“I grew up in a musical home, but didn’t pick up a guitar until I was 15,” Hein said. “My friends use to make fun of my voice. It’s so weird to look back and think people are now choosing to listen to my voice, and enjoying it.”

The group’s lead single “From The Day” is in the Top 25 at AC radio and receiving support from many Christian radio stations nationwide.

“It was a surprise for us,” Hein said of the song’s popularity. “It took us off guard, but to see everyone’s excitement around the song has been awesome. The neat thing about it is it relates to everyone. It’s really just a celebration song.”

Hein recalled the first time they heard their song on the radio.

“We were chatting it up in the van,” Hein said. “None of us recognized it was playing and then we did. We all started screaming and got out our iPhones and started recording the moment.”

The band is launching a media campaign around the song at the end of the month.

“We want to hear from the public how their life has changed since they met Jesus,” Hein said.

I Am They will embark on the 23-city “Rock & Worship Road Show” tour beginning Feb. 18 in Dalla, joining other notable artists such as Matt Maher, David Crowder and Mercy Me.

“It’s some of what you would expect, but there’s also the element of surprise in walking it out because you can’t Google it, or research how it should go,” Hein said of the band’s success. “My 2-year-old came along right when the band was taking off, and we got industry attention out in Nashville. I’m traveling and we’re playing concerts and conferences, and all the while I have a family at home I can’t take with me.”

Despite being signed with Essential Records/Provident Label Group in 2013, the band members all kept their full-time jobs.

“Now it’s coming to a crossroads and we’ll have to ask for months off work,” Hein said. “We’re all walking this out by faith, and hoping for the best. God has been very faithful along the way. We’re very hopeful and expectant, but it is also the great unknown.”

The video for “From The Day” was filmed at the south end of Washoe Lake.

“That was our first experience like that,” Hein said. “It was so awesome. No. 1, it was my first time wearing makeup, so that was exciting, and you have someone running around with your wardrobe and steaming your clothes.”

Three other videos, which haven’t been released yet, were filmed in the Truckee area and South Lake Tahoe.

The six-member band is comprised of Hein, Adam Palmer (lead vocals/guitar), Stephanie Kulla (lead vocals/violin), Justin Shinn (keyboard), Bobby Stiehler (bass) and Sara Palmer (drums).

The album release concert is 7 p.m. at The Rock Church in Sparks, 4950 Vista Blvd. Doors open at 6:30 p.m. A second release concert is Jan. 24 at Faith Community Church in Lodi, Calif.

Admission is free.

“We want to make it special for the community,” Hein said. “As many people as we can pile in will be awesome.”

For more information, visit www.iamtheyband.com.