The story of Middle Ground began more than twenty-two years ago when Bradley Roger and Steve Drennen meet on a religious retreat called Teens Encounter Christ (TEC). Brad had been writing lyrics and poems since he was 12 years old. Like wise, Steve had been playing drums and guitar since he was ten years old. They briefly worked in a band called “Highway Star” before they formed their first band “Emeralde.” They began writing original material - right from the start. Something unheard of at the time in St. Peters and O’Fallon, Missouri. Most bands in the early 80’s didn’t play much original material. Their early material focused on much of the same issues as they write about today: love, politics, conflict, and the human condition. At this point, songwriting and music was just a hobby.
As their high school years came to a close, Brad went off to attend college at Southeast Missouri State University and Steve joined the United States Coast Guard. But they continued to write songs despite the distance between them. Brad would send packets of lyrics to Steve - and Steve would put music to as many as he could. This working relationship continued for many years, while Steve lived in Dallas, Texas. At this point, songwriting was still -- just a hobby. Then in 1996, Steve moved back to St. Louis and stayed for good.
Around this time, they were convinced by family and friends to try and do something with their more than 100 songs. Armed with a 4-track Tascam Tape Recorder they began the process of writing new material, editing and rewriting older material which resulted in over 50 songs registered with the U.S. Copyright Office in Washington, D.C. Over the next two years, they submitted 3 or 4 different types of demo tapes to publishers and producers across the country for review. Though they were never offered a contract --- the experience of recording, mixing, and packaging was invaluable. They officially became MIDDLE GROUND and it was no longer just a hobby…it was a destiny.
Steve was the engineer and technical director, while Brad was the executive producer handling the PR duties. They upgraded the studio with a Korg Digital Recorder and added a much needed collaborator to the music -- concert pianist LeAnn Smith-Cho. Then on October 1, 2001, they released a 6 song CD demo entitled “Equal Spaces.” A project that will always be linked to the events surrounding 9-ll, they produced and distributed over 600 copies. Within months of the release the music business began to change dramatically to what it is today … controlled by a network of corporate giants. To fulfill any destiny … they had to take a leap from a hobby to a business.
Nevertheless, Brad and Steve were determined to bring their music and message to the public. They enlisted the help of some very fine musicians and recorded/produced their first finished product. On May 1, 2003 they released a “self-titled” CD and began a tour throughout the St. Louis area. In just three months after the release, they sold over 300 copies and the band was video taped for the Music TV show Mid Coast Mania.
They had come a long way and managed to stay together for 22 years through Thick -n- Thin. In more ways than one, that accomplishment may be more important than the music itself. And with today’s music business - that is indeed a rarity.
