BYU NewsNet - Local band performs, releases debut album

Brothers Ben and Chad Truman have certainly been busy this past week. On Thursday, they opened for Kelly Clarkson at UVUphoria, on Friday they held a debut album release show and on Saturday they performed at BYU.

Despite a hectic performance schedule, the Nashville natives are enjoying every minute.

“We are way excited,” said guitar player Ben Truman. “It’s all about the music with Chad and I. Forget looks, dance moves, fireworks and all the other hype. The songs are what make it for us.”

Beginning in 2006, Truman recorded two to three songs each time they visited home. Eventually, “Hold On to Love” was organized. The album release concert took place at Sammy’s Cafe in Provo. With an outdoor stage set up, fans gathered along the street to purchase a copy and to see the band perform live.

After mingling with fellow friends, fans had the opportunity to pose in an old photo booth and snack on free ice cream cones.

Jackie Tohn, an “American Idol” contestant from this past season who placed in the top 36, opened for the band.

The band estimates more than 100 albums were sold at the release. Because of the overwhelming number in attendance, Provo police arrived to investigate the noise.

The brothers formed Truman after Ben arrived home from his mission. The brothers are the sons of Dan Truman, the keyboardist for country music band Diamond Rio. Because their father plays music for a living, the boys’ home growing up revolved around music, Ben Truman said.

“We’d always be doing group numbers in church and such,” Ben Truman said. “But it wasn’t like your stereotypical musical family. You know, not the over-the-top kind. As soon as we were done singing around the piano, you better believe ‘SportsCenter’ came on.”

Lindsay Parcell, a junior with an open major, purchased a CD at the release party.

“I love Truman because their songs are songs that anyone can enjoy and relate to,” Parcell said. “They’re different from most bands because they actually are going to go somewhere with their talent.”

In March, Truman placed third in the MormonTimes Showcase, an online music video contest.

A Nashville agency is currently booking college shows across the nation to promote the band. Over the next five months, the brothers will tour across Utah, Idaho, Missouri, Minnesota and Texas.

On Tuesday, they will perform at Tahitian Noni in Provo along with four other Utah artists. The show will begin at 8 p.m. and tickets are $5.

CDs are $10 and online orders can be placed through the band’s Facebook page.