Formed in the Autumn on 2004 by Andrew Jonathan, Michael Morgan, and brothers Micah and Tony Olla, the quartet were inspired by such diverse genres as shoegaze, new wave, power pop, and indie-rock. Combining a layered instrumental foundation with driving rhythms and melodic vocals, Northern Room spent the next six months crafting their unique sound. Then, in the Spring of 2005, they fled their home state of Wisconsin and recorded the Last Embrace EP in Nashville, Tennessee.

This first official recording, released independently in the United States in February of 2006, includes the dreamy Galaxy , the haunting This Wreckage, and the electronic-flavored Last Embrace. In January of 2007, Northern Room returned to the studio to record an additional four songs which were independently released as the Only Seconds EP, including the atmospheric Stars of God and the driving rock hit We're On Fire. In April of 2007, Japanese label BM.3 Records released the contents of both EPs as a full-length album -- titled Last Embrace -- in Japan.

In late 2007, Northern Room combined the ten tracks from both EPs, three live acoustic tracks, and one previously unreleased song -- Home - - to create Last Embrace - Deluxe Edition. This enhanced CD, which also contains a music video for Last Embrace, was independently released internationally in November of 2007.

Fresh from a packed residency at Milwaukee's Hi Hat Lounge, Northern Room is touring regionally in the Midwest to a rapidly-growing fan base, supporting such bands as the Silversun Pickups, Jack's Mannequin, Ben Lee, The Hush Sound, Bon Jovi, The Gufs, Mute Math and Switchfoot. The band is looking forward to a busy Summer festival season, supporting The Bravery, OneRepublic, and the BoDeans.

From their humble roots in a small South Carolina town to their formative years at the University of South Carolina, David Reed (vocals, guitar), David Baker (bass) and Nathan Reed (drums) arose from recording their first demo in their living room to selling nearly 4,000 copies of their self-released EP in 2005. Take these scars. Make them Bleed. is available exclusively on iTunes on November 13th, 2007.

beverlymartelmusic.com myspace.com/listentocloser

Shown are (front row): songwriter Josiah Bell; BMI’s June Neira; songwriter/artists Matthew Mayfield, Frankie Storm and Duncan Sheik; composer Steven Sater; and songwriter/artists Lady GaGa and Lanz; (back row): BMI’s Ben Tischker and Wardell Malloy; songwriter Claude Kelly; songwriter/artist Brent Smith of Shinedown; BMI’s Charlie Feldman; songwriters Curtis Richardson and Dave Katz; and BMI’s Samantha Cox.

Josiah Bell
Songwriter/producer/engineer; signed first production deal to M2 Entertainment at 14-years-old; produced and wrote six songs for Stellar Award and Grammy-nominated gospel artist Vickie Winans at age 15; produced and wrote two songs for gospel artist Smokie Norful, including the hit single, “Can’t Nobody”; Smokie’s CD went Gold and won a Grammy for Gospel Album of the Year. Josiah is currently working on a solo project.

Dave Katz
Prolific songwriter for bands like Coheed + Cambria, Gym Class Heroes, Boys Like Girls; wrote and produced “Bring It (Snakes on a Plane)” for the Snakes on a Plane soundtrack; worked with Roger Daltry on his 1992 release, Rocks in the Head.

Claude Kelly
Singer/songwriter/vocal arranger for artists like Carl Thomas, Trey Songz, DJ Clue, Ray J, Danity Kane, Brooke Hogan, Frankie J

Lady GaGa
Singer/songwriter and N.Y. native, GaGa was chosen by the Songwriter’s Hall of Fame as one of nine performers in the 2006 New Songwriter’s Showcase, and as result, was signed to a production deal with Sony’s multi-platinum producer, Rob Fusari; since then GaGa has been in the midst of a label and industry frenzy!

Lanz
Songwriter/rapper; by 13, Lanz was already making an impression on New York’s underground rap scene, performing at clubs around town. At 16, her razor sharp lyrics and delivery on tough issues caught the attention of Interscope/Geffen/A&M Chairman Jimmy Iovine, who signed her. Currently finishing up her debut CD.

Matthew Mayfield
Lead vocalist/guitarist for Moses Mayfield who was writing his own songs by 12. For him, songwriting is about connecting on a personal, emotional level, “dealing with my own demons and other peoples’ demons, vicariously.” Moses Mayfield has opened for Switchfoot, The Fray, My Morning Jacket and will be opening for Pete Yorn in early ’07. Debut release on Columbia set for March 27.

Curtis Richardson
Has written for Jennifer Lopez and LL Cool J (No. 1 hit “All I Have”), Joss Stone, Rihanna, Sharissa. Coming up in ’07, Curtis will be writing with Craig David, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood and Chaka Khan.

Steven Sater
A multiple threat with projects in theatre, film, music and television. Sater makes his Broadway debut with the book and lyrics to Spring Awakening. His partner, Duncan Sheik, wrote the music to the smash musical, which topped some of 2006’s Ten Best lists from Time Magazine, USA Today, New York Magazine and both critics from Time-Out New York and The New York Times, placing Spring Awakening among the front-runners for this year. In just a matter of weeks, the CD is already No. 3 on the Billboard charts for Cast Albums and Virgin’s No. 1 best seller for Cast Albums.

Duncan Sheik
Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter/recording artist who scored for film and the stage; produced Gold records for himself and his peers; year-long ride on the pop charts with “Barely Breathing”; new CD White Limousine. Broadway debut with writing partner Steve Sater of critically acclaimed Spring Awakening, the new musical based on Frank Wedekind’s controversial 1891 play about a young person’s sexual awakening.

Brent Smith
Lead singer and songwriter for Atlantic platinum recording artists, Shinedown. Brent currently co-wrote the album cut, “There and Back Again” with RCA chart-topping American Idol finalist Daughtry and is currently co-writing in all genres, including rock, pop and country.

Frankie Storm
Philly-based 24-year-old singer/songwriter currently working with production teams like Stargate, Soul Shock and Karlin and the Underdogs.

Steven Curtis Chapman	Jars of Clay

The 2003 BMI Christian Songwriter of the Year was recognized for his work on the Special Event Album of the Year, Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and The Wardrobe, along with peers Jars of Clay, Rebecca St. James, Ed Cash, Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Steve Mason, Matt Odmark, Aaron Sprinkle, Toby McKeehan and Christopher Stevens.

Ed Cash	Aaron Sprinkle	Toby McKeehan

Versatile BMI songwriter and producer Ed Cash won big as well, adding yet another Producer of the Year honor to his credit, along with a nod to his role as writer on Song of the Year and Worship Song of the Year, "How Great is Our God."

Kirk Franklin	Casting Crowns

BMI's Christian rock artists celebrated another strong showing this year. Rockers Casting Crowns nabbed Group of the Year honors and Pop/Contemporary Album of the Year for Lifesong, while punk rock troupe Relient K snagged Rock Album of the Year for Mmhmm. "The Slam" by tobyMac, featuring producer Christopher Stevens, was named Rock Recorded Song of the Year.

Wayne Haun	Blind Boys of Alabama

Matt Kearney and Robert Marvin's tune, "Trainwreck," was dubbed Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year, while Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year went to producer Aaron Sprinkle for Behind the Music. Kirk Franklin dominated the urban categories, taking home honors for Urban Recorded Song of the Year ("Looking for You") and Urban Album of the Year (Hero).

Switchfoot

Alison Krauss & Union Station were honored along with producer Ronald Block for "Living Prayer," which was named Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year. Carrie Underwood added to her swelling list of accolades as "Jesus, Take the Wheel" was deemed Country Recorded Song of the Year. Rounding out the country and bluegrass categories, The Lewis Family's collaboration with producer Wayne Haun, One Rose, nabbed Bluegrass Album of the Year.

Sixteen-year-old BMI artist Corey Brooks' album About You earned the young performer his first GMA nomination for Country Album of the Year. Brooks made the trip to Nashville all the way from West Virginia to attend the ceremony. Although he went home without an award, he left with something that may very well mean much more. "This was my first GMA Awards show and it amazed me how God is using everyone's unique talent as tools to glorify Him," Brooks mused. "I was so honored to be nominated with such phenomenal artists in the rising genre of Christian Country Music." 

Founded in 1964, the 4,500-member Gospel Music Association is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA represents all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise & worship, Southern gospel, country and children's gospel music. The GMA produces the GMA Music Awards, which recognize achievement in all genres of gospel music and are voted on by members of the GMA.

BMI's 2006 GMA Winners:

Song of the Year
"How Great is Our God"
Ed Cash/Alletrope Music

Group of the Year
Casting Crowns

Producer of the Year
Ed Cash

Rap/Hip Hop Recorded Song of the Year
"Trainwreck"
Matt Kearney (artist and producer)
Robert Marvin (producer)

Rock Recorded Song of the Year
"The Slam"
tobyMac
Toby McKeehan and Christopher Stevens (producers)

Inspirational Recorded Song of the Year
"In Christ Alone"
Don Koch

Southern Gospel Recorded Song of the Year (tie)
"Long As I Got King Jesus"
Brian Free & Assurance
James Cleveland (producer)

"Through The Fire"
Crabb Family
Gerald Crabb (producer)

Bluegrass Recorded Song of the Year
"Living Prayer"
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Ronald Block (producer)

Country Recorded Song of the Year
"Jesus, Take the Wheel"
Carrie Underwood

Urban Recorded Song of the Year
"Looking for You"
Kirk Franklin (artist & producer)

Traditional Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
"God Blocked It"
Kurt Carr (artist & producer)

Contemporary Gospel Recorded Song of the Year
"Not Forgotten"
Israel & New Breed
Israel Houghton and Aaron W. Lindsey (producers)

Worship Song of the Year
"How Great is Our God"
Ed Cash/Alletrope Music

Rap/Hip Hop Album of the Year
Behind The Music
Aaron Sprinkle (producer)

Rock Album of the Year
Mmhmm
Reliant K
Matthew Tehissen (producer)

Pop /Contemporary Album of the Year
Lifesong
Casting Crowns

Inspirational Album of the Year (tie)
Rock of Ages...Hymns & Faith
Vince Gill

Southern Gospel Album of the Year
Live at Brooklyn Tabernacle
Crabb Family
Jason Crabb, Adam Crabb, Aaron Crabb, Kelly Bowling (producers)

Bluegrass Album of the Year
One Rose
Lewis Family
Wayne Haun (producer)

Urban Album of the Year
Hero
Kirk Franklin (artist & producer)

Traditional Gospel Album of the Year
Atom Bomb
Blind Boys of Alabama
John Chelew (producer)

Contemporary Gospel Album of the Year
Mary, Mary
Steve Huff (producer)

Special Event Album of the Year
Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, The Witch, and
The Wardrobe
Steven Curtis Chapman, Jars of Clay, Rebecca St. James, Ed Cash, Steven
Curtis Chapman, Dan Haseltine, Charlie Lowell, Steve Mason, Matt Odmark,
Aaron Sprinkle, Toby McKeehan

Musical of the Year
Grace That Amazes
Lari Goss

Short Form Music Video of the Year
"Stars"
Switchfoot

Aaron Sprinkle	Relient K	Ed Cash

Singer/songwriter/producer Aaron Sprinkle was showered with the most praise, earning eight nominations for his work with artists in a variety of categories, including pop/contemporary, rap/hip-hop and worship. Three of his nominations are for CD compilations that will compete for Special Event Album of the Year, including Happy Christmas Volume Four, Music Inspired by the Chronicles of Narnia: The Lion, the Witch and the Wardrobe and WoW Christmas Green.

Casting Crowns	Steven Curtis Chapman

Pop-punk outfit Relient K came in with six nods, earning two for "Be My Escape," two for their album Mmhmm, and two as contributing artists on a pair of Special Event Album nominees.

Earning five nominations apiece were Christian rock band Casting Crowns, who will vie for Group and Artist of the Year; alt-rock group Switchfoot, whose Nothing Is Sound is up for Rock/Contemporary Album of the Year; and 2005's Producer of the Year Ed Cash, who hopes for a repeat win in that category.

Crabb Family	Jars of Clay	Wayne Haun

Southern gospel veterans the Crabb Family also took home five GMA nominations, with individual family members Gerald, Jason, Adam and Aaron each earning their own multiple nods.

Casting Crowns' lead singer Mark Hall picked up a total of four solo mentions, including two Song of the Year nominations for the hits "Lifesong" and "Voice of Truth." Pop/rock quartet Jars of Clay, producer Wayne Haun and Relient K frontman Matthew Theissen rounded out the quadruple nominees list.

CeCe Winans	Toby McKeehan	Switchfoot

BMI award-winning artist/songwriter Steven Curtis Chapman, who has collected 49 Dove Awards to date -- more than any other artist in gospel music history -- has a chance to pass the 50-trophy mark this year if any of his three nominations results in win.

Also earning triple nominations were 13-time GMA Award winner Lari Goss, gospel producer Sanchez Harley and church group Israel & New Breed; leader Israel Houghton is up for five of his own GMAs.

Other BMI nominees included double earners Ernie Haase & Signature Sound, Vince Gill, Grits, Kids In The Way, Dave Moody, tobyMac (Toby McKeehan) and CeCe Winans, as well as Yolanda Adams, Blind Boys of Alabama, Building 429, Fred Hammond, Rodney Jerkins, Lewis Family, Donnie McClurkin, Martha Munizzi, Dottie Peoples and George Teren, who is also up for a 2006 ACM Award.

Songwriter of the Year contenders will be revealed, along with the winner, at the 37th Annual GMA Music Awards ceremony, to be hosted by 2006 Dove nominees Rebecca St. James and Kirk Franklin. The recorded show will be televised in national syndication from April 15 to May 21.

Founded in 1964, the 4,500-member Gospel Music Association is dedicated to exposing, promoting and celebrating the gospel through music. The GMA represents all styles of gospel music including contemporary pop, rock, urban gospel, praise & worship, Southern gospel, country and children's gospel music. The GMA produces the GMA Music Awards, which recognize achievement in all genres of gospel music and are voted on by members of the GMA.

BMI's 2006 GMA Awards Nominees:

8 Nominations
Aaron Sprinkle

6 Nominations
Relient K

5 Nominations
Ed Cash
Casting Crowns
The Crabb Family
Israel Houghton
Aaron W. Lindsey
Otto Price
Switchfoot

4 Nominations
Mark Hall
Dan Haseltine
Wayne Haun
Jars of Clay
Charlie Lowell
Steve Mason
Matt Odmark
Matthew Theissen

3 Nominations
Steven Curtis Chapman
Jason Crabb
Lari Goss
Sanchez Harley
Israel & New Breed

2 Nominations
Alletrope Music
Kelly Bowling
Kurt Carr
Teron Carter
Club Zoo Music
Gerald Crabb
Adam Crabb
Aaron Crabb
Christopher Davis
Dizmas
Ernie Haase & Signature Sound
Jerome Fontamillas
Vince Gill
Percy Gray, Jr.
Grits
Stacy Jones
Mat Kearney
Kids In The Way
Ay'Ron Lewis
Dave Moody
NewSong
Ric Robbins
Rebecca St. James
SWECS Music
tobyMac (Toby McKeehan)
CeCe Winans

Other Nominees
Yolanda Adams
Duane Allen
Paul Allen
Rev. F.C. Barnes
Luther Barnes
Blind Boys of Alabama
Ronald Block
Kevin Bond
Paul Boutte
Damon Bracy
Brian Free & Assurance
Building 429
Kyle Bynoe
Marc Byrd
Champions for Christ Publishing
Dean Chance
John Chelew
Stan Dailey
Alvin Darling
Daywind Music Group
Hector Diaz
Chris Eaton
Kirk Franklin
Aaron Gillespie
Rob Graves
Kenny Greenberg
Greenberg Music
Fred Hammond
Tom Hemby
Rick Hendrix
George Huff
Steve Huff
Integrity's Praise! Music
Rodney Jerkins
Lee Jerkins
Fred Jerkins III
Don Koch
Jean-Luc Lajoie
Shawn Lane
Frank Lenz
Lewis Family
Robert Marvin
Donnie McClurkin
Annie McRae
McRaes
Nelson McSwain
Meaux Mercy
The Mighty Clouds of Joy
Buck Moore
Martha Munizzi
Michael Neale
Peach Hill Songs
Aaron Pearce
Dottie Peoples
Rizen
Roger Ryan
Carolyn Sanders
Belinda Smith
Sparrow Song
Spinning Audio Vortex
Ralph Stanley
Ralph Stanley II
Derrick Starks
Christopher Stevens
Marty Stuart
George Teren
Rev. Gerald Thompson
Anthony Vero
Reed Vertelney
Tommy Walker
Fred Washington
Mark Whitehead
BeBe Winans
Marcos Witt