Breakout Acts NeedToBreathe and Skillet Choose Bandit Lites

skilletband.jpg needtobreathe-2.jpgTwo acts broke big this year, each after having spent time building a solid base and both chose Bandit Lites to serve as their lighting vendor.

Skillet, a 13-year-old act from Memphis Tennessee has long been very successful. In 2008, the hit single Comatose won the Dove Award for Rock Song of the Year. Skillet has built on their loyal fan base and is now a major headline attraction drawing fans in both the Christian and secular markets. The twice Grammy nominated act is currently touring on their latest album, Awake. Tour Manager/ Lighting Designer Scottyrock and Lighting Director Cale Wetstein work with Bandits' Brent Barrett to achieve the lighting uniqueness they deliver. Using a modest system that incorporates Mac 2000 Profiles and HES Studio Beams, controlled by a Jands Vista S 3, the show is nothing less than impressive.

NeedToBreathe, managed by industry veteran Kip Krones, has skyrocketed to prominence in 2010. Krones, former manager of The Moody Blue, The Outfield, Sara Evans and Sony UK, knew he had a superstar on his hands the first time he saw them. Bandit Lites VP Michael Golden also fell in love with the Seneca, SC based group the first time he saw them. After opening for Train, Collective Soul and Will Hoge, NeedToBreathe has graduated to headlining their own shows. In 2010, the band won an amazing three Dove Awards, Group of The Year, Album of The Year and Song of The Year. With a sound reminiscent of Coldplay meets The Fray, this Christian act has also gained a secular fan base on tour in support of their latest album, The Outsider. Tour Manager Tyler Scott and Lighting Designer Jay Wadell have worked closely with Golden throughout the year to keep the quality of the show at the highest level. Using the new GRNLite PAR 3-36, GRNLite Wash 3-36, Mac 250s, trussing and a Hog 2 console they build the fan base daily.

Bandit is excited to be a part of these two teams and looks forward to a bright future for both acts in the years to come.