From the epitaph of the infamous buccaneer and esteemed governor, Woodes Rogers came the phrase Dum Spiro, Spero (While I Breathe, I Hope). Three hundred years later, five friends from the underground scene in Memphis, Tennessee adopted the phrase and ensured their five-piece rock outfit would go down in infamy.
Jeremy Townsend (vocals), Ben Abney (guitar), Matt Shankle (drums), Justin Toland (guitar), and Kyle Wagenschutz (bass) donned the name While I Breathe, I Hope in the summer of 2002. Impressed with the collaboration of sounds produced at several practices, the members began a serious musical endeavor that would challenge both themselves and their audience.
While I Breathe, I Hope combines sounds of punk, metal, indie, and straightforward rock n' roll to bring the listener songs full of intricate, layered melodies and heartfelt lyrics. Vocalist, Jeremy Townsend delivers lyrics that profess the struggles of an individual looking for a personal identity and relationship within himself, others, and his faith. Musical accompaniments deliver solid rock beats; hard-hitting rhythms; progressive, forward moving melodies; and climactical arrangements that satisfy any thirst for originality in the sea of mindless, monotonous music present in popular culture today.
With extensive touring throughout the Southeastern US and the release of a five-song EP in the spring of 2004, While I Breathe, I Hope promises that a new voyage has begun for the boys from Memphis. While I Breathe, I Hope is embarking on a musical journey that promises treasure beyond belief for any listener.
