About

With so many artists vying for attention, bands continue to get lost in the white noise and over-saturation of our day.  For Branch, it’s been pretty simple.  The four band members (all born in different states) strive to musically give it their all to describe, celebrate, remember, and bow before the greatness of their God. “The goal with every song, every record, and during every moment on stage is to help people get their eyes off of them and on to the God who changes everything,” said Steven.  That is to use music to create an atmosphere of praise. “As we gaze at the beauty and truth of our great God, we are transformed. 2 Cor 3:18.” Bands and songs come and go, but the life-change of Jesus Christ lasts for eternity.  As I started to be on a stage more and more in college I was struck by Daniel 12:3 which says, those who are wise will shine like the brightness of the heavens, and those who turn many to righteousness, like stars forever and ever” –biblical stars. Their purpose is to lead, point to and draw attention to God.  That’s what I want to do with my life!  Worship has many definitions (check out the definition blog), but simply put we believe our greatest purpose and joy is to place all our value, life, and praise in God.  So yeah, we consider ourselves a worship band- meaning, a group of people who write songs for the church and mostly for corporate worship settings. Though we believe that being rooted and grounded in a local church is vital to our walk and growth, we believe our call is to THE Church.  We want to encourage and reach out to THE church and therefore we travel and write.  (We’d love to come to your church)

On “Up Down or Inbetween,” the band teamed up with veteran producer Brent Milligan, who helped take the sounds and ideas of Branch to a new level. Other notable contributions on the record include those of producer/drummer Paul Mabury, best known for his work with Hillsong, United; Stu G, lead guitarist for Delirious; and co-writing credits from artist Josh Wilson (who just happens to be the brother of band co-founder Rachel Patterson). The wealth of talent in the studio resulted in a standout record. “It’s been a collaborative effort as we teamed up with so many brilliant friends,” said Steven. “We feel there’s much more space and more ‘moments’ on this record for the listener to get lost in the music. Hopefully”

History

Steven Patterson and Rachel Wilson met at a local Bible study in Abilene, Texas, eventually marrying and forming a praise and worship band. Two albums later, the members of Branch — which include the remarkable talents of Josh Jones and Levi Bradford — have found a voice and platform to champion Jesus Christ and the things He’s about: love and grace, justice and faith. Based in Athens, Texas, about an hour southeast of Dallas, Branch is rooted in its home church of First Baptist, where Steven is the music pastor. “All of us work at the church in some way or another,” said Steven. “We believe as a band our greatest asset is being closely connected to our local body and with what God’s doing in us.  In fact, most of our songs come out of what God’s doing right here in our community of faith.” The church has also been a foundation of support for band members as they travel many weeks out of the year. “We’d be nothing each week without the covering of prayer by so many in our church body,” said Steven.

 

Steven met Rachel at Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene. The two formed a band and got the opportunity to trade weeks leading worship with Jeff Berry alongside the teaching of Matt Chandler at Grace (Abilene’s collegiate Bible study). After leading worship at Grace and their local church, the band began traveling to lead worship at various camps, conferences and retreats. In 2005, the band officially became Branch with the release of the debut album, “Desperate for Real.” The name came from John 15 with the key verse being, “Abide in me, for apart from me you can do nothing” (15:5). “We felt like we always needed to remember that,” said Steven. Soon Branch was traveling full time, leading others to experience, know and worship God. Branch released “The Side Effects of Seeing” in September 2007. “Up Down or Inbetween” was released Aug 2011.