The Sonflowerz

biography

The Sonflowerz are an all-female rock worship band from Colorado Springs, Colorado. Their primary goals as a ministry is: “to worship God and direct others to do the same; to set an example to the young generation to live unashamed for Christ.”

The Sonflowerz began in 1999 when Elissa Leander began writing original worship songs at the age of 14. Elissa’s inspiration came from a love for music and faith in God. One of the first songs written was titled ‘Use Me’, and was about a prayer that God would use her to make a difference in the world. Reluctant at first to play in front of audiences, her friends urged her to join the band at her church's youth group. Encouraged by her youth pastor to form a band with her sister, Becca, they began performing at various venues across Colorado. The act’s first album, You Remain, and single, Crazy Love, were released in 2002. Their second album, Alive in You, was released in 2005.
Guitarist Joy, keyboardist Jessie, drummer Marika, and singer Amanda joined the group in 1999. Six young teenage girls, with no expectation to become full-time musicians, practiced weekly in Elissa and Becca's basement full of sound equipment belonging to their dad, a long-time musician and part of their inspiration to begin playing. Word spread about the Sonflowerz, and it wasn't long before weekends were full of local gigs and a growing audience.

Coffeehouses, TV stations in Colorado Springs and Denver, church youth events, outdoor music festivals, were a few of the variety of places they played in their first years. Months later in 1999, band members Amanda and Marika parted ways to pursue other callings. Drummer Shara joined the band a year later

Their first album, ‘You Remain’, was recorded in 2002 and followed up by a tour in April 2003 of southern England. This was no accident as Elissa and Becca's mum was born in England and the family spent summers there with relatives. Three weeks of travelling around the southern coast included concerts in British public schools, conferences for all-ages, radio interviews and youth group events.

Their second album, ‘Alive In You’, was recorded in 2005 and the group once again returned to the UK. 2006 marked a change in the history of the Sonflowerz - drummer Shara parted ways with the band, leaving sisters Elissa and Becca to press on as the Sonflowerz.

The third album by The Sonflowerz, ‘All Over The World’, was produced by 6-time Dove Award-winner Don Koch. “When I first met The Sonflowerz, I was taken back by how transparent their hearts are,” Koch said. “I could easily see Christ in them. Their passion for family, for ministry, and their love for singing came shining through.”

“During our travels in the U.S. and U.K., and we’ve come in contact with a lot of young people who are hurting,” Becca says. “More than ever, people are searching to fill a void. We want the songs on this new record to point the way to Jesus.”

“These girls are the real deal. They are talented musicians and true artists, but what really sets them apart is their passion for God. We are excited to watch them make an impact on the world,” says Alyssa Barlow of BarlowGirl.

Elissa says, "If you open your life and your abilities to God, simply asking Him to use you, He will take you up on it and take you farther than your dreams can go. Looking back, we aren't surprised that this story began with a song and a prayer asking God to 'Use Me'".
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