Since GEN triumphed at the UK final of Emergenza 2002 (which we all still admit to being highly surprised and utterly ecstatic about), things have become increasingly amazing in the life of the band. The excitement of playing in the European Final at the Taubertal Festival last summer is a lasting memory. The sunshine, sonic-bombardment and plentiful supply of refreshing beverages made it a high-point in the band’s career. But little did we know quite where it would take GEN next. Returning from the festival, happy to have come 13th out of the 23 fantastic bands that played (especially considering that our initial aim was to play the Academy 2 in Birmingham for the regional final!), we set about keeping the momentum up. At this point, Meltdown Music Ministries stepped in. Meltdown have been involved in management and promotion (as well as the annual Meltdown Conference) for over a decade and, GEN being a Christian band, expressed interest in managing us. At this point, the smiles grew even wider on our faces. Naturally, we agreed and that is when things really got interesting. Soon after landing management, John Tearle (drummer) was offered an endorsement by Jalapeno Drums, which he accepted. Rich Styles and I were approached about possible endorsements by Engl and Carlsbro, but nothing is arranged yet. GEN continued to gig (often with bands we met through the Emergenza Festival) and eventually, the phone call came. ‘Jon, are you sitting down?’ said Dave Williams (half of the Meltdown Management team). ‘Yep. It’s 10.30 at night. Of course I am,’ came my reply. ‘Good. How would you guys like to fly to America to record your debut album with Tim Bushong?’ he said. ‘…….eh?’ came my reply, eventually. The shock, excitement, confusion, delirium etc. etc. hit me and I think I was probably the happiest man on the planet. The project had been floating in limbo for a while, and I was becoming resigned to it not happening. Then all of a sudden, we only had 4 weeks to get ready and go! That was in February. The album is now completed and the artwork is being finished. ‘Rite of Refusal’, GEN’s debut album, will be released (hopefully!) in May. If you want to preorder the album, visit our website (www.lostgen.com) or Meltdown’s site (www.meltdownmusic.co.uk) and keep your eyes open for the gigs we’re planning. It’s been a roller-coaster of a year, and God has blessed us immensely. We’re just waiting to see where it goes next. Keep rockin’ people! In Christ, GEN