Oceans Still is a Christian Pop/Rock band based in Minneapolis/Mankato MN. They spent 2023 writing and recording, developing a sound that is both familiar and new for fans of Contemporary Christian music. 2024 began their journey of releasing singles, exhibiting influence from groups like The Afters and Tenth Avenue North..but their influences and musical backgrounds are as diverse as their fanbase. Combining the nostalgic depth of mid 2000s CCM with an updated and distinct blend of modern rock and pop, their sound only continues to develop and blossom. Solo artist Tyler Herwig (vocals/acoustic guitar) teamed up with long time collaborators Fletch Archerd (lead guitar/keyboards) and Matt Evans(vocals/bass), with the addition of Cayle Wendorf on drums and production. Lacey Archerd provides additional vocals in every track, adding even more depth to an already complex vocal sound. 

“Tyler and I had instant chemistry,” says (Fletch) Archerd. “We didn’t know each other yet, we just knew we had something special when we wrote together. The rest of us have all played music together in various ways for years, and I knew his voice, mind, and heart were going to be an amazing fit for this. It was a God moment, because we both knew God was behind it.”

Archerd and Evans are cousins who grew up together playing alternative rock, metal, worship, and everything in between. Influences from the world of alternative genres run deep in Oceans Still’s sound, because everyone involved has a vast and diverse musical background. From touring in clubs with secular bands, to touring skate parks to reach troubled youth with the message of Jesus. From playing church services every week to doing solo gigs for a living…it’s perhaps the diversity of their backgrounds that helps them craft their unique sound. 

As deep as their passion for music is, make no mistake: The songs, the message, and the movement are about Jesus. Behind every Oceans Still song is a personal story. “The testimonies that led to our lyrics are powerful tools,” says Archerd. “Between past alcohol and drug abuse, a broken marriage, mental health issues etc…These are all things that God used to make each of us who we are today. We know Him and love him more for everything He’s brought us through as individuals, and sharing our testimonies will be an integral part of our live events. One thing I’ve learned from the last 20+ years of doing music ministry is this: music, more than anything, is a spiritual device. It’s something God can reach people through..but one-on-one prayer/ministry and truly vulnerable sharing of testimonies can be even more powerful than a song. The beauty is, God uses it all. He uses our gifts and our lives if we let Him. It’s this cool thing where He gave us our gifts/callings and our very lives in hopes that we would give them back to Him..and when we do, He does His thing. He transforms lives, redeems, heals, and saves His people.”

To contact Oceans Still, email them at oceansstillband@gmail.com

Listen to their music from their social links above or click below: