Hurt

Hard rockers J. Loren and Evan Johns first connected when Andy, the producer father of Johns, encountered Loren’s demo tape and became drawn to the vocalist’s distinctive timbre. Learning of Loren’s search for a drummer prompted Andy Johns to facilitate an introduction between the two emerging players, who soon discovered a strong musical rapport. Guitarist Paul Spatola and bassist Joshua Ansley came aboard shortly afterward—Loren also handling guitar and violin duties within the group while Johns contributes piano—allowing the completion of Hurt. Their debut album, Vol. I, appeared on Capitol Records in 2006, followed the next year by the fittingly named Vol. II.