Mainstay

Mainstay came together amid Minnesota's suburban surroundings, beginning as a punk trio that rehearsed in the members' garages. While attending college in Minneapolis, the ensemble—vocalist and guitarist Justin Anderson, drummer Ryan DeYounge, and bassist Dan Ostebo—honed its approach into melodic rock carrying a Christian message. That clearer focus helped the group develop a local following via a self-released EP, after which it secured management through Smallman Music Group. Buzz from Kutless members, paired with this step, produced a joint arrangement with BEC Recordings and Tooth and Nail that yielded the February 2006 debut full-length Well Meaning Fiction, produced by Aaron Sprinkle (Pedro the Lion, Acceptance) and Zach Hodges.