Sure, Opposite Way is just the latest album title for mega-buzz band Leeland. But for the band’s members, it carries meaning on multiple levels.

Even in their childhood, the Mooring brothers–Jack and Leeland–found themselves uprooted, traveling on the road with their musical parents to minister at regional churches near their hometown in Texas. “When we were in public school, we never had the option of fitting in,” explains Jack. “We were always the crazy kids who were always in church.

“I remember one time we had stayed up late because we had been at this revival meeting and God had just moved really big. And so in my class in the morning, I looked really tired, about ready to doze off. My teacher asked me what was wrong, so I said, ‘Well, we had a revival last night.’ Those kind of things don’t really do much to move you along with the crowd, so you get some experience in being different.”

They laugh now at such experiences, realizing that all along God was preparing them for a different sort of journey. Recalling a childhood Halloween party, Jack remembers how other students were ninjas and vampires, while they were Bible characters.

Leeland laughs, interjecting “Like Mephibosheth!”

Yet it’s that opposite way of living that developed their talent so celebrated today. “It was at that time in our lives that Leeland started writing songs,” say Jack. “The songs were birthed out of that time. Leeland wrote his first song when he was 11 and it was called ‘Shine.’ We started playing that at churches; I think that’s when Leeland and I really figured out that this is what we wanted to do. It wasn’t just something for fun, but a ministry we wanted to do for the rest of our lives.”

It wasn’t long until “the rest of their lives” turned into tangible opportunities. A songwriting contest earned Leeland the attention of EMI/CMG industry execs and, consequently, a songwriting contract at the age of 15. That soon led to the Mooring brothers joining with cousin Jake Holtz and friends Mike Smith and Jeremiah Wood for the initial lineup of Leeland.

The industry was soon abuzz with news of an impressive new band blowing away everyone who heard its forthcoming debut, Sound of Melodies. The music was heavily influenced by Brit-rock acts such as Travis and Coldplay and the lyrics were worshipful and fresh. The end result: one GRAMMY® nomination and five Dove Award nominations. Better yet, it signaled even greater things to come–some of which has come to fruition on Opposite Way.

“It’s rare to find talent and fun in the same place, but that’s exactly what Leeland serves in generous portions,” says producer Matt Bronleewe. “I was blown away in the studio. The band would rock a fantastic track, full of verve and inspiration, then turn right around and make me laugh ’til I cried. I’m incredibly excited about the new project. For me, and I believe fans as well, Opposite Way defines the direction music needs to be headed.”