DURANT is a unique Christian group of six individuals. The group has its roots from Lipscomb University, where some of the members sang in an a cappella group called X-Changed. Upon graduation, these individuals formed Durant, which in the beginning stages was going to be a strictly instrumental group... but they couldn't deny their roots. While they continued to perform as a band, they also brought a new repitoire of a cappella music to the table. While you can definitely find Durant performing an acoustic set filled with thick vocal harmonies, you can also find them being true to their heritage through an energetic set of a cappella songs. These days, you are very likely to find Durant opening onstage for the group Acappella. Their new album, Ride, is available for purchase! Go to www.acappella.org to access the company store. If it's the band sound you're looking for, visit them on www.durantstudios.com to purchase an album.







MELISSA LANCASTER, 25, is a producer, recording engineer and the owner of Durant studios in Goodlettsville, Tenn. She grew up on the road singing with her father, Keith Lancaster, and sang in Acappella Children until she was 15. While still in high school, her band Purple Tunic was a finalist for the 1997 Gospel Music Association Awards. She also wrote "Broken," which was awarded Song of the Year by the Contemporary A Cappella Society of America in 2000, and she produced the album Real for AVB, which was awarded Album of the Year. She was an original member of X-Changed and now produces the high school group Namesake.

When Melissa is not singing, producing, recording, writing or performing, she likes to read, travel, ride her motorcycle and spend time with her teacup Chihuahuas named Jack and Jill, who are Durant's mascots.

Like her sister Kim, Melissa's favorite scripture is Psalm 37:4. "Delight yourself in the Lord and He will give you the desires of your heart."

"This verse is so true," says Melissa. "If you delight yourself in Him, your desires BECOME what His desires are. What He wants for you becomes what you want for yourself and life has a beauty beyond comparison."

KIM LANCASTER, 22, is a multi-talented artist from Goodlettsville, Tenn. With a degree in photography from Nossi College of Art, Kim works as a professional photographer with Daywind Music Company, Eddie Crook Agency: Singing News Magazine, Homecoming Magazine, and numerous independent artists. Her artwork can be seen on over 200 album covers, including the newest release from Acappella, Radiance.
Kim, who has played the piano for 16 years, also worked as a piano teacher. Kim performed with Acappella Children for 7 years. She has been singing and performing on stage since the age of five, but appeared on her first album as a four-year-old singing "Water from the Well" on Acappella's Growing up in the Lord. Since then she has lent her voice to over 15 albums for The Acappella Company and other various projects. Kim was also cast as the original lead voice in the cartoon PB&J Otter for Nickelodeon.
Like her sister Melissa, Kim's favorite scripture is Psalms 37:4. "Delight yourself in the Lord and he will give you the desires of your heart."

ANTHONY LANCASTER, 19, is from Goodlettsville, Tenn. Anthony is already making a name for himself musically through his songwriting. He has arranged music for several local bands around Nashville and written songs for Acappella as well. He has also played with some local bands and worked as a studio musician. Anthony has played the piano for 12 years and has already composed two full-length piano albums. He also plays percussion and guitar, and is currently learning the violin. Anthony can often be found with his headphones on, gathering musical inspiration from an eclectic mix of styles. He has a self-admitted obsession with British rock bands, particularly the Beatles, and knows more Beatles trivia than most people.

Anthony's favorite scripture is 1 Corinthians 13:4-8. "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails...."

MANDY WILSON, 26, is originally from Flatwoods, Ky., where she got her start singing in church as well as for local benefits, fairs and jubilees. The first time she performed in public was on a truck bed at an antique car show. Mandy has opened for artists such as Ralph Stanley and Dwight Whitley and has performed for the Great American Road Race.

Now when she is not performing with Durant, she is a preschool teacher in Nashville. Mandy has a degree in Psychology from Lipscomb University, where she performed with the group X-Changed for three years. Mandy is known for singing "Beautiful Lamb," which the other members of Durant refer to as their "hit single." She is also very crafty and enjoys making jewelry which Durant members wear and sell at their shows.

Mandy's favorite scripture is Ephesians 2:4-5. "But because of His great love for us, God, who is rich in mercy, made us alive in Christ even when we were dead in our transgressions - it is by grace you have been saved."

DARREN WHORTON, 24, is from Wetumpka, Ala. Darren has a degree in Computer Engineering from Lipscomb University and works as a software developer for MCS Information Technology when he is not on the road with Durant. He also has extensive experience as a sound technician, running the board for Vince Gill, SheDaisy, Sara Evans and Phil Keaggy to name a few. Most recently he wrapped up a 15 month run as the sound man for Acappella.
Darren has been singing since high school and has played the guitar for 9 years, but did not discover his talent for vocal percussion until college. He sang bass and did vocal percussion for X-Changed for four years. He also participated in the choir (where he sang tenor) and in a group specializing in early music and music from around the world. The other members of Durant refer to Darren as the "everything man." Although this self-proclaimed computer nerd is mostly interested in activities involving technology, he is very proud of the fact that he completed the Country Music Half Marathon in April 2005.
Darren's favorite scriptures happen to also be songs Durant often performs in concert: Psalm 63, which inspired "Better than Life," and 2 Corinthians 5:21, which is the text for "His Righteousness."

RACHEL TUGGLE, 22, is originally from Edmond, Okla. Rachel taught herself how to read music on the piano at the age of 5, and has now been classically trained on the piano for 16 years. Rachel holds a Bachelor's degree in Theater and Journalism from Lipscomb University, where she performed in several shows and musical groups. She was also a member of X-Changed for 3 years. Rachel hopes to obtain her Master's degree in Musical Theater sometime in the future.
When Rachel is not performing with Durant, she enjoys traveling and participating in international missions efforts. Her travels have taken her to Australia, Thailand, China, Mexico and Jamaica. She also enjoys running and has completed the Country Music Half-Marathon three years in a row!
Rachel's favorite scripture is Psalms 73:28. "But as for me, it is good to be near God. I have made the Sovereign Lord my refuge; I will tell of all your deeds."