We've All Been There

After The Calling had released their second album II (2004), bandmate Aaron Kamin had amicably decided to work on separate projects with Band being left to do "pretty much everything on my own". This caused Band to put The Calling on hiatus and venture into a solo career. Soon afterward, the vocalist had signed a deal with Geffen Records to record a solo album.[7]

Recording took place over a two-year period, eventually encompassing five co-producers, primarily including John Fields (Switchfoot), Daniel Damico and engineer Tal Herzberg, with Chuck Reed and Matt Serletic also working on tracks. Several session musicians were brought in to play on the record alongside Band, who himself contributed guitar and bass. Musicians such as Abe Laboriel Jr. (drums), Jamie Muhoberac (keyboards) and Tim Pierce (guitar) were also drafted in. Paul Buckmaster (Elton John) contributed string arrangements to several tracks, while Chris Lord-Alge mixed the album, having previously done so with The Calling.[7]

Later in 2007, Geffen went through major restructuring, this coupled with the death of Band's long-term Manager Stu Sobol, meant the album was left in limbo. Band explained, "At the same time, Stu Sobol, my manager for 10 years passed away, which was incredibly sad. So, between Geffen going through major changes and Stu passing away, I realised then that I had to make a serious leap of faith and believe in myself. I decided that, if I’m gonna fail, I’d rather fail doing what I want to do."[7] Band would spend a year negotiating with Geffen to buy back the master tapes.[7]

Band later described the recording process as, "a huge challenge due to all the drama within the label". Alex named his favourite songs on the album as "Please" and "Leave", while also stating that for future albums the recording process would be much more enjoyable as he is now releasing his music independently.[8] Speaking of the troubles he faced with Geffen among other labels, he explained that they wanted to make such "different sounding music" to what he was writing at the time, which eventually led him to set up his own independent label.[8] Almost three years after recording had been initially finished, he agreeing a partnership deal with EMI Records for distribution of the album throughout the world.[7] The music video for lead single, "Tonight" was filmed in double time to achieve the desired slowed down effects in the editing stages. Band's new fiancée features in the video.[8]

All songs written by Alex Band.[9]

The following personnel contributed to We've All Been There:[9]

• Alex Band — lead vocals, backing vocals, rhythm guitar, bass guitar, lyrics
• Daniel Damico – songwriting, guitar, piano, programming, strings, engineering
• Jamie Muhoberac — keyboard, piano
• Tim Pierce — lead guitar
• Abe Laboriel Jr. — drums, percussion
• Paul Buckmaster — string arrangement
• Dorian Crozier — additional drums
• Kenny Aronoff — additional drums
• John Fields — record producer
• Chuck Reed — producer
• Matt Serletic — producer
• Tal Herzberg – producer
• Chris Lord-Alge — mixing

• Alex Band's Official Website
• Alex Band at IMDb
• Alex Band's Official Myspace
• Alex Band's Official YouTube Channel
• Alex Band's Official Twitter