IGNESCENT: Faith-Based Rock Band to Release First Album in November
newest member is C.F. bassist Joel Seidlitz
Christian music is a popular genre in the Chippewa Valley, as demonstrated by the popular Christian music festival, OneFest, which has been held in the area for the past seven years. Joel Seidlitz – a Chippewa Falls resident and bassist – is part of that movement, having joined Ignescent, a Christian rock band, about six months ago. Now the Chicago-based band is gearing up to release its first full-length album.
Ignescent began in 2018 when vocalist and frontwoman Jennifer Benson wanted to bring a more positive message to her music while also focusing on her faith. Benson said the band draws creative inspiration from other popular Christian rock bands such Skillet, Flyleaf, and Evanescence.
“I wanted to create something that was uplifting and something that I could use to speak to people and encourage them with whatever they’re going through,” Benson said. “I struggle with anxiety and depression, and I know a lot of people do as well. So I just wanted to create something to let them know that they're not alone and bring that positive message through our music.”
Similar motivations also prompted Seidlitz to audition to be the band’s new bass player. “At this point of my music career, I want to go give positivity to people, and that’s what Ignescent is all about,” Seidlitz said.
The band’s success has skyrocketed since, with their singles “Resist” (2022) and “Remnant” (2022) reaching No. 3 on Christian Rock Charts, with “Remnant” even breaking the Top 50 on the Billboard Rock Charts. These successes coalesced into their recent signage with Frontiers Music Srl, a record label that includes artists like Def Leppard, Journey, Toto, and Stryper.
After the success of their singles and EPs, Ignescent is preparing to drop its first full album, Fight in Me, on Nov. 10. The album explores themes of hardships and betrayal and how even through those things there is hope. The first single released from the album, “Not Today,” features Kevin Young from the band Disciple. The music video received over 30k views in less than a week on YouTube and includes Young and Billy Grey from Fozzy. Their next single, “Monster You Made Me,” will be released on Oct. 19.
Ignescent will be touring some in the near future, including a show at Four Corners (14982 County Highway S) in Chippewa Falls on Oct. 12. Seidlitz says he is excited to bring the band to his hometown since all of his friends will be in the crowd, many hearing him in Ignescent for the first time. The band will also be playing in Minnesota, Illinois, and Tennessee.
Now backed by Frontiers Music Srl and their many fans dubbed the “Igniters,” the band is excited for its next chapter, aiming to continue spreading positivity and faith through rock music.
“I'm just like blown away,” Benson said. “This has been a dream of mine since I was a little girl, so I’m just really excited and really thankful.”
Keep up with Ignescent at ignescentmusic.com and on Facebook and Instagram.
