What They Died For

With foundations in the parking lot of a laundromat in Buffalo, NY during the fall of 2009, vocalist Steve Orfanos wrote "My First Song Out" in a journal entry as a way to relieve frustrations he felt after surrendering his life to Christ just a year prior. Rumors, lies and misconceptions about his new faith coupled with failed relationships and friendships led him to begin writing down his thoughts, fears, uncertainties and deepest pains. With no intention of creating music, Steve prayed for months for a new way to share his faith with those he loved the most, his family and friends. After graduating from college and having a lot of free time on his hands, he started making beats to see what can become of his journal entries. This led to creating songs in the home of one of his good friends in Buffalo, where "Whosoever" was first thought up in the spring of 2010.
Returning to Long Island, NY he was joined by his brother Chris (guitar). In the fall of 2011, Nigel Cobham (drums) joined and the group quickly produced the gut-wrenching "Forgive Me". After many ups and downs, as well as multiple line-up changes, What They Died For knows nothing is ever set in stone. In the spring of 2013 Brad Franklin (bass), formerly of the bands Sarcasm and Drama For The Masses, joined as they opened for Aaron Gillespie (The Almost) in just their fifth show as a group. Andrew Sbarra joined in as a second guitarist in the Fall of 2013.
What They Died For is not your average band. They are just five nobodies who have found significance in following Jesus. Each member has their own story, their own struggle, their own way of which they have seen God come to life in their lives as they focused on him. They know the music is nothing of their own doing, but only through the work of a God that has inspired them and blessed them with the gifts they have. The band has a mindset that God will use them wherever he wants them to go.