Recognized for its uplifting, sweetly melodic alternative CCM, Above the Golden State features the tunes of singer and songwriter Michael Watson. The project landed on the Billboard Christian chart with its self-titled debut LP in 2008. After a brief name change in the mid-2010s, Above the Golden State returned in 2018 with Nations. Based out of Portland, Oregon, Watson recorded his first Above the Golden State album with bass guitarist Chad Howat, drummer Jeremy Lutito, and producer/multi-instrumentalist Steve Wilson. Arriving via Sparrow Records in 2008, it offered the Christian Top 30 hits "Sound of Your Name" and "I'll Love You So." The album itself reached number 28 on the Billboard Christian chart. In 2010, Above the Golden State returned with the EP The Golden Rule, also on Sparrow. It resulted in another Top 30 placement, with "I Am Loved." The Words Don't Act EP followed in 2012. Watson then parted ways with Sparrow, and as he was preparing his next album, he decided to change the band's name to the more inclusive Nations. The crowdfunded Nations LP saw limited distribution in 2013. It was reissued in 2018 as an Above the Golden State release. ~ Marcy Donelson