Musical Career
Love and Theft was formed in 2006 by Brian Bandas, Stephen Barker Liles, and Eric Gunderson, all three at lead vocals. After performing before ASCAP executives, they were recommended to an A&R executive for Lyric Street Records, who signed them to Lyric Street's sister label Carolwood Records in 2009. Just prior, they were also signed as an opening act for Taylor Swift's 2008 tour. Liles is the subject of "Hey Stephen" which appears on Swift's 2008 album Fearless. He also co-wrote the track "Wrong Baby Wrong Baby Wrong" on Martina McBride's 2009 album Shine. "Kissin' in Cars", which was featured on the soundtrack for the film Country Strong, was also co-written by Liles.
Love and Theft made their first Grand Ole Opry performance on March 28, 2009, shortly before the release of the debut single "Runaway". This song is included on the band's debut album, World Wide Open. In addition, Love and Theft recorded a video for "Don't Wake Me", another cut from the album. "Runaway" peaked at number 10 on the country chart in November 2009, shortly before Carolwood was consolidated with Lyric Street. "Dancing in Circles" was released as the album's second single in December 2009, and reached a peak of number 25 in March 2010. On April 14, Disney Music Group announced the closure of Lyric Street Records, leaving Love and Theft without a record deal.
Love and Theft became a duo in 2011 when founding member Brian Bandas left the band. The remaining two members then signed with RCA Nashville in 2011. "Angel Eyes" was digitally released on November 8, 2011 and released to radio six days later. In August 2012, "Angel Eyes" became Love and Theft's first Number One single on the Hot Country Songs chart. It was the lead single from their self-titled album, which was released via RCA on July 24, 2012. The album's second single, "Runnin' Out of Air", was released to country radio on November 5, 2012. The album's third single, "If You Ever Get Lonely", will be released to country radio on June 3, 2013.
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