The Workday Release began in January of 2009 and is made up of David Ottestad (Vocals, Guitar, Piano), Chris White (Lead Guitar), Nick Green (Bass, Vocals) and Johnny Hamilton (Drums). Setting goals of fame and wealth aside, The Workday Release strives to be a hardworking band that focuses on the relationships the members make with the people who listen to their music. While the first record “To the Beginning” was written and recorded by Ottestad and presents a much more acoustic pop sound, the second record “Farther from Familiar” takes a new direction in style as the band began to collaborate together. Maintaining it’s original melodic vocal feel, The Workday Release has pushed its sound in a more mature direction.

Farther from Familiar is a concept record based off of the book "The Dream Giver" by Bruce Wilkinson. It tells the story of a character named Ordinary who leaves behind his hometown Familiar in pursuit of his Big Dream. His courage and faith is challenged as he comes face to face with different obstacles. Farther from Familiar tells Ordinary's story, track by track, through the ambient/rock sounds of The Workday Release.