CCM band Strive were founded in Chicago, IL, in 2000 by singersongwriter and keyboardist Derick Thompson, guitarist Will Puth, and bassist Rick Kluckow. While playing around the Chicago area, and even making forays to Brazil and Russia, the band self-released a series of recordings beginning with its debut album, Illuminate (2001), and including Self Titled EP (2002), Live in Light of Love (2003),...

CCM band Strive were founded in Chicago, IL, in 2000 by singersongwriter and keyboardist Derick Thompson, guitarist Will Puth, and bassist Rick Kluckow. While playing around the Chicago area, and even making forays to Brazil and Russia, the band self-released a series of recordings beginning with its debut album, Illuminate (2001), and including Self Titled EP (2002), Live in Light of Love (2003), the Sonfest EP (2004), The Rock Gospel of Jesus Christ (2005), The Story Before (2007), and the Strive EP (2007). On July 30, 2008, the band signed to GoDigital Records, which gave them their first global release, Fire, on August 26, 2008.