STRIVE is a piano driven rock pop band mixing the arena-friendly style of The Fray with an inspirational message akin to CCM cross-over act Switchfoot. Indeed, some see a physical resemblance between STRIVE frontman Derick Thompson and Switchfoot's Jon Foreman. However, Derick's vocal resemblance would be more astutely described as akin to Josh Groban with a little Michael Bolton thrown in for good measure.

STRIVE is about inspiring people across all walks of life. "We want to inspire people to find out what they are passionate about, and then use those passions to make the world a better place. If the lyrics and melodies touch you, it's less important what musical genre it comes from," says Derick. STRIVE's members are genuine in their pursuit of crafting lyrics that are heartfelt and sounds that are uplifting, soothing, and comfortable.

STRIVE has toured extensively, both in the Midwest around their Chicago home base and internationally with extended tours in Brazil and Russia. Derick recounts, "The most memorable gig we have ever had was to 1,500 orphan kids in a rural city on the outskirts of Moscow. The looks on those kids' faces is what STRIVE is all about." The show was a part of STRIVE's participation in a 25 play date AIDS awareness tour throughout Russia.

STRIVE recently signed with GoDigital Records, a subsidiary of the GoDigital Media Group, and will be releasing their new album globally in late summer 2008.