About The Afters
The band changed its name after discovering that another Blisse already existed. Settling on The Afters, they continued to play local Dallas clubs. They were eventually discovered and signed to a record label (Simple/INO Records). After this, word of the band got to Epic Records, which signed The Afters to a four record deal. Their first national album, I Wish We All Could Win, was released on Feburary 22, 2005. The first single from the album was "Beautiful Love"; it was written by Joshua Havens about a time when his wife was away and he was unable to contact her. The "Beautiful Love" music video led The Afters to a 2005 MTVu "Streaming Woodie" award.
The Afters toured the United States in spring and summer 2005, playing with such bands as MercyMe and Duran Duran.