Philmont released Photosynthetic independently on March 6, 2007 at Tremont Music Hall in Charlotte. That July, after adding Justin Sams on bass, the band performed at the 2007 Cornerstone Festival in Bushnell, Illinois, where they were discovered by representatives of EMI-CMG. Philmont showcased for the label group that Fall, and were soon offered a recording contract with Forefront Records.http://www.crossrhythms.co.uk/articles/news/North_Carolina_Punks/31229/p1/ Cross Rhythms Article Hege unexpectedly left the band just before the signing was to take place. Todd Davis had played in a band with Josiah prior to Philmont, and was recruited on short notice. Philmont signed the deal a few days before Christmas 2007.
