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Tell Me About That Song
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A lot went into writing your favorite song--but how much do you really know about it? This week Keir...A lot went into writing your favorite song--but how much do you really know about it? This week Keira Verlee, a 17-year-old songwriter and multi-instrumentalist from Seattle, as well as the frontwoman of indie-pop band Verlee for Ransom, delves into high school talent shows, learning to write music and her mother's sickness.
Song: "So Says the Doctor"
Album: Happy Like Monkey That Climb
Release Date: May 20, 2011
When it was written: Early 2010 when I was 16.
Where it was written: In the living room at my mom's house. My practice keyboard was there at the time and I would work on songs when no one was home.
Favorite line in the song: "She breathed with intention as she entered the room, a look of hesitation and eyes hiding gloom." This line reminds me of when my mother first told me she had cancer. I remember that conversation clearly, and I wanted to express that in this first line.
Which part was the hardest to come up with: The bridge was the hardest part for me lyrically. This is the point in the song where I step away from telling the story and reflect on what could have happened.
If you could go back and change anything, what would it be: Since the recording, the entire band has really grown as musicians, including myself. So if I could change anything, I would go back into the studio and record the song again. Since the recording, we also have a different lead guitarist and drummer who both give the song a bit of a different feel, which I really like. In general the song has more energy now and I'd really like to capture that in the studio.
Odd fact about song: The intro is at a different tempo than the rest of the song.
What was your inspiration for writing the song: Five years ago my mother was diagnosed with inflammatory breast cancer which is a very severe form of this disease. This song was inspired by that experience. I am happy to say that she has been Cancer free for almost 5 years now!
When was your favorite time performing it live: We were invited to play a Battle of the Bands at my high school last year as a guest band. I really didn't know a lot of people at my school and by my junior year (last year) I had started taking all my classes at a community college as part of the Running Start program. We didn't know what to expect for the show but over 400 students showed up and when we played they were all crowded around the front of the stage. "So Says the Doctor" wasn't released yet but we had been giving away demo versions and had it posted online for a while. When we played the song I was completely shocked to have people from the crowd singing along. I could hear them on stage and I was amazed at how energetic the room was.
What is the meaning behind the song: During my mother's treatment I was in 6th grade and wasn't fully aware of the significance. Since I was so young, people would just tell me not to worry and that everything would be fine. By the end of 8th grade I had started writing songs as a way to deal with the things in my life that were troubling me. It wasn't until later that I realized just how serious the situation was and understood how close I came to losing my mom. I also realized I would have handled the situation differently if I had known the full truth. This new awareness is what created the song.
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CD Review of "happy like monkey that climb"
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First things first, to say this band is full of youthful exuberance is redundant. With a 20-year old...First things first, to say this band is full of youthful exuberance is redundant. With a 20-year old keyboardist and an 11-year old bass player as bookends, their ages speak for themselves. However what their ages belie is the professionalism they bring to album making and the degree of available talent at their disposal (it’s almost shocking). Think… if five Juilliard-bound wunderlings decided to record a debut, sit back and simply see what happened, well this would be something like the result. I have to admit, I went into this review with a surety that, at best, the album would have a few facets of diggable amateurism. As of this review being posted, I also have to humbly admit that I was completely wrong and I am still eating my words.
“Someone Else’s Lie” opens to fuzz guitar work and tinkling piano but soon gives way to the surprising prowess of lead singer Keira Verlee’s vocal delivery–powerful with big range, but crystal clear. The fill of chromatic electric guitar wails brings the track full circle. “So Says The Doctor” opens to piano and Verlee’s breathy vocals but builds from simplicity to complexity in a few short bars. The multiple layered soundscapes are testament to the band’s musicality and cohesion and they come together in a “sum of the parts” style fusion. The demure “Velvet Masquerade” is again, a vocals-forward track bolstered by weepy veins of backing strings and a simple rhythm section of toms and occasional, but well-placed, cymbal work. Playing to their strengths, the musicality adds the fills allowing Verlee’s vocals to shine at the foreground. If I had to label a track “prettiest” this one would win that superlative.
To be able to create this caliber of record first time out, in DIY fashion makes me wonder just what exactly these five have under their sleeves in regards to a sophomore effort. And as much as I hate to harp on age as determination of talent, it just seems that a group of kids (no offense, but that is what they are) shouldn’t be able to make something like this. But perhaps that is their particular philosopher’s stone… the ability to approach their music out of an innocent and pure love of making it. Considering the power the record industry has to turn the best and brightest into the most jaded, I hope Verlee and company keep the experience of making this album at the forefront of the future offerings. It would be a shame to see so much raw talent go to waste.
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Song Revelation - Interview
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Artist Interview – Verlee for Ransom
June 23, 2011 By Kevin Allen
Verlee for Ransom are an Indi...Artist Interview – Verlee for Ransom
June 23, 2011 By Kevin Allen
Verlee for Ransom are an Indie band from Seattle, USA consisting of Kyle Morrison (cello/guitar), Rio Chanae (keys/backing vox), Nathan Keiffer (drums), Kaye Gill (bass) and the Keira Verlee (Lead Vox, Songwriter, guitar). Verlee for Ransom have recently been touring extensively in the Seattle area so we were really happy at Song Revelation when Keira Verlee, the lead singer, agreed to complete a Feature Artist interview. Read on to hear about which modern day artists Keira looks up to, what Verlee for Ransom are currently working on and what they’re hoping to achieve for the rest of 2011.
Q: If you could use a tagline of less than 20 words to describe your music and who you are what would it be?
A. Female fronted guitar & piano driven Alt-Pop/Rock infusing multiple genres using both acoustic (cello, guitar, drums) and electric (guitar, bass, keys) instruments.
Q: What is your musical background?
Keira Verlee: I’ve been singing ever since I was really little, but I started taking voice and piano lessons when I was 10. When I was 12 I started guitar lessons and began writing songs soon after. This past year I have been taking music classes, such as songwriting and music theory, at Shoreline Community College.
Q: How was 2010 for you?
Keira Verlee: 2010 was both emotional and rewarding at the same time. My previous song writing partner from VerleeRose decided to go a different direction in February of 2010 and that was difficult for me because we were very close. However, that same day I started working on putting together my own band. We rehearsed from Feb to July, then played a test show and rehearsed some more. We played our first real show in October only 9 days after bringing on our lead guitarist/cellist. Shortly after that show we replaced our drummer and played a few shows in November and December… now we are on our 3rd drummer and it feels like we have the perfect formula. So far 2011 has been incredible!
Q: Who inspires you musically?
Keira Verlee: Pretty much every band I listen to inspires me in some way musically. I listen to a wide variety of music, but recently I have been listening to Radiohead and Metric quite a bit.
Q: Which modern day artists do you look up to?
Keira Verlee: Radiohead for sure. Also Death Cab for Cutie, Metric, and Modest Mouse.
Q: Is there anyone you would like to collaborate or gig with?
Keira Verlee: I would love to collaborate with Thom York from Radiohead and Ben Gibbard from Death Cab for Cutie. It would be amazing to play with them as well!
Q: What songs are on your ipod at the moment?
Keira Verlee: Everything In It’s Right Place by Radiohead, Raise Your Weapon by Deadmau5, Goodbye Blue by Pink Floyd, Edit by Regina Spektor, Seventeen Years by Ratatat, Darling by People Eating People, and Little Drop of Poison by Tom Waits. These are just some of the songs I’ve been listening to recently.
Q: What is your creative process for creating a track?
Keira Verlee: It usually starts with something that is on my mind or happening in my life. Rather than write in a diary, I tend to turn my thoughts into songs. I write the lyrics, melody and chord structures using either guitar or piano and then I bring it to the band. Sometimes I have a pretty clear idea of what I’m going for but a lot of times the arrangement just sort of happens when the band writes their parts… it just comes together.
Q: What’s more important, melody or lyrics?
Keira Verlee: I think that both melody and lyrics are really important components of a song. Lyrics bring ideas, messages, and emotions into a song. Whereas melody brings variety and adds so much to the expression of the song.
Q: Where are you based?
Seattle…oh yup!
Q: What’s it like being where you’re from?
Keira Verlee: Seattle is an amazing city for so many reasons. We have a great music scene, especially for all ages bands and the people here are pretty chill. I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else.
Q: What are you currently working on?
Keira Verlee: Well, we just released our debut CD on May 20th and we’re working on our first music video for Velvet Masquerade. We also have a new drummer as of about a month ago so we are rehearsing a lot and working on our live show since we have shows & festivals just about every weekend throughout the summer. I also have a bunch of new songs to work on and we plan on doing some more recording over the summer in addition to putting together an acoustic set.
Q: What’s been the highlight of your career to date?
Keira Verlee: I wish I could pick one highlight, but there is no way to choose. Every show I get to play with the band is a new experience, along with every recording session and band practice. I really just love playing music with such wonderful and talented musicians. (Kyle Morrison: cello/guitar, Rio Chanae: keys/backup vox, Nathan Keiffer: drums, Kaye Gill: bass)
Q: What are you hoping to achieve in 2011?
Keira Verlee: Music video, shows, festivals, new songs, recording…
Q: Do you have any gigs or shows that you’d like to tell us about?
Keira Verlee: We just had our CD release show which was awesome! Now we’re mostly playing festivals and other events throughout the summer where we can focus on playing in front of people who have not seen us before.
Q: What do you do to relax?
Keira Verlee: I do crafty things that keep my hands busy, like knitting and drawing when I get stressed. Somehow I find it quite relaxing.
Q: Is there anything else you’d like to let our readers know about?
We love you!
Editor’s Note: Verlee for Ransom have developed their own unique style of piano and guitar driven Indie Pop which is both unique, appealing and commercial.
If you’d like to learn more about or contact Verlee for Ransom just follow the links below:
twitter link: www.twitter.com/verlee4ransom
facebook link: www.facebook.com/verlee4ransom
myspace link: www.myspace.com/verlee4ransom
web page link: www.verlee4ransom.com
reverbnation link: www.reverbnation.com/verlee4ransom
Youtube embeds: www.youtube.com/verlee4ransom
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Digital Music Sampler w/The Fleet Foxes, Okkervil River, Suede and More!
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One of our songs will be on the upcoming Under the Radar Magazine Music Sampler with The Fleet Foxes...One of our songs will be on the upcoming Under the Radar Magazine Music Sampler with The Fleet Foxes, Okkervil River, Reggie Watts, Suede and Toro Y Moi... with our name and album cover on page 17! Under the Radar has more than 160,000 readers with over 50,000 people downloading the full sampler!
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Band of the Week
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Building from the standard electric guitar/bass/drums formula, the five members of Verlee for Ransom...Building from the standard electric guitar/bass/drums formula, the five members of Verlee for Ransom incorporate acoustic guitar & cello as well as piano, horns, organ & strings with the help of multiple keyboards/synthesizers. Infusing elements of classic rock, chamber pop, jazz, alternative, Americana, Latin, bossa nova, powerpop, alt country, ska and even doo wop… they have branded their own unique style of piano & guitar driven Indie Pop.
This may sound like a lot going on (and it is), but when anchored by the thoughtful & sincere songwriting and heartfelt vocals of 16 year old singer, songwriter & multi-instrumentalist, Keira Verlee… it all comes together in a very cohesive and impressive performance.
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Lake Forest Park-based band Verlee for Ransom debuts new CD
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Lake Forest Park-based band Verlee for Ransom releases their CD on May 20. The band includes Kaye G...Lake Forest Park-based band Verlee for Ransom releases their CD on May 20. The band includes Kaye Gill, bass; Nathan Kieffer, drums; Kyle Morrison, lead guitar and cello; Rio Chanae, keys and backup vocals; Keira Verlee, keys, guitar, lead singer, composer. -By Mark D Goodwin
Putting together an album and promotional tour can be a challenge for any musician. The Lake Forest Park-based Keira Verlee just finished recording her second full-length CD (“Happy Like Monkey that Climb”) with eclectic new band Verlee for Ransom, and is booked for the entire summer. On Friday, May 20, they will be playing the Q Café in Interbay to debut their first record as a band.
While Verlee may make it seem all too easy at the age of 17, she has more than enough to keep her busy aside from intelligent songwriting, fronting a band and playing multiple instruments. A junior at Shorecrest High School, she is also working towards a music transfer degree at Shoreline Community College via the Running Start program. She is surprisingly able to make time for her hobbies scuba diving and snowboarding, as well as a part-time job. This daunting schedule isn’t too much for her to handle, however.
“Last quarter I had finals, and I had a show on one of my final’s nights - that was a little intense,” Verlee said. “But as long as I balance it out right and get my stuff done, it’s really not too bad.”
She and her band-mates may be young, (none of the five are past 20) but combined they have decades of musical experience. And it shows in the quality of their music. Their nine-track seminal work is as polished and professional as anything you might hear on the radio, but good luck trying to categorize it into any one genre.
“We like the fact that we can’t be pigeon-holed,” keys player and backup vocalist Rio Chanae (pronounced Shuh-nay) said with a devil-may-care smile. “It’s like we’re all elusive, it makes us seem magical.”
The official Verlee for Ransom website describes their style as “indie alt-pop music from Seattle.”
Whatever that might mean to you, it certainly includes styling influenced by: jazz, rock, ska, lounge, classical (the guitarist also plays cello on the album), latin, blues, funk, folk, country, and, believe it or not, doo wop. Yet the tone stays consistent and never becomes a confused mess. Even the song “More of a Mess,” which possibly straddles the most genres on the record, is tight and controlled while playfully verging on unhinged the whole time.
The band was featured as “Band of the Week” in The Stranger this February. Chris West, writer for international music review magazine Skope, used terms like “raw talent” and “Julliard-bound wunderlings” in his opinion on the album.
Band manager Guy Fusman has had prior experience with the independent music scene of Washington. He has managed bands in the past and ran an independent record label in the ‘90s called Mysophobic Records. When asked about rushing into a record deal, he said while gesturing toward a whiteboard full of bookings:
“So far [the band] has been doing just fine on their own. I’d like to see how far we get as an independent first.”
If and when Verlee and her band make it big, they wouldn’t be the first band with Lake Forest Park beginnings to do so. Recently, The Head and the Heart (singer and violinist Charity Rose Thielen is a graduate of Shorecrest) appeared on “Conan,” and now have a headlining tour which is rapidly selling out. This time last year, they were exactly where Verlee for Ransom is now.
The band will be playing all over the state this summer, as well a possible trip to LA at the end of July. Their show on May 20 will be at 7:30 pm in the Q Café, 3223 15th Ave W, in Interbay between Magnolia and Queen Anne. Tickets are $8, and CDs as well as merchandise will be sold. If you can’t make it to the show, the album will be available on iTunes and the Amazon marketplace shortly after.
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Twelve-year-old bassist from Ballard to release indie record
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By Anne-Marije Rook
2011-05-03
At 12 years old, Kaye Gill has more “music cred” than most musician...By Anne-Marije Rook
2011-05-03
At 12 years old, Kaye Gill has more “music cred” than most musicians twice her age. In the three years since she started to play bass, Gill has played on just about every stage in Seattle including The Crocodile, Chop Suey, The Showbox, The Triple Door and Bumpershoot.
As the bass player for the fast rising Seattle indie alt-pop band, Verlee for Ransom, she is getting ready to release her debut CD on May 20th at Q Cafe along with The Oh Wells and The Warm Hardies.
A product of The School of Rock, Gill was still an elementary school student when she auditioned for the band.
After she impressed the band during the audition they asked which school she attended. "They were very surprised thatt she was still in elementary school," said Aaron Gill, Kaye Gill's father.
The band's oldest member is 20 year-old keyboard player Rio Chanae and the band is led by singer songwriter Keira Verlee, 17. Together, the band produces songs well beyond their age.
"It's been really fun playing with them," said Kaye Gill, a sixth grader at Whitman Middle School. "The maturity levels range but we fit really well together."
Titled "Happy like monkey that climb". the record was recorded by Glenn Lorbecki and Gwen Jones.
"We've put so much work into it and we just want people to like it," Gill said.
Building from the standard electric guitar/bass/drums formula, the five members of Verlee for Ransom incorporate acoustic guitar and cello as well as piano, horns, organ, strings and synthesizers to create a sound categorized as indie alt-pop.
The band writes all their own songs. Singer Keira Verlee writes the songs and lyrics and the other members put their ideas into the songs.
Inspired by a wide range of music, from Tegan and Sara to Paul McCartney, Gill writes all her own bass lines.
Verlee for Ransom is currently number 9 on the ReverbNation Alternative Music Chart for Seattle www.reverbnation.com/verlee4ransom and Skope Magazine praised the band as "Julliard-bound wunderlings".
Gill said her goal for the band is "to play lots of festivals."
"Seattle has some great festivals that showcase different styles of music," she said. "There are tons of younger musicians and these festivals give us a chance to show what we've got."
Aaron Gill said his daughter has always interacted with older people. "She never was a toy kind. She always liked hanging out with people of other age groups," he said.
Aaron Gill, himself a Ukulele player, said she has long surpassed him in musical talent and said he doesn't mind driving her around for band practices to concerts.
"At least we [the parents] get to go to the Crocodile on a Saturday night instead of some sports field in the early morning," he said.
"It's my role to make sure that it's appropriate but it's been such a positive experience for her. It is certainly not something she'll regret when she's older."
For now, Gill said she likes to keep her school life and music life separate. At school she's the rather quiet kid who plays standup bass, yet on stage she's rocking a crowd that's easily twice her age.
"If I told [my classmates] that I'm rocking The Crocodile they wouldn't even know what that is," she said.
But at the rate that her star is rising it won't stay that way for long.
Join Kaye Gill, Keira Verlee (singer), Nathan Keiffer (drums), Kyle Morrison (guitar & cello), and Rio Chanae (keyboard) as they celebrate the release of their debut album at Q Cafe (3223 15th Avenue West) on Friday, May 20th at 7:30 p.m.
To learn more about Verlee for Ransom and listen to their tracks, please visit their website at www.verlee4ransom.com.
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Review
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Seventeen-year-old Keira Verlee isn’t waiting to grow up to get started in life. And why should she?...Seventeen-year-old Keira Verlee isn’t waiting to grow up to get started in life. And why should she? Her voice, well-suited for jazz, soul, and blues, is mature, and she’s forging ahead with her new band, which consists of cellist-guitarist Kyle Morrison, keyboardist Rio Chanae, bassist Kaye Gill, and drummer Tyler Dobson. It wouldn’t be surprising to find out the young band went to performing arts school because, judging by their live videos, they appear to be well-behaved and seasoned performers.
That’s likely why they recently charted #12 on ReverbNation’s Alternative Music Chart.
“More of a Mess” is an excellent showcase of Verlee’s vocals and the band’s eclectic style, which is jazz that’s accessible enough to pass as pop. Vocals call to mind Bjork because of the bite and release style mixed with smoothness. Mean-while, drums splash with cymbals and piano features while cello and bass drive the rhythm. “So Says the Doctor” finds Verlee’s vocals going for sultry and pushing her natural range, but then pulling back for the catchy, smooth chorus, while the band takes the song in a direction that involves soaring electric guitar solos and crunch throughout. Other songs take the band to soulful melodies with harmonious singing, which it executes with flair. – Review by Gail Fountain, Target Audience Magazine
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Interview/Review
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Junior's Cave Music Interview with Verlee for Ransom
January 2011 Edition
Music Now Spotlight w/K...Junior's Cave Music Interview with Verlee for Ransom
January 2011 Edition
Music Now Spotlight w/Keira Verlee from Verlee for Ransom
We are enjoying the music of Verlee for Ransom with their Indie Rock/Pop sound that I know music lovers will enjoy listening to also. Lead singer, Verlee, sings with a level of professional and sophistication that is beyond her age. The whole style of this band is what Junior’s Cave feels is great, and we know that the Indie Music Scene has a real GEM with Verlee for Ransom. Check out the recent interview I had with Verlee from Verlee for Ransom as we got to learn more about this wonderful band. Enjoy!
Isaac: It’s an amazing time to be a DIY artist/performer/band/musician. What do you enjoy the most about being an indie performer?
Verlee for Ransom: This question is actually really hard for me to answer because there are so many wonderful things happening right now. We have been playing some fantastic shows lately with some great bands. We are getting ready to release our first EP and we working on some music videos. It's all just so much fun!
Isaac: If you had an opportunity to sign with a major label, would you sign now knowing you may have to give up some of what you have build up over the years about you in the process?
Verlee for Ransom: I think it all depends on what the label is offering and what I would have to give up. Signing with a major label may not be the best decision in some cases, but if it’s a good agreement it would be worth considering. But I feel it is most important to always have creative control of my music.
Isaac: I remembered Simon Cowell from American Idol talking about the “it” Factor that makes a musician/band stand out. What do you think is your “it” factor that makes you stand out from others in the music business?
Verlee for Ransom: I think the thing that makes us stand out is that we don't limit our songs to fit in one specific genre. Each song has a different feel to it ranging from full on rock to scale down singer/songwriter stuff.
Isaac: Why should music fans listen to your music? Describe what they are going to get when they listen to your music?
Verlee for Ransom: When I write songs, most of the time they are to help me get through something that’s going on in my life. So I hope that when people hear them, they might find something they can relate to.
Isaac: Briefly describe your humble beginnings that led you to where you are at musically now.
Verlee for Ransom: Well honestly, I feel like I am still at the beginning of my music career. But prior to Verlee for Ransom, I was in an acoustic duo called VerleeRose. We released a CD and played quite a few shows during the 14 months we were together. When Ellie Rose left to pursue other things, it allowed for me to explore different styles of songwriting. This is when I realized I wanted to work with a full band which is now Verlee for Ransom.
Isaac: You have some strong iconic influences. Of these influences, which artist/band do you relate to the most and why?
Verlee for Ransom: Well I don't really model my songs after any specific band or artist, but there are some artists that I really appreciate. Radiohead, The Beatles, Jack White, The Doors, and Heart are just some of the bands/artists that have inspired me in my music.
Isaac: Do you feel that Indie music gets the respect it deserves? Why or why not?
Verlee for Ransom: Well, I live in Seattle which has a pretty big indie scene, so here it's very well respected. As far as DIY goes, I think it is awesome that musicians are learning to be more self sufficient when it comes to their own music.
Isaac: If you could change one thing about the music business, what would it be and why?
Verlee for Ransom: I would like to see more venues that will book bands with little to no experience. If there were more that would, it would give bands who are just starting a better chance. Thankfully, we have someone who books shows for us, but there are a lot of good bands that don't have and don't know how to go about doing it themselves.
Isaac: What type of feedback have you been receiving about your music from fans and music critics?
Verlee for Ransom: Well, overall we have been receiving some pretty positive feedback from people, which has been surprisingly great to hear. Though being a new band, there are always suggestions on how to better improve our music. So we keep practicing and working towards sounding our best.
Isaac: If you knew that you would never gain fame and fortune with what you are doing now, would you continue to make music? Explain.
Verlee for Ransom: Absolutely yes! I love playing music and I don't think I could imagine my future without it. Music has been such a positive impact on my life and I plan on keeping it that way
Isaac: How do you handle negative feedback or negative energy about your music?
Verlee for Ransom: Everybody has their own opinions. There are bands that I don't prefer, so I know that not everyone will like the music we play. Instead of taking it personally, I just respect that it is their opinion.
Isaac: What role do your family and friends play in the equation of your pursuant of a music career?
Verlee for Ransom: My family and friends are very supportive of my music career, which I am really grateful for. My family lets us have band practice at our house every week and is always willing to help me achieve what I want out of life. My friends play a huge role by coming to shows and always being there for me.
Isaac: What is the best site/s that you can be found on the Internet?
Verlee for Ransom: We have a website www.verlee4ransom.com and all of our social media site links are there. You can also just Google us and find pretty much everything.
Isaac: The floor is yours; final words…..
Verlee for Ransom: Where ever you live, I recommend finding out where the all ages music venues are and go check them out. If you love music, get involved in your local scene and support bands like us who are just getting started. Thanks Isaac!
supersonic
