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"Meet The Band" 3 In Counting
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"MEET THE BAND" 3 In Counting
ONCE?A?WORK?IN?PROGRESS, NOW?THIS?WEST?SUBURBAN?BAND?IS?SOLID
AND?..."MEET THE BAND" 3 In Counting
ONCE?A?WORK?IN?PROGRESS, NOW?THIS?WEST?SUBURBAN?BAND?IS?SOLID
AND?PERFORMING?ALL?OVER?CHICAGOLAND
In 2005, Mike Hayes, Evan Behmer and Eric Csukor recorded their first demo. Without a name and still searching for the right additions to round out their sound, the phrase “3 and Counting” described the place they were in, but a quick Google search proved the name was too generic. Evan suggested swapping the “and” for “in,” and soon fans were screaming “3IC” at the guys’ feet when they played live.
The band was a work in progress—losing a saxophone player, but gaining a bassist (Rob Kletsky)—until last Halloween when its third member (Matt Hines) joined the ranks.
The group’s members hale from the Chicagoland area. Mike, Evan, and Eric are from Glen Ellyn while Rob and Matt call Naperville home. It was on the stage at Quigley’s Irish Pub that they developed their fan base, and on North Central College’s 89.1 WONC-FM that they’ve been able to reach their suburban audience.
3 In Counting’s sound is an interesting combination of rock with notes of jazz and bluegrass on songs such as “Lost Boyz” and “Hitch and Go,” respectively. They achieve this mix with a blend of acoustic, electric and synthesized arrangements for guitar, bass and piano as well as guest fiddle played by Allie Kral of Cornmeal, a local bluegrass band. Mike has a howl that’s reminiscent of Dave Matthews, and it resounds in the title track of their LP, At the Edge.
On the 3IC website, two short documentaries chronicle their trips to Miami and Atlantic City to play their first out-of-state shows. In band-of-brothers fashion, they take turns catching each other’s gags, grins and groans of sleep deprivation while tearing down the interstate in “the Red Rocket,” a rented red maxivan. True to southside roots, Mike, originally from Forest Park, is usually representing the Sox in the videos with his backward baseball hat. In their Miami hotel room, Eric laments the lack of quality pizza as the guys pine for a slice of Second City.
As much fun as the band had on their road trips, Mike says their most memorable performance was downtown at the House of Blues. Taking the stage in front of a crowd of screaming fans that hadn’t followed them from the suburbs was surreal.
“You completely feel like a rock star,” he explains.
2012 hopes to be a year of touring and recording for the group, with plans for an EP of new original music and goals to play summer festivals. 3IC has played at the Last Fling two years in a row, and making a third appearance there or at Ribfest would suite them just fine. -Michelle Markelz, Editorial Intern
UPCOMING?SHOWS
3 In Counting will be playing at Abbey Pub in Chicago on March 3 and Quigley’s in Naperville on March 23. Some of their hits can be downloaded for free on their Facebook page, and the full At the Edge LP is available on iTunes. Support this local band!
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Chicago Band 3 In Counting Live at Rock the Plaza
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WHAT: 3IC offers a sound that connects with fans of all age groups. Influenced by jazz, heavy metal ...WHAT: 3IC offers a sound that connects with fans of all age groups. Influenced by jazz, heavy metal and lyric-rich acoustic rock, the band gives listeners a distinct sound that keeps them coming back again and again.
Pushing theenvelope of acoustic pop music with doses of jazz influenced piano, bright funky bass lines, heavy drum beats, upbeat guitar and undeniable vocals.
Mike Hayes - Vocal/Guitar
Evan Behmer - Drums
Rob Kletsky - Bass
Chris Hagerman - Saxophone
Eric Csukor- Keys
WHEN: Thursday, September 15th, 12 Noon - 2 PM
WHERE: The outdoor area located on the plaza of the building commonly known as Two North Riverside Plaza, Chicago
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Battle To Open For Bon Jovi
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12 local acts we chosen by Jack FM Radio out of a large amount of submissions to compete in a battle...12 local acts we chosen by Jack FM Radio out of a large amount of submissions to compete in a battle of the bands to open for Bon Jovi. 3 In Counting was one such selected local group to participate...
Local bands will showcase their talents in a special competition this weekend at The Venue at Hammond's Horseshoe Casino.
Radio station Jack FM (104.3) will present its "Give It A Shot to Open for Bon Jovi" contest from 7 to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday. Another contest will take place Feb. 25 at the Tilted Kilt in Elgin, Ill.
Winners from each competition will then battle it out in a contest scheduled for Feb. 26. The winner will then perform as the opening act for Bon Jovi's March 9 show at Chicago's United Center.
The radio station is looking for an un-signed band or solo artist.
Bands scheduled to compete on Friday will be 7th Heaven, 3 In Counting, Painkiller Hotel and Ignition Therapy. Saturday's lineup is Hi Infidelity, The West Side Winders, Shuvlhed and Board of Governers. General admisssion tickets for the battles are $5 with limited seating available
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Chicago band 3 In Counting plays House of Blues on Sunday
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December 23rd, 2010 11:09 am CT.
It's the day after Christmas and you want to keep the party goin...December 23rd, 2010 11:09 am CT.
It's the day after Christmas and you want to keep the party going. Why not come out and support a local band?
WHO: 3IC offers a sound that connects with fans of all age groups. Influenced by jazz, heavy metal and lyric-rich acoustic rock, the band gives listeners a distinct sound that keeps them coming back again and again. Pushing the envelope of acoustic pop music with doses of jazz-influenced piano, bright funky bass lines, heavy drum beats, upbeat guitar and undeniable vocals.
Mike Hayes - Vocal/Guitar
Evan Behmer - Drums
Rob Kletsky - Bass
Chris Hagerman - Saxophone
WHAT: 3IC Performance with Stellar Road and Finley Knight
WHERE: House of Blues, 329 North Dearborn, http://www.houseofblues.com/
WHEN: Sunday, December 26th, at 10 PM
$13.00 - GA - Advance
$16.00 - GA - Day Of
Ages: 17+
For more information & to purchase tickets: http://www.houseofblues.com/tickets/eventdetail.php?eventid=66642
Not just another band. Lead singer Mike Hayes tells me about the group.
What is it about your group that led to success?
I would say that the biggest reason for any of the success we have had is persistence. 3 In Counting has been making music for going on 6 years now and has since added a great saxophone player to the lineup. My songwriting has vastly matured and each member of the band has greatly improved at their instrument.
With our sound, songs, and talents being fine tuned, our live show speaks for itself. With great improvisations and tight jams, a 3 In Counting show is nothing short of a great concert experience. We are lucky and extremely thankful to have such loyal fans that continuously come out to each and every show.
Without the fans, we couldn’t do what we do. Also, the bands openness to playing all different styles of music. There seems to be something for everybody at a 3 In Counting show.
As for uniqueness, each band member comes from a different musical back round. Eric Csukor (keys) studied jazz and classical piano and has been playing since he was 8 years old. Chris Hagerman, saxophone and newest 3IC member, was involved in many different musical ensembles throughout high school. For 2 years he played in a Latin jazz group called “Dos Claves,” and while attending NIU he played in a jazz combo.
Rob Kletsky, bass guitar, has been studying music theory throughout his high school and college career and has been involved with various punk and metal bands.
Evan Behmer, drums and mainly self-taught, comes from a metal drumming background, has since incorporated many different styles of drumming technique into 3 In Counting songs. A very notable and distinct flavor to our sound.
As for myself, singer/songwriter/guitars, I studied guitar with Frank Rumoro in the Chicago Arts building downtown and have been playing guitar for 11 years. I played in various rock bands throughout high school, but really started writing acoustic music in college. It was at college I realized that writing songs and playing music was what I wanted to do.
But what really makes us different from other groups? Remarkable stage presence and energy!
What would be your advice to bands who are working to make it?
In today’s music world, my advice would be to learn how to use social media outlets and constantly update those outlets with new material. A new blog, new pictures, promotional videos, contests, and of course new songs, etc. The Internet is the most powerful tool bands have to use, in my opinion.
Practice, practice, practice! Nobody wants to see a sloppy show. This will separate you from other groups.
Save your money or find investors. Independent bands need funds in order to do things like record, make fliers, print CDs, travel, etc. Be careful of scams; there are lots of people out there looking to take advantage of inexperienced bands. Ask lots of questions and do lots of research.
What is it like now that you're 'famous'?
This is the first time anybody has asked me this question. I would not say 3IC is “famous.” I think we are doing well as a band and hopefully we can continue to head in the right direction. Although, one journalist did write an article that described us as "local celebrities."
Can you speak to your experience of being a Chicago band? About becoming well known, about Chicago audiences, about Chicago music?
In my personal experience, it is very possible to make things happen for yourself in Chicago. When we started out, we would play for an empty room for little or no pay. As I said before, persistence pays off. If you work hard and use your media outlets correctly, it is possible to create a “buzz” on the streets anywhere. We have been fortunate to have played some great venues in Chicago and are now about to embark on the biggest show of our careers at The House of Blues.
Anything else you want to add?
Earlier this summer 3 In Counting began recording their debut record. 3IC will be having its greatly anticipated debut record release party on Jan. 22nd @ The Double Door. As an independent band, this is a big deal for us and we are very proud of the record. This night is packed with 4 great bands and is not one to miss. Tickets are available online now! Find us on Facebook and visit us at www.3icmusic.com.
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3 In Counting - At The Edge of the Forefront (Front Cover + full page write up)
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Sending out nearly 15,000 physical copies a month to venues, clubs, and bars all over the Chicagland...Sending out nearly 15,000 physical copies a month to venues, clubs, and bars all over the Chicagland area, 3 In Counting hits the front cover of the Chicago Rocker June 2010. Please follow the provided link to check out the digital copy of the newsletter along with the band's full page write up.
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Chit-Chat with musician Mike Hayes - 3 In Counting remains focused on music after big win
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Glen Ellyn-based band 3 In Counting may not be recognizable on sight. But since winning Ballydoyle I...Glen Ellyn-based band 3 In Counting may not be recognizable on sight. But since winning Ballydoyle Irish Pub and Restaurant’s Battle of the Bands competition last spring, they are recognized. Band members (below from left) Eric Csukor, Mike Hayes, Rob Kletsky and Evan Behmer are getting a taste of what it’s like to be local celebrities. Now, the band’s name and music are reaching more ears than ever before. Hayes tells us all about it.
Have you had any moments where you’ve been stopped on the street or bombarded by fans?
Yeah. It’s funny. (People) may not recognize you, but when you introduce yourself to them, they know you. Our bass guitarist Rob was in a chorus at the College of DuPage, and no one really knew who he was. Once they realized who he was and who he played for — we’ve played at the College of DuPage before — they were like, ‘I know you guys. I’ve heard your band play.’ I didn’t even know we had created a buzz around the College of DuPage. It went from nobody knowing us to a lot of people knowing us. It doesn’t happen too often. We have noticed a steady increase in fans.
Since winning the contest, is the band now thinking bigger?
Yeah. That was just the tip of the iceberg. … Now we’re thinking, ‘Why couldn’t we open for a major act?’ Eventually, we’re looking to do our own Midwest tour. … We’re starting off small and getting bigger. We’re definitely a hardworking professional band who wants to continue to work hard to get it done.
After winning Ballydoyle’s Battle of the Bands last spring, what has the band been up to?
We have been in the studio. We will be releasing a full-length album with a tentative time of this summer. We’re real excited about that. We had took a hiatus in December, right after Christmas, to practice new music. We didn’t play a show in January, and then we were in the studio in February to work on our upcoming album.
What is the 3IC Music Marathon Series?
That is actually a self-promoting event. … It’s two days of music in Glendale Heights, Aurora and Wheaton. On Friday, (June 4) we’ll be at Shark City in Glendale Heights, and the following day we’ll be at Ballydoyle in Aurora and the Taste of Wheaton. We’re going to provide transportation to our fans. … They can contact the band through our MySpace page, Facebook or Twitter. We do stuff for our fans, whom we call our Hometown Heroes, to show our appreciation for them coming out.
GO to their concerts
WHO 3 In Counting
WHEN 9 p.m. Friday, May 28
WHERE Curly’s Bar and Grill, 499 Pennsylvania Ave., Glen Ellyn, (630) 790-4878, curlysbarandgrill.net
HOW MUCH Free
WHAT 3IC (3 In Counting) Music Marathon Series
WHEN Friday, June 4, and Saturday, June 5
WHERE Shark City, 2240 Bloomingdale Road, Glendale Heights; Ballydoyle Irish Pub and Restaurant, 28 W. New York St., Aurora; and Taste of Wheaton, Memorial Park, 208 W. Union Ave., Wheaton
CONTACT For times and bus transportation, e-mail Mitch Doran at mitchdoran.3inc@yahoo.com, or visit www.myspace.com/3incounting.
BONUS The band will shoot a music video of its single “At the Edge” on Friday, June 4, at Shark City.
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West suburban band 3 In Counting is counting on success
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West suburban band 3 In Counting is counting on success
Elizabeth Vassolo/ Triblocal.com staff repo...West suburban band 3 In Counting is counting on success
Elizabeth Vassolo/ Triblocal.com staff reporter 12/16/09 01:09 PM 57 hits
Local bands are a dime a dozen, especially in a big city. So how can groups set themselves apart and get noticed? One way is to not only take on other musicians in Ballydoyle Irish Pub of Downers Grove’s Battle of the Bands competition, but to win it. And that is exactly what west suburban group 3 In Counting did this past spring.
Last May, more than 100 bands fought for the top spot. The contest consisted of three elimination rounds and the winning prize was 10 hours of free recording time from Gremlin Studio in Aurora.
The group, which includes front man and lead guitarist Mike Hayes and drummer Evan Behmer of Glen Ellyn, keyboardist Eric Csukor of Wheaton and Naperville bassist Rob Kletsky, will use the winning hours toward recording their new album. Their hope is to produce a CD that captures the vibe and energy in their live shows, something that was missing in their first three CDs, said manager Mitch Doran.
But before they go into the studio, the band will come full circle to play one final show Jan. 2 at Ballydoyle, where their journey began.
Drawing influences from jazz, heavy metal and lyric-rich acoustic rock, 3 In Counting has a strong stage show with major energy and personality. It is this kind of crowd appeal that Hayes and the band believed helped them win.
”When we get behind our instruments, we have a good time, and through us having a good time, the crowd has a good time,” Csukor said.
Included in their play sets is a healthy list of unexpected—yet well done—covers like the Dean Martin classic “Sway” and plenty of original, jam-worthy tunes.
”We are a rock/pop/jam band,” Hayes said. “During our live shows the solos and certain things we do are unplanned. We use a lot of improvisation.”
The band came together in 2005 when Hayes came home for the summer from Western Illinois University. While at college he had written some songs and wanted to jam, so he called up his two friends Csukor and Behmer.
Pleased with how they sounded, they decided to record three songs at the College of DuPage’s music studio. But they were still missing a bass player and from that came the name of the band, 3 In Counting.
They eventually met Kletsky at a party and the group was complete.
”We couldn’t find a bass player, and in 2006 we ended up at a party meeting Rob,” Hayes said. “We meshed really well together.”
In the five years 3 In Counting has been playing, they have garnered an impressive fan following and are busy collecting a list of venues they have conquered including the Chicago hot spot The Cubby Bear where they recorded their 2006 live album “The Storm.”
Looking forward, the band hopes to continue what they do best—play well-gelled, spirited shows that please the crowd.
”The music business is absolutely insane,” Csukor said. But I believe we have somewhere to go with it.”
For more information, go to www.myspace.com/3incounting.
By Elizabeth Vassolo | Triblocal.com reporter
http://www.triblocal.com/Glen_Ellyn/Detail_View/view.html?type=photos&action=detail&sub_id=127174
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Counting on their Fans
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The Chicago suburbs are ripe with local bands trying to make a name for themselves. Glen Ellyn's 3 I...The Chicago suburbs are ripe with local bands trying to make a name for themselves. Glen Ellyn's 3 In Counting stands out, though, in that its star is already on the rise.
"The past six months have been a real surge for us in popularity," said band manager Mitch Doran.
The band's sound is a probable explanation for the steady growth in fans. "We really connect with fans from high school all the way to their 30s," said lead singer Mike Hayes. "We relate pretty well with everybody."
It's not hard to see why. Along with their easygoing personalities, 3IC offers a sound that connects listeners to some of their favorite bands. Inspired by the likes of Dave Matthews Band, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Sublime and 311, the band gives listeners a unique blend of sounds.
For most bands with a jazzy jam-related direction, cohesiveness is an issue. But not here. Tracks like "E Jam/Launch Pad," which features bassist Rob Kletsky's intro, explode into a combination of acoustic noodling provided by Hayes, irresistibly dancey keyboard lines at the hands of Eric Csukor, and Evan Behmer pounding out complex rhythms across his set. By the time you're done dancing, you can't believe that all the members of the band are 25 years old or younger. What's more impressive is their ability to switch directions on tracks like "NE One But You," which showcases Hayes' ability to take his voice seamlessly from powerful choruses to airy highs. The upbeat guitar and always-fitting keyboard/piano accompaniments make it nearly impossible to believe Hayes, Behmer and Kletsky came from metal backgrounds. Csukor, oddly enough, was classically trained in piano at the Chicago Academy for the Arts.
The original three members - Behmer, Hayes and Csukor - all grew up in Glen Ellyn, and, after college and playing in separate bands, decided one day to get together and jam.
"We were playing metal, but we were all way more jazz influenced," said Hayes. "I went away to Western (Illinois University) and lived in the dorms. I had a half stack and couldn't really blow people away, so I wrote a couple acoustic songs." Behmer joined in one day for a jam session, as did Csukor.
"We never had the intention of starting a band," says Hayes. "It was more just us wanting to get together and jam for awhile." Despite their initial inclinations, they formed 3 In Counting and played that way for a couple years. Without a bassist, Csukor had to add bass lines with his left hand. After recording "Romance," a CD of five songs, the trio stumbled across their fourth member - Rob Kletsky.
"I just met them by chance," said Kletsky. "It was through a friend of a friend of a friend at a party." Kletsky joined on soon after.
This incarnation of the band has seen a great deal of success, a lot of it coming in the recent months. After winning a battle of the bands competition at Ballydoyle in Downer's Grove, the band was rewarded with 12 hours of studio time and a side stage slot at Rock the Fox. After much persistence, 3IC earned regular stage time at the Cubby Bear in Wrigleyville. It was there that a Comcast scout saw the band, filmed their show and added them to Comcast's "Get Local" On Demand section.
It's no surprise that 3IC's live shows got them noticed. The band takes great pride in having a blast on stage.
"We do a lot of improvising on stage. We try to have as much fun as possible," said Hayes.
Routinely drawing an intrigued and eager crowd, 3IC is no stranger to the spotlight, but still has a special place for their first fans, dubbed "Hometown Heroes" after the Hometown Pantry where they all once hung out.
The band is still coming to terms with its new found popularity. "We've found ourselves at shows asking 'Do you know who these people are?'" said band manager Mitch Doran. "And we realize there's no longer friends of friends coming to our shows. It's new fans every time."
With nearly 30 songs ready for another album, band members have their eyes set on a record deal, upcoming festival bookings and a following in the college market. "You break into college listeners, and you have a fan base that goes anywhere," said Kletsky.
"Hopefully they'll take us with them."
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Rock on and on, Aurora!
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Rock on the Fox continued on Saturday, Aug. 1 in downtown Aurora. Starting at 2 p.m., DBL-SHOT took ...Rock on the Fox continued on Saturday, Aug. 1 in downtown Aurora. Starting at 2 p.m., DBL-SHOT took the stage, followed by Blue Truth, ARRA, 3 in Counting, Trippin' Billies and finally, headliner Billy Squier.
The last Downtown Alive! concert series event is set for Aug. 14 and 15 in downtown Aurora on Galena Boulevard. "Fan Favorites" is the theme.
FRIDAY, Aug. 14:
6:15 p.m. -- Hot Rocks (Rolling Stones tribute)
8 p.m. -- Hi Infidelity
SATURDAY, Aug. 15:
2 p.m. -- August
4 p.m. -- The Moods
5:30 p.m. -- Elevation (U2 tribute)
8 p.m. -- American English.
The concerts are free. Call 630-264-INFO or go to DowntownAliveAurora.com for information.
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Local Bands get to Share Stage at Rock on the Fox
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AURORA - In addition to Billy Squier and a host of Chicago-area bands, Saturday's Rock on the Fox wi...AURORA - In addition to Billy Squier and a host of Chicago-area bands, Saturday's Rock on the Fox will throw a spotlight on three local acts.
As part of an agreement with Ballydoyle Irish Pub, the winners of the restaurant's three-month Battle of the Bands competition will get to perform in between the main acts of Saturday's festival. The side shows will take place on the North Island Center courtyard. The battle was organized by Ballydoyle and Chicago radio station 95.9 The River.
According to Holly Lee at Ballydoyle, more than 100 bands competed at both the Aurora and Downers Grove locations for the chance to play Saturdays fest.
In the end, it came down to nine bands, who all took the stage on Wednesday night to fight it out. When the dust settled, Glen Ellyn's 3 in Counting came out on top.
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Winners of the Battle of the Bally Bands
3 In Counting won the first round and semi-final round of the Battle of the Bally Bands.
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Comcast Cable Featured Band
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Comcast On-Demand performance filmed at The Cubby Bear in Chicago on 4/14/09. To be aired in May-Aug...Comcast On-Demand performance filmed at The Cubby Bear in Chicago on 4/14/09. To be aired in May-August.
Watch here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7r6bGJOTv-s
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Testimonials, March 2008
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You guys rock!!! ur my new myspace song :) (AnnMarie)
Guys ur shits getting better and better. K...You guys rock!!! ur my new myspace song :) (AnnMarie)
Guys ur shits getting better and better. Keep them wheels turning. Peace. (Chibukis, Glen Ellyn, IL)
Great show last night! You guys have a really nice mix, and it was nice meeting you! See ya next time. (Mike Dorsey, DeKalb, IL)
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Testimonials, Feb 2008
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Saw you were playing in Warrenville where I live. Too bad I'm not 21. Love your guys' stuff (Becca, ...Saw you were playing in Warrenville where I live. Too bad I'm not 21. Love your guys' stuff (Becca, Warrenville, IL)
How much do you guys fucking ROCK! It as GREAT seeing you all. Had an excellent time, can't wait to see you again (Lauren, Fish Creek WI)
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Fearless Radio Interview
Band was featured in an interview on Fearless Radio.
supersonic
