Signal the Chief

Signal the Chief is a four-piece rock band from Memphis, TN. The music is an edgy mix of influences ranging from Led Zeppelin to Rick Springfield to Rancid and even Run DMC. The band's live performances are full of energy and antics. They develop a connection with their audiences by encouraging crowd participation during their sets and their open demeanor when the music is done. Committing early to D.I.Y. approach, the band has spent the last year recording a demo EP and a full-length CD on their own; personally designing merchandise; and hitting the road in support of their releases.

Before starting STC, these four guys developed friendships through their work with local music. They decided to merge two former bands of slightly different styles into a single group, highlighting the strengths of each.

Shaun Carman is the drummer and back up vocalist. He calls Memphis home, and has played with bands in Dallas, St. Louis, Nashville, and Cleveland. He is an expert multimedia developer and a talented producer/engineer, handling both duties on the band's two releases.

Luke McKee plays guitar and sings. Born and bred in the Mid-south, Luke shares the primary songwriting duties with Frank and handles everything from driving the van to building the light rigs.

Frank Fournier also plays guitar and sings. He moved to Memphis from Detroit Rock City where he played in a punk/ska/rock band called Zygrot 24. Frank is the catalyst for much of the on-stage energy during performances.

Stephen Gifford plays bass and sings. Called "Beans" by the band, Stephen builds bass guitars; works with the local indie community; and publishes a blog called "The Tao of Steve," on the band's website.

Signal the Chief is currently booking gigs throughout the Midwest and Southeast. They distribute their music on-line through their website and at shows as well as sharing their music through Creative Commons licensing.