Honor by August

So writing the first blog about Pat McGee Band seemed easy, like years in the making...writing my second blog has proven much much more difficult. Who was I going to write about next? And not because there are any lack of choices of amazing indie bands to write about...I have a huge list, trust me. So much music, so little time. But I was stumped, perhaps attaching some meaning to this blog, who would be my second band? Perhaps the second most influential indie music to my life? How do you pick that? I only needed to be reminded this weekend about who I would blog about next...I don't know why I hesitated, the answer is so easy. As the month of August comes to a close, I want to tell you about a band named Honor by August (or HBA as they are affectionately known).

Hailing from Arlington VA, I was introduced to this local indie rock band back in early 2009 through a friend of mine (whom I happened to have met at a PMB show along the way). This friend, from Richmond, was throwing a charity fundraiser concert in Richmond and had invited HBA, along with a few other local Richmond acts, to play this show. Now, she was familiar with their music but had never met this band....

And they had agreed to play her charity fundraiser...in a market in which they don't normally play...for someone they really didn't know! I was amazed at just the character it takes to do that much. So, to their credit, these boys already had won over my heart before I ever met them!

My first time at an HBA show, however, was actually before this charity event, at a little dive bar in Fredricksburg, where I accompanied my friend to meet the band. It was here that I realized that the character of these four men demonstrated through their generous spirit also comes through loud and clear in the music that they create. I have to tell you, I love a good beat and a catchy hook as much as the next person - but I am a lyrics girl at heart! And frontman Michael Pearsall's inspired lyrics captivated from the start and through two years of hearing their new and old music still has the way of captivating me time and time again...and looking forward to more. Here's a little sample of some of my favorite inspired lyrics that just hit me to the core...they are encouraging, hopeful, and refreshingly honest...

Somewhere down the line
We learn there's rules that were meant to be broken
Others bend but never break
Mistakes are meant for making us
Who we are inside -- Into The Light

All this loss and all this pain will turn around
(If you) Shake it up, make it beautiful
In life, we must die before we can be reborn --Phoenix

I am finding out just how good it feels
To be so real in this carnival
Of hopes and dreams coming true (coming true)
All you do in this life
Echos in eternity --Found

Don't let your window pass you by / Take hold of everything you see
That ship off in the distance / Could be your golden opportunity -- Opportunity

...to completely expressing the openness and journey of this band and their appreciation for their fans. Check out this song, called Awake and Alive. This autobiographical song tells the story of the band on their journey to make all their musical dreams come true, and demonstrates their joy and passion for the journey...and, in the end, it really inspires me want to feel just as passionate about my own dreams.



Don't be fooled by the acoustic version though! These boys bring the rock! Lead guitarist Evan Field seriously melts faces with his amazing electric guitar riffs (check out his work on Good Enough, off their debut album, Drowning Out The Television) shattering solos, as well as beautiful harmonies and occasional keys.

Drummer Brian Shanley lays down the beat (and any other percussion needed - shaker, tambourine) and is something else to watch when he is tenaciously wailing on the drum kit. And the fourth and newest member of HBA, Chris Rafetto, adds so much dimension to this band, contributing on bass, piano, backup vocals, and songwriting collaboration. The foursome together are tight! (Unfortunately, except for the occasional hometown guest appearances now, I never had the pleasure of seeing their original bass player, Joe Wenger)

Since their debut album release in 2007, HBA has released their sophomore album, Found in 2009 and a five-song EP, On Our Own in 2010. From the first show I saw, and every show since, it is evident that they love making music, they love their fans, and they love and respect each other. They are all smiles playing, whether it is for 12 people or sold-out 9:30 Club crowd of 1,200, and they never put on the same show twice. I am excited to see where the future takes these boys. Head on over to www.honorbyaugust.com, sample their streaming music, and subscribe to their newsletter, or follow them on Facebook for upcoming tour dates and hometown shows!!!

Tell me you understand
Tell me that you believe
Tell me there's nothing worth doing that's easy
We're gonna be the biggest stars this town has ever seen