The Follow

LOVE, LIFE & INSPIRATION
A FANS POINT OF VIEW
  by JASON LITTON

The first time I saw the Follow I went not knowing what to expect. I had just heard the name around a lot and knew that they were a well known local band. I remember it was a good show but I don't remember much more about it. The second time I saw the Follow, I went because the first show was so good and I still had the song Drive stuck in my head. After the show I remember asking for a set list in the alley behind the Blue Note while the band was loading up their instruments. They couldn't find one and was unpacking everything including the drums and opening cases looking for me one. I remember them even going back inside and looking (and finding) me one. That's when I knew there was something special about this band; they really cared about their fans. Another thing that meant a lot to me when I met the band was when I asked for an autograph they just didn't sign their names, they wrote more and made me feel like I knew them and they knew me,
even before we really did.

I don't know how many times after that I've
seen them perform live. I am glad to be even
the smallest part; it means a lot to me that
they want me there.

Mat is crazy, but in a good way. He always has something funny to say and seems to be in a great mood regardless of what is going on. He knows how to have a fun time yet get what needs to be done, accomplished. He knows what it takes in every aspect to put on a good concert and does his best whether he is playing for 2 people or hundreds. Mat's wife Shannon also does a great job running the lights. She is also fun to talk to.

Amy is one of the world's nicest and caring people. She makes each show feel like it is about the audience even when in all truth, at times; it is more about her and the rest of the band. She's also always trying to feed me and make sure that I have something to drink, it means a lot to me that she cares. She also has a lot of interesting stories and experiences, if one asks. I also think that she has great vocals as well as her bass playing skills.

Troy takes a little more time to get to know than the others, but once you do, you realize it was worth the wait. He kind of has a sense of unexplainable mystery about him. It's not a bad thing; it just leaves you wanting to get to know him more. He knows what he wants to accomplish in his music and knows how to achieve that in each and every show. He also is one of the most intelligent people that I know. He is also an amazing guitar player and vocalist as well as sound engineer.

The lyrics of the band are powerful. You may not always know exactly what experience or what every song is about specifically, but you can always relate them to you personally. For example: in the song Carry On, the lyrics state: "In the earth builds a fire, just as the mountains hold the sun, lost for days, oh it drives me to my knees. I don't know if I've got the strength to carry on". This song to me is very inspirational. It tells of trying to accomplish something or to have something going on in your life that you are not sure that you can make it thru. At times you just feel like giving up but like the song states you can find 'Strength' to 'Carry On' from the people around you as well as in your personal beliefs.

The Follow writes songs of love and hope, of strength and of happiness, and of experiencing things that you never thought were otherwise possible. The songs are powerful and have such meaning that you can just tell and feel the effort behind them. The Follow is not a band that you just want put on and do something else; they are a band you want to just sit and listen to. The songs make you feel better and are uplifting. The Follow means the world to me. Their music has helped me in times when I wasn't the happiest, when I just didn't have a clue to what I was doing. (Like now ha.) The Follow is a band of Love, of Life and of Inspiration. Never in my life have I ever felt as strongly about a band. Mat, Amy and Troy are not just another local band to me, they are the best group of friends anyone could ever ask for. I believe in The Follow and what they want to accomplish thru their music.

* The Follow wants to connect with their fans, meet their fans, hear comments and feedback, and even value constructive criticism. They have a progressive approach, and are open to trying new things. They have a need for more of their fans to be involved in the street team. Everyone has a special part they can play in the growth of the band. Anything from handing out flyers, or helping load band gear, to calling in requests at local radio stations. There are far more ideas, and The Follow wants to hear and implement yours! The website, monthly enews, and myspace all provide great resources to begin participating. As a band grows their fan base grows. If you hear a band you like, you tell others. Fans buy the CDs and merch and come to the shows. The Follow's fans mean everything to the band. They want to build the street team, and it starts with you!
Are you ready to Join The Follow Street Team?