THE BAND
GEOFF:
JAKE:
VOCALS, GUITAR, HARMONICA
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GUITAR, VOCALS
Bio:
Nashville Rock band 'Ferris and the Wheels' delivers this message, "We want to give something to the youth of America that was given to us as teens. Something to call their own, something to scream along with when getting out of school and while at parties, and something to squeeze when sad and lonely. We want to appeal to college age, post college, working class, parents, and even a few grandparents! We want to reach anyone who loves losing and finding themselves in original rock music."
Described as a "carnival ride of Rock", Geoff Ferris, lead singer and songwriter, born in Bad Axe, MI, and former lead singer of the band 'Bad Axe', has had success in Boston and Nashville as a musician.
Ferris says, "The songs are all about conflict, opposites, and juxtaposition. They are about life's moment, survival, relationships, love, sadness, happy days, and lonely ruts. They are expressions of the things felt on a daily basis in a way everyone can relate to and sing along with."
As a self-proclaimed "Rock Fanatic", Geoff has a wide range of musical tastes: classic rock, folk, progressive, grunge, alternative, pop and modern indie. His biggest influences started with oldies and Motown, but quickly moved to Bruce Springsteen, John Lennon, The Beatles, Neil Young and The Beach Boys. By the time he was 13 in 1994, Geoff was just beginning to have his mind blown by Led Zeppelin, Pink Floyd, Bob Dylan, and Queen, while simultaneously being hit with the current movement of grunge and alternative rock, which included Nirvana, Soundgarden, The Offspring, Pearl Jam and STP. Along with newer rock bands like the Foo Fighters and White Stripes, he's also influenced by some hip-hop/rap artists such as Eazy-E, Tupac, Snoop Dog, Dre, and Too Short.
"Geoff Ferris & The Wheels mounts a furious charge onto the music scene with an EP steeped in melancholy and gnawing sense of loss. Determined to reach the top – in life, love and everything in between – lead singer Geoff Ferris conveys a sense of hopefulness even when exploring dark and conflicted ideas. Whether rocking out or reining in, the impassioned arrangements serve as a fitting vehicle for his time-tested ambitions." - Blake Boldt, M Music & Musicians Magazine
Reviews/Quotes:
"Ferris & The Wheels mounts a furious charge onto the music scene with an EP steeped in melancholy and gnawing sense of loss. Determined to reach the top – in life, love and everything in between – lead singer Geoff Ferris conveys a sense of hopefulness even when exploring dark and conflicted ideas. Whether rocking out or reining in, the impassioned arrangements serve as a fitting vehicle for his time-tested ambitions." - Blake Boldt, M Music & Musicians Magazine
"Ferris and the Wheels played at The Throne Room in the Lincoln Park area of Chicago, IL on August 6th 2014. The show started at 9pm, with Ferris being one of the main acts going on at 11pm. Led by front man, Geoff Ferris, the band picked up steam behind his endless energy and enthusiasm. Continuously interacting and having fun with the crowd, Geoff led his band through a scorching 11 song set that left their fans chanting for more.The setlist included highlights off their EP such as “Hollow” and “Let’s Get Into Something.” The rocker “Hollow” manages to bring together two decades, paying tribute to the rock sound of the 80’s yet touching on the early 90’s with alluring guitar hooks during the bridge. “Let’s Get Into Something” grips you from the opening with its infectious almost pop-friendly sound. A personal and powerful song of struggle with addiction issues for singer Geoff Ferris, he left little on the table during the live rendition. Moving through melodic rock ballads to country-rock music, Ferris and Co paid homage to their acquired Nashville roots. Playing tracks throughout the set not recorded on any EP, revealed the direction of the band as it focuses on a more rock and roll sound. This plays into their strengths and should allow the band to focus more intently on their musical journey. Sadly missing from the show, was a stellar song from their EP - “Allow Me.” A promising song from the onset with melodic guitar work and strong lyrics throughout, a live performance of this was the only thing lacking from their first show in Chicago. Closing the set was an aptly titled new track “Life is but a Drink.” On a Friday night with a raucous, pumped up crowd, Ferris and the Wheels left them with a taste of promise and what may be yet to come. Looking forward to their next time in Chicago, Ferris and the Wheels are certainly worth checking out, as a budding rock band with undeniable potential." -Paul R., SMG Inc.