Today we’d like to introduce you to AFB – The Alan Fox Band.
Every artist has a unique story. Can you briefly walk us through yours?
AFB has been together, in one line up or another, since 2000. The current line up has been together since 2011. Members are Alan Fox,Donny Hart, Donnie Pendleton, Terry Salyer and Greg Cagle. AFB was fortunate to secure a deal with Mesquite Street Records from Arlington and release their second CD, Coal Black Sky, in October 2016. AFB has since been touring in support of Coal Black Sky playing dates in Texas and across the south eastern U.S.
Please tell us about your art.
AFB was initially conceived as a Blues/Rock combo to gig in local clubs in East Texas by their namesake Alan Fox. As time passed and as the lineup changed the band became more focused on writing and producing their own material. Through a series of very fortunate events AFB’s Donnie Pendleton became acquainted with Alan Petsche, owner and president of Mesquite Street Records. Mr Petsche liked what he heard in AFB and “Coal Black Sky”, with the help of producer Mike Gage, was born.
AFB gets inspiration from the musical heroes of their childhood. These influences, as well as the bands own ambitions, drove their desire to share their brand of Texas music. AFB’s style of music is indicative of these early experiences and holds true as the CD progresses from start to finish. With a beginning in “Redemption” that sets a traditional tone, the listener is then taken thru a rock and roll “Ride” that ends with an emotional tribute to the band’s way of life in “The Path”. AFB hopes that the listener will feel the depth of emotion, as well as emotional commitment that went into this CD and that all who hear it experience all the joy they had in making it.
What do you think about conditions for artists today? Has life become easier or harder for artists in recent years? What can cities like ours do to encourage and help art and artists thrive?
The industry has advanced in many ways but the difficulty for the independent artist seems greater these days. in the past the artist could gain local support thru radio DJ’s as well as local music stores. With the advent of more and more corporate business models in both retail and radio, the artist finds himself struggling to gain any notoriety. Many of the clubs want the artist to supply their crowd, as though the artist isn’t hoping to exploit the crowd they believe the club provides. It’s a catch 22 where no one wins and more than any, the customer loses. Artists want to be seen and heard. Venues want to fill their seats.
Municipalities will not solve this problem. Only true entrepreneurial spirit between local artists and venues will keep any local scene alive. What you will notice, is that as the local scene grows, the municipalities will want to get involved. That involvement will bring investors and opportunity to the local scene. THEN, the municipality needs to be sure to remember where the opportunities came from and be sure that local artists are the feature of the festivals. It’s a workable model that rewards all involved.
How or where can people see your work? How can people support your work?
AFB’s “Coal Black Sky” is released on CD as well as vinyl. Music can also be purchased, either by song or as an entire work, online at http://www.petschemusic.com/store/music/. Merchandise can also be purchased at the PMG online store. “Coal Black Sky” is also available, in both CD and Vinyl, at local D/FW record stores like Bill’s Records, Forever Young Records, and Spinsters as well as Waterloo records in Austin. AFB ‘s website is https://www.alanfoxband.com/. There you can find full length biographies on the band as well as more info on their affiliates. Tour dates are listed on the calendar and a free listening room is available for you to review the CD before purchase. AFB is an avid supporter of live music. Live music and it’s culture can only survive with the full devotion of the listener……to ALL music.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.alanfoxband.com/
- Email: info@alanfoxband.com, mgmt@alanfoxband.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/alanfoxband/?ref=bookmarks
- Twitter: https://twitter.com/AlanFoxBand
Image Credit:
Photo credits: Jim Pruett , Micah White ,Raymond Hyatt.
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
