Blake Speaks

Posted on May 14, 2013 by Christy Lynch

Without him, you would have no beat to shake your booty to… Learn what makes Blake tick:

1.  What music are you listening to recently? Muse, Skrillex, Lithuanian Snuff Band

2. How did you get started playing music? An evil monkey visited me in a dream and told me that if I didn’t become a computer scientist he would cut off 3 of my fingers. The next night a wise old llama came to me in a vision and said the only way to fend off the monkey was to play loud drums all the time. So, you know – just trying to fend off the finger monkey.

3. What’s one of the coolest gigs you’ve played? and/or what’s one of the worst?  Tweeter Center in Boston with Meredith Brooks – Anything where ‘strolling’ was involved.

4. Famous people you’ve met or played with ?  Tom Hanks, Sammy Hagar, Meredith Brooks, Nelly Furtado – oh you mean in person?? No one.

5. If you weren’t in the band, what would you be doing?   Sleeping

6. What did you want to be “when you grew up”, when you were a kid? Drummer. Oops.

7. What’s different about performing in MS/S4/FS compared to other bands you’ve been in?
The intense focus on costume changes.

8. What’s a fact that surprises people about you?  I’m married to a doctor of neuropsychology.

9. What is something you want people to know about you? How old are you?

10. Do you play other instruments?  Musical? No. Not that you’d want to hear.

11. How long have you been with MS/FS/S4?  32 years this April

What else do you want to know about Blake?

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Robby Says

Posted on May 7, 2013 by Christy Lynch

He’s more than just a hot fedora and floor humps – find out more about the dynamic lead singer from Final Say:

What music are you listening to recently? I’ve been digging an Indie artist named Allen Stone. Check him out.

How did you get started playing music? My Dad was a singer in an Atlantic Soul group called the Enchanters. Before getting signed, they performed with the Jackson 5. When I was around 8 or 9 years old his group had a mini reunion in my living room and sang some a cappella tunes. It was one of the most beautiful things I ever heard. That pretty much got me hooked on singing.

What’s one of the coolest gigs you’ve played? And/or what’s one of the worst?

Hmmm. I guess the coolest experience was performing at the White House. The coolest gig was every show that I was able to sing side by side with my Dad in the band TimePeace.

Worst gig was playing to about 20 people on a wagon in the middle of a cornfield. Wait. That wasn’t so bad. The corn was delicious.

Famous people you’ve met or played with- Met Smokey Robinson and the Goo Goo Dolls. (How’s that for a broad spectrum?) Met and jammed with The Four Tops once. They were awesome.

If you weren’t in the band, what would you be doing? I’d probably write, act, and work as an English teacher.

What did you want to be when you grew up, when you were a kid? In order- I wanted to be a football player, then a screenwriter/director, and finally a singer/songwriter. Oops. I forgot one. When I was 2 years old I wanted to be a fire truck.

What’s different about performing in Final Say/Maggie Speaks/Spoken Four compared to other bands you’ve been in? Definitely the repertoire. I was never in a top 40’s cover band before. Jesse’s Girl was a whole new world for me. That being said I dig the variety. It’s a fun gig and I love my band mates. They’re the best in the biz.

What’s a fact that surprises people about you? I have a large comic book collection. Mostly Marvel. Geek you say? Very well. I accept.

What is something you want people to know about you? I have my own music. I don’t sing it often but it’s out there. I have a CD called Voiceprints floating around on itunes. If you really want to know me just give my tunes a spin. They’ll tell you almost everything.  :)

Do you play other instruments? I play the piano but I use the terms “play” and “piano” very loosely. I’m also a frustrated percussionist.

How long have you been with FS/MS/S4? Hmm…I better check my calendar…or I can just make myself a PB and J and throw out my best guess. 5 years. Mmmm..peanut butter.

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Wedding with Style at Navy Pier’s Crystal Gardens

Posted on April 19, 2013 by Christy Lynch

We have been privileged to play at a number of weddings, but none quite like this!  Where could you combine beautiful gardens, a city view, great catering and fireworks?  Navy Pier Crystal Gardens!  We got to work with some amazing people in the industry Phil Stefani Catering and LOLA Event Planning.  And, of course, our beautiful bride, Katie Thome of Dolce Strings and her husband Justin. 

For some amazing photos, please go to the LOLA blog.

Thank you, Katie and Justin, for letting us be the soundtrack to your wedding.

 

** Photos provided by Tricia Koning

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Avi Says

Posted on March 25, 2013 by Christy Lynch

1.What music are you listening to recently? Right now I’ve been listening to the radio.  I’m into a large variety of stuff ranging from pop to rock to metal to r&b.

2. How did you get started playing music? I wanted to become a singer when I was a teen and was influenced by the MTV era.  I learned how to play guitar when I was 15 and a year later learned bass.  I stuck with bass as my main instrument since it was in high demand.

3. What’s one of the coolest gigs you’ve played, and/or what’s one of the worst? The coolest gig I ever played by far was in 2003.  I played bass in a band called “From Zero” who were signed to Arista.  We were on a fest in Connecticut opening up for “Cold” and “Seether” and a bunch of other bands.  There had to have been about 6000 people there.  That was amazing!  My worst gig by far was in 1996 I was playing at a now defunct club called “Sidelines” in the city.  Only 3 people showed up and the owner made us end early.  We got paid 5 bucks and were told never to come back.

4. Famous people you’ve met or played with? In the late 80′s and early 90′s I opened up for Enuff Z’ Nuff, Lillian Axe, and Life Sex and Death.  During the mid to late 90′s I’ve shared a stage with Soul Asylum, Nine Days, and Guster.  In the early to mid 2000′s I was on the same bill as Chevelle, Cold, Seether, No One, and 30 Seconds To Mars.  With Final Say we’ve played with The Spinners and The B-52′s.  I also did recordings with Steve Albini and Johnny K.

5. If you weren’t in the band, what would you be doing? That’s a real good question.  Probably some kind of job that I didn’t like.

6. What did you want to be “when you grew up”, when you were a kid? I pretty much wanted to play in a band and so that’s what I’ve been doing for the last 25 years.

7. What’s different about performing in MS/S4/FS compared to other bands you’ve been in? This is the only band I’ve ever played with in ear monitors.

8. What’s a fact that surprises people about you? I was an ice hockey referee for 5 years in the late 90′s,

9. What is something you want people to know about you? I want people to know that I will be here for as long as I am until I’m gone.

10. Do you play other instruments? I play bass, guitar, and sing.

11. How long have you been with MS/FS/S4? I’ve been with FS for 5 and half years since it started.

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Spoken by Jeff

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Christy Lynch

Jeff kind of hangs out in the background at most of our shows – so we thought we’d fill you in on our favorite “No Shoes While Drumming” member:

1.What music are you listening to recently?  The Scooby Doo theme song perfomed  by my two sons.

2. How did you get started playing music?   I heard The Who at a young age and it was a done deal.  I’ve been trashing hotel rooms ever since.

3. What’s one of the coolest gigs you’ve played? and/or what’s one of the worst   Coolest: playing with Chuck Leavell (Rolling Stones, Allman Brothers keyboardist)

Worst: playing a jazz gig with a super old guitarist wearing heavy duty hearing aids (that didn’t seem to work) and no bass player – a prime example of what jazz should NEVER sound like.

4. Famous people you’ve met or played with   I’m on a recording with Leif Garrett…no joke

5. If you weren’t in the band, what would you be doing?  I’d be a Shepard

6. What did you want to be “when you grew up”, when you were a kid?  A musician. It was between the flute and the drums – you know, the classic “Jethro Tull vs. The Who” scenario. Sometimes, I think I choose the wrong instrument.  The flute is so darn portable!

7. What’s different about performing in MS/S4/FS compared to other bands you’ve been in?  The repertoire. I’ve never played in a real cover band before so I’ve avoided certain cover band standards for many years.  I’m looking at you “Jessie’s Girl”.

8. What’s a fact that surprises people about you?  I’ve got mad ups.

9. What is something you want people to know about you?  That I’m TOTALLY serious about the mad ups thing.

10. Do you play other instruments?  Guitar, some bass and keyboards. But really, as a drummer, everything that you can hit is an instrument…I’m looking at you Rick Springfield.

11. How long have you been with MS/FS/S4?  I started subbing with Maggie Speaks around 2005.  I’ve been with Spoken Four since 2007 (I think). It’s all a glorious blur.

What else would you like to know about Jeff?

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Sam Speaks

Posted on March 12, 2013 by Christy Lynch

Everything you always wanted to know about Sam:

1.What music are you listening to recently?

Lots of Scandinavian metal. My comfort food includes The Darkness, Soilwork, Katatonia, Scar Symmetry, Omnium Gatherum and Mastodon among others. But it could be Miles, too.

2. How did you get started playing music?  

Awkwardly at age 12. My mother decided I needed to learn an instrument. After failing to be impressed with my piano teacher I decided on guitar, and I’ve been spiraling downward ever since.

3. What’s one of the coolest gigs you’ve played? and/or what’s one of the worst?

Probably something with Maggie Speaks, and probably something with Maggie Speaks.

4. Famous people you’ve met or played with?

Toured with Keanu. That was easy.

5. If you weren’t in the band, what would you be doing?

Be standing at the back of the room watching, going “well, I can do *that*… hey, my drink is empty”.

6. What did you want to be “when you grew up”, when you were a kid?

A fighter pilot. That really worked out awesome.

7. What’s different about performing in MS/S4/FS compared to other bands you’ve been in?

The rather relentless schedule. 150+ shows a year is more than most bands.

8. What’s a fact that surprises people about you? 

My law degree. And pretty much the rest of my story :)

9. What is something you want people to know about you?

I’m always trying.

10. Do you play other instruments?

Depends on your definition of “play”.

11. How long have you been with MS/FS/S4?

Off and on since 2004. They’ve shown me the world! Or at least, like, some suburbs. Plus central Illinois. Oh, and De Kalb.

What else would you like to know about Sam?

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Katie Immel Honored

Posted on October 25, 2012 by Christy Lynch

Final Say was honored to perform for the family of Katie Immel at the Light the Night Walk in Glenview.  Thank you to her family for allowing us to dedicate “My Girl” in her honor.

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In Memory of Katie

Posted on October 18, 2012 by Christy Lynch

Final Say will be playing at this Sunday’s Light the Night Walk in Glenview in Memory of Katie Immel.

Katie was diagnosed with AML in December, 2008.  She was enjoying life, living in Chicago, working at The Weather Channel and planning an August, 2009 wedding (which included Spoken Four as the wedding band).  Katie passed away 8 months later, two weeks after her 25th birthday and two weeks before what would have been her wedding day.

During her life, Katie enjoyed sports – both playing and watching.  She went to State for Cross Country in high school and went on to run at Carthage College.  She loved living in Chicago – the restaurants, shopping and nightlife.  Katie had no problem adjusting to big city life although never changed her allegiance to Wisconsin sports teams.  Most importantly, Katie loved her family and friends.  She always looked forward to coming home or meeting up with friends.  She is missed every day.

For more information on the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society and the Light the Night Walk, please go to http://www.lightthenight.org/.  Final Say will be playing at the Glen in Glenview at 5:30 PM.

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Get a little wet with Maggie Speaks

Posted on October 2, 2012 by Christy Lynch

Maggie Speaks is excited to announce a special show at the Shedd Aquarium in conjunction with MasterCard Priceless series.

Thursday, October 25th, join us for an night of music at the Shedd.  Start your night off with yummy food and drinks, followed by a private tour of the Shedd Aquarium (including the new Jellies exhibit).  Maggie Speaks will take the stage at 7:30.

Visit the priceless site for ticket and event information:  https://www.priceless.com/chicago/offer/Maggie-Speaks-at-Shedd?productNumber=89&preview=&cid=178820.  A limited number of tickets will be available, don’t miss your chance!

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Spoken by Beccy

Posted on September 26, 2012 by Christy Lynch

We thought you might like to know a little bit more about our newest member – Beccy!  Enjoy!

1.What music are you listening to recently?

My Pandora plays a healthy mix of artists like: The Shins, Piebald, The Smashing Pumpkins, Cake, The Flaming Lips, Elliott Smith, Pedro The Lion, Radiohead, etc.  Recently I have been really enjoying listening to The Civil Wars.     

2. How did you get started playing music?  

I wrote and fully produced my own single when I was 5 with the help of my big brothers cassette recorder!  I don’t remember how it went but I do remember my brother being a little upset when he realized I had recorded over his favorite tape.  True story.

On a more serious level I would say I got started after some involvement with a local community theater.  That’s where I really got my feet wet as a performer and it’s also where I met the band I have worked with for the past 3 years.

3. What’s one of the coolest gigs you’ve played? and/or what’s one of the worst   

If you are a gigging musician, you have had a “bad gig experience” or two, or seven.  I’ve sang in some of the dive-i-est dives you could imagine but, we all have to start somewhere.  I’d say one of the coolest gigs I have played was at the Drake Hotel, singing jazz standards in the Palm Court.  Some of the greatest jazz and swing singers of all time have visited or performed there.  Not to mention the place is gorgeous!  The experience was completely surreal. 

4. Famous people you’ve met or played with   

I’m sad to report that I haven’t met any famous people.  I really gotta do something about this.  Tell ya what, if you’re a famous person and you’re reading this, have your people call my people and we’ll do lunch!    

5. If you weren’t in the band, what would you be doing?

Well, I am very partial to animals.  You can’t take me to any sort of pet shop or shelter without me trying to name every last animal and take them home with me.  I’m sure I’d be the crazy cat lady from the Simpsons if friends and family didn’t continually intercept.  Maybe I would become a zookeeper!

6. What did you want to be “when you grew up”, when you were a kid?

As cliché as it may sound, I always wanted to be a singer and perform on a stage when I grew up.  I am extremely fortunate to be doing exactly what I always dreamed of.  

7. What’s different about performing in Spoken Four compared to other bands you’ve been in?

There’s quite a bit that’s different: the music, the venues, the audience…but I think what’s really different for me is the ENERGY!  It’s so much fun (and exercise) playing a gig because everyone on stage is having just as much fun as the audience!  I think that’s one of the reasons why we stay so busy.  We’re not just a band, we’re your friends.

8. What’s a fact that surprises people about you? 

I completed middle school and high school through independent home study programs.

9. What is something you want people to know about you?

I would tell you but it’s a secret….   

10. Do you play other instruments?

I play the piano by ear.  I am also a very talented Kazoo player although I lack any formal training.

11. How long have you been with Spoken Four?

My first official gig was Feb. 2nd 2012!!!  It’s gonna be a great year!!!

 

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