Small Town Stories
Rock
Band Members
Chris Heltemes + Vocals
Charlie Stillings + Guitar
Adam Johnsen + Guitar / Keys
Brian Cunningham + Bass
St. Cloud, MN, U.S.
Real, High-Energy, and Fun - all words that have been used to describe newcomers to the Minnesota rock scene, Small Town Stories. Hailing from St. Cloud, MN, these young musicians have vowed to break through the myriad of forgettable songs and over-the-top fashions that dominate the music scene to deliver something they see as critically missing from a lot of modern music - honest emotion. Taking cues from bands such as The Starting Line, The Spill Canvas, Something Corporate, and New Found Glory, the group offers a style of music that puts a focus on reality first. Optimism, Love, Awe, Disappointment, Remorse, and Contempt are all emotions everyone can relate to; these feelings are what fuels Small Town Stories' performances and songwriting alike.
"It's been a long road already," shares frontman Christopher Heltemes: "We've had our share of problems, and we've jumped a lot of hurdles, but I'd like to think that the experiences have only strengthened our resolve and our solidarity as poets. I'm really excited about our upcoming album, I think people will really like it."
Playing with hometown heroes such as All the Right Moves, Take Cover, and Jamestown Story and national favorites Foxy Shazam, Wavorly, The Bigger Lights, and The Graduate, Small Town Stories has made it clear that their ambitions will see actualization. Guitarist Charles Stillings adds, "We put a lot of effort in to make sure our audience is entertained throughout the night. Growing up, we saw many of our favorite bands take time out of their busy and often chaotic show schedules to meet with us fans and show their appreciation for us. We'd like to continue following that ethic."
With all eyes on the band in anticipation of the release of their self-titled debut EP, one thing is easy to see: a sympathetic view is all that's needed to catch people's attention.
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