What if I told you that the best band in the world was one that you never heard of? Would you think that I’m crazy or would you go listen to their entire catalog? Sometimes in life, something is so incredible that is goes unnoticed. When this happens, it is a professional tragedy but every once in a while, reality exceeds expectations and when that happens in anything, we simply stand in amazement. Lucky Boys Confusion (LBC) is one of those rare treats that like a fine wine gets better with age. Today, we are going to talk about a band that literally shook the entire Midwest for over 2 decades and despite the lack of being critically acclaimed, they have captured a piece of our hearts. With their album “STORMCHASERS” it is going to be almost impossible for the world not to notice this unique ensemble of talent any longer.
While it is hard to believe, the band was formed in 1997. For over 20 years, LBC has been on the scene and while others with less talent have reaped the benefits of strong websites and talented marketing, many have never heard of this band that took control of the college scene in the late 90’s and is now resonating in our world as we embark on the middle of our lives. Unlike most things in life, LBC is better now than it was 20 years ago and the lyrics and the music has created a new sound that has taken the music world by storm.
Brian d’Hedouville, a longtime LBC fan was quoted as saying, “It’s hard to believe. I started listening to this band when I was a college freshman at the University of Michigan. Now I have a family and a career and their music is one of the few things that have stood the test of time.
With bands such as Yellowcard, Taking Back Sunday, Blink 182 and Hawthorne Heights achieving and maintaining success for such long periods of time, I will never understand how LBC never caught world renowned fame. This new album is amazing and I hope that the world finally takes notice.”
LBC has seen it all in their career. From the tragic death of Joe Sell to various solo projects of Kanstubh (Stubhy) Pandav, Adam Krier, Ryan Fergus and Jason Schultejann, something about this new album brings tears to your eyes and fire in your soul.
We had a chance to sit down and talk to LBC lead singer “Stubhy” about the new album. Here is what he had to say:
We Love Ann Arbor (WLAA): How does it feel to be back in the public eye?
Stubhy: The first song “Storm Chaser” was about Joe Sell and it really made us decide to get back together. Our fans have always stuck with us and it is great to be back.
WLAA: After 20 years of this, it is amazing how many of us that were in college when you started are still loyal fans. Do you think your music has changed much over the past two decades?
Stubhy: The lyrics may change a lot to you over time. I really feel this is our most powerful album and our songs have went from chasing girls to real life crisis and the process of dealing with it. We have been through a lot and it is amazing that our fan base has stayed so loyal for over 20 years.
WLAA: I heard you say in an interview that the album “Throwing the Game” was deemed a bust. In Ann Arbor, Michigan and in New Jersey where I grew up, “Throwing the Game” is what got us all hooked on LBC, why do you feel the album did not get more attention because we all felt it was amazing?
Stubhy: It was a commercial failure. It meant a lot to our fans but commercially it did not succeed and that was tough to overcome but we are proud that people are still listening to it two decades later.
WLAA: What are you hoping to accomplish with STORMCHASERS? Your music has seemed to get better over time, what is the plan for the future?
Stubhy: We are just glad to be back and this album was written over a course of 8 years. I’m not sure what the future holds but we want to continue to send a message that our fans can relate too.
It is amazing that the famed produce Johnny K is working with us on this project. He is an icon in the music business and to have him as our producer is an honor.
WLAA: Michigan fans want to know when you are coming to the area, can you tell us what the tour schedule is if you have one yet?
Stubhy: We will be in Grand Rapids in the fall and Detroit around the same time if not the summer. A lot of tour dates will depend on how the album sells in certain areas. We love Michigan and hope it sells well there.
WLAA: Can you tell people where they can purchase the new album and merchandise?
Stubhy: Everything can be purchased on www.luckyboysconfusion.net. The album is comes out on April 14 and you can preorder it now on ITunes.
WLAA: If you could say one thing to the music world, what would it be?
Stubhy: I’m happy. I’m grateful that our fans have stuck with us. No matter what happens with this album I feel that we have already accomplished our dreams.
The music of Lucky Boys Confusion is something that does not come around every day. From our most shining moments to our darkest times, Lucky Boys Confusion has provided a story that we can all relate too. “STORMCHASERS” is a once in a lifetime album. To not get it, listen to it and feel the power of it would be a major mistake. 2017 marks the dawning of a new day for this great band and we are given an opportunity to feel their energy once again. For that, we are all very lucky…
Bill Amadeo is a partner at the law firm of McManus PLLC in Ann Arbor, Michigan. He also owns and operates BAT Tutoring in Lansing, Michigan. Bill is a contributing writer for “We Love Dexter” and “We Love Ann Arbor.” He can be reached at: Amadeo@McManusplllc.com.