We’re looking forward to introducing you to YEARB4. Check out our conversation below.
Good morning YEARB4, it’s such a great way to kick off the day – I think our readers will love hearing your stories, experiences and about how you think about life and work. Let’s jump right in? What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Rehearsals. When the band gets together to rehearse for upcoming shows or write new music, two hours go by like it was only ten minutes. We get locked into the zone as we play and before we know it, one of us has to jet off to work or another commitment and we have to call it for the day. But, as we all leave, we are itching to get back to our space and get to playing again.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
YEARB4 is a new hard rock band from Nashville, Tennessee, that gives you everything you love from 80s hard rock and 90s grunge but with a new, fresh sound. Our music finds itself perfectly mixed in with playlists of Van Halen, Soundgarden, Alice in Chains, Three Days Grace, Guns N’ Roses, and Motley Crue. Individually we are Lucas Blair (vocals), Michael Milaitis (lead guitar), Floyd Fulton (drums), and Abby Chuck (bass). We recently put out an EP titled “Down and Out” that we recorded both at East Iris Studios here in Nashville, TN and at Sanctuary III, the home studio in PA of Obie O’brien, known for his extensive career working for Bon Jovi. We are very proud of newest releases as we believe they can appeal to all types of rock listeners; those who prefer fast paced songs, heavier songs, and even a strong ballad.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What was your earliest memory of feeling powerful?
For the four of us, we felt our band’s power the first time we all played on stage. When Abby joined the band officially in January of 2024, the first show we played together still sticks out to each of us as special. The way we interacted on stage, the tightness of the music, the response and energy from the crowd. Everything about that show felt good. And since, we have been building upon that power and continuing to work hard and get the job done.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
It is the moments where we struggle the most that we learn the most. In today’s music climate of pop and country music, the rock and roll genre seems to be hidden from mainstream eye. It can be hard for us to feel like our efforts “playing the game” of social media are worth it when we compare it to the fast and rapid success of our peers in the rock and pop genres. However, in this difficult level of our careers, we lean in harder. We write more music. We record and release more music. We post on social media everyday, multiple times a day. We play shows one week to 150 people and the next week to 7 people. The “paying our dues” is the most fun for us. It’s hard, but the small successes make it all the better. There is no greater feeling or more rewarding feeling than slowly seeing our followers and monthly listeners rise knowing it is because of our hard work.
Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What’s a belief or project you’re committed to, no matter how long it takes?
We live and breathe YEARB4. Each of us have sacrificed so much for this band and our music. Our families have poured so much into us and supporting us in more ways than we can count. The music we write, record, release, and play show after show after show will forever be our number one goal. We are committed to making this work. Be able to chose a career where we get to do our favorite thing every day is a luxury, and we know that. It comes with its own struggles, as all musicians can relate. But there is nothing the four of us want more than to see “YEARB4 – SOLD OUT” across every venue marquee.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. Are you doing what you were born to do—or what you were told to do?
From an early age, each of us knew our calling was to be making music and performing. While our individual paths led us through many different avenues, something in the universe brought us all together. One thing we have all talked about at length is how we feel like our most true selves on stage. When the lights are shining on us, the crowd is full of our friends, family, and fans, the music is blasting- that version of us that you see, is our truest self. Because of that authenticity, people have encouraged us to keep pursuing music and our goals. So, yes. We were born to do this. At the same time, we are grateful to have people see that, believe it, and remind us to keep doing it.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://yearb4.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/yearb4/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/p/Yearb4-100091476802475/
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@YEARB4
- Other: Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/3vyhgnqknbJ8GE6kEw7b7E?si=UfzgnEQiQ3y5fLs2whq9_g
Apple Music: https://music.apple.com/us/artist/yearb4/1608643243
Image Credits
Kate LaMendola @iamlamendola
Daphne Stubblefield @daphlens
Via Donnelly @viaraemedia
Alan Phantastic @alanphantastic
Ben Yeiser @ben.yeiser
