Everything Under the Sun

The five guys in Everything Under The Sun all express delighted shock at all the good things that have happened in the band's short life.

The band is still in its infant stages, having formed earlier this year, but finds itself in the national spotlight as one of 11 finalists from across America with a chance to win an online contest that could be worth $25,000 to EUTS.

EUTS finished fourth of all the hundreds of entrants in the first round of the Charter Center Stage Battle of the Bands Contest and now looks for daily voting support to boost it to victory in the finals. Members of the band are Bret Hanson, vocals; Mike Krah, lead guitar; Johnny Kero, keyboard; Joe Bailo, drums; and Adam DeLoria, bass.
Article Photos

Everything Under the Sun, from left, Mike Krah, Joe Bailo, Adam Deloria, Bret Hanson and Johnny Kero, play a recent gig at Mattson Lower Harbor Park. (Journal photo by Matt Keiser)

"This is mind-blogging. It's really hard to fathom," Hanson said. "I went on the Charter (web)site and it was so final, so real to see us there as one of the top 11 bands in the country. I got butterflies.

"It's remarkable. We are so proud, so honored," Hanson said. "People came together to support us and we're truly honored they did."

Hanson, who grew up in Chicago, migrated to the Upper Peninsula in the 1990s.
Fact Box

Online action:

http://www.facebook.com/#!/EUnderTheSun

Voting started Monday for the final round of the Charter Center Stage Battle of the Bands Contest and continues until Sept. 10.

For complete contest rules and details, go to connect.charter.com/centerstage.

Upcoming gigs:

Sept. 6, 6:30 p.m., Northern Michigan
University's
Don H. Bottum University Center, Music to Feed the Soul Concert: A Hunger Relief Fundraiser

Sept. 27, 5-7 p.m., Togos, Music on Third Street, Marquette

Sept. 29, 9 p.m.-2 a.m., Fat Boyz, Marquette

"I am more at home up here. In my heart, I feel like I belong here," he said. "The 906 in general to me has a special place in my heart."

Hanson said he has loved music as long as he can remember.

"My first memory of singing was when I was 3 years old," he said. "But i really just got into it a few years ago. But now music is the only thing that makes sense in the world to me. It feels so right."

While the concept for Everything Under The Sun has origins that reach back as far as 2005, the band's lineup coming together was "a matter of fate," Hanson said.

"Michael and I go back a ways," he said. "We were searching for the right people and were about ready to give up. Then we went out to eat one night and met the guys who ended up being the bassist and the keyboard player. The first time we jammed, we wrote the two songs that are most popular. It really has been something else."

Krah, born and raised in Marquette, is a student at Northern Michigan University, majoring in HVAC (heating, ventilation and air conditioning) and has played music since he was 11 or 12, following the lead of his older brother, Brian.

"I've pretty much stayed with the guitar. I also had a drum set when I was like 16, but I played the guitar more and stuck with it," Krah said.

He, too, is still wrapping his head around the band's quick journey to success.

"We're only a few months old," he said of the band. "To be honest, it's not really hit my brain yet. But it's cool and awesome. It's a lot to take in all at once with school and work and all."

Drummer Bailo, a South Lyons native, has been attending NMU for three years and hooked up with the band after being introduced by his roommate to Hanson.

"I had absolutely no idea we'd have this kind of response so quickly," Bailo said. "We won the Blue Lounge Battle of the Bands after being together less than a month. It has been amazing."

A musician since sixth grade, Bailo is overwhelmed by the reaction EUTS has received.

'It's incredible how many people have shown support," he said. "We appreciate it so much."

Keyboard player Kero - also called Johnny 5 - was born in Negaunee, but spent several years in Green Bay, Wis. His musical start was an early one.

"When I was 4 years old, I was at my grandma's and my mother was watching 'St. Elsewhere' on TV. The theme song came on and I went over to the piano and played it for her," he said. "I never learned to read music. I play by ear. I listen to a song and can play it back to you."

His time with EUTS has been "amazing," Kero said.

"Each person in the band is his own soloist in his own right," he said. "We've all meshed together. ... We feel the music. No one is ever too greedy. We share the wealth when we play."

The Blue Lounge Battle - The Mining Journal

The first round of the competition took place on May 11, with Everything Under the Sun claiming the victory.

The second round of the competition took place the following night, with local hardcore outfit Stitch the Wounds securing a win.

“The turnout was great; lots of people, and other bands, came down to watch,” Digneit said.

The third round of the event took place on May 18 and was won by the Marquette band Midnight Manual, and the fourth round by the Overtones.

In the last round before the finals, the punk-rockers in Skunk Fur secured their chance at the grand prize.

Competing in the finals was a nerve-wracking experience said Brett Hanson, frontman for Everything Under the Sun.

“Every band was on and so talented and humble; the crowd loved every song of every set,” Hanson said. “The variety of music that night was really extraordinary.”

Despite a close number of votes, Everything Under the Sun was victorious in the final round.

“It was really intense,” Hanson said. “We lost our guitarists’ pedals and my wireless microphone kept cutting out.”

Despite the technical difficulties, the band won $1,000 and a free demo with Cameron Studios.

“It was an awesome experience, and we’re very excited to record and to perform on a regular basis throughout Marquette,” Hanson said.

Both Hanson and Digneit agreed the greatest reward from the experience was the support between the local musicians.

“There’s an incredible amount of talent in the Upper Peninsula,” Hanson said. “It truly was powerful to see everyone come together, support each other and watch some talented bands. There are good things to come for Marquette’s music scene.” - The Northwind

A Marquette band has been voted the best band in Michigan and will now vie for the title of best in the nation. Everything Under the Sun was voted number one in the Charter Center Stage contest.

The competition pits bands against one another with the grand prize being $25,000 and a chance to open up for some major acts. The band won the first round, and now they've set their sights higher.

"We're so incredibly appreciative of everyone who helped us vote to get us to win the state of Michigan. The voting is not done yet though. We start up again on Monday, and it's going to be a two-week battle, but with the community support, I know we can do this," said Bret Hanson, vocalist for the band.

The band is also working on a studio album and a 28-state tour next summer. The next round of voting begins Monday. To vote for Everything Under the Sun, click here. For the band's Facebook page, click here. - The Mining Journal / Upper Michigan Source

A Marquette band has been voted the best band in Michigan and will now vie for the title of best in the nation. Everything Under the Sun was voted number one in the Charter Center Stage contest.

The competition pits bands against one another with the grand prize being $25,000 and a chance to open up for some major acts. The band won the first round, and now they've set their sights higher.

"We're so incredibly appreciative of everyone who helped us vote to get us to win the state of Michigan. The voting is not done yet though. We start up again on Monday, and it's going to be a two-week battle, but with the community support, I know we can do this," said Bret Hanson, vocalist for the band.

The band is also working on a studio album and a 28-state tour next summer. The next round of voting begins Monday. To vote for Everything Under the Sun, click here. For the band's Facebook page, click here. - The Mining Journal / Upper Michigan Source