Several blocks from campus, a neighborhood appears to be just like any other; quiet and average.
Little do people know that behind one of these average houses is an amateur band rockin’ out in the backyard.
For now the band is called Justin Fanus, named after one of the founding members, but they’re looking to add to the name.
Four guys, Justin Fanus (lead singer and rhythm guitarist), Hector Sanchez (lead guitarist and back-up vocals), Daniel Millstone (bassist and back-up vocals) and Dashiell Albrecht (drummer and back-up vocals) make up the band.
Friday marks the band’s first Battle Royale (aka Battle of the Bands) performance at The Rock, 136 N. Park Ave. Battle Royale allows local bands to compete for $1,000 in recording time from OG7 studios and about $500 in sponsor gift certificates. The Battle Royale is a chance for bands to compete for a spot in the finals.
Fanus, Sanchez and Albrecht are all studying music and Millstone is studying engineering. Fanus and Millstone attend the UA, and Sanchez and Albrecht attend Pima Community College.
Fanus began playing with Sanchez four years ago, writing and collaborating. It wasn’t until three years ago they decided to start creating music. Two years ago on New Year’s Eve Millstone came into the picture, and the band was formed. They welcomed Albrecht into the mix just over a year ago. All four members went to Tucson Magnet High School together.
Each member brings their own musical background to the mix. Fanus and Millstone have acoustic-pop soul styles. Sanchez played in a metal band prior to Justin Fanus. Albrecht is into R & B and typically brings a funky twist to their tracks.
Their softer, laid-back style is all their own. If Jason Mraz, the Gin Blossoms and the Red Hot Chili Peppers had a love child, Justin Fanus would be the result.
Justin Fanus have been practicing once or twice a week to prepare for their Battle Royale debut. They have two new songs they plan to unleash — one will be played, while the other is still being fine-tuned. Both songs have yet to be named.
Fanus said the band has been growing a lot and has started gaining a fan base.
“”At one of the shows, we were singing a song that was one of our more popular ones that people know probably a little bit more. I said to the audience, ‘If you guys know this one, sing it with me,’ and I didn’t expect anyone to. But they ended up singing with me and it was really cool (because) I was able to stop singing and listen to the crowd sing our music. It just kind of made me realize that not only is the music for us to make a living with, but to affect other people,”” Fanus said.
The quartet wants their music to affect people the same way music has affected them, whether it be inspiring people or changing someone’s mood.
“”It’s crazy that just listening to something can evoke a certain feeling. I think it’s one of the coolest things ever,”” Fanus said.
In addition to their Friday performance at The Rock, the band is also playing at the Leo Rich Theatre in the Tucson Convention Center on Sunday for Drop Boms on Breast Cancer. All the proceeds go toward the National Breast Cancer Foundation.
