Artist description Original 3 piece punk rock band from Stuart, Florida.

Music Style Low-end/High Energy Punk/Rock

Musical Influences Bad Religion, Pennywise, NOFX, Dag Nasty, Decendents

Similar Artists Bad Religion, NSYNC, Backstreet Boys, & O Town

Artist History $50 FLANDER BIO In the Beginning… $50 Flander started out back in 1996 with four original members and a different name (Headlock). Jason Calkins and Rich Stratman, originally of Crutch, were best friends and fellow band mates for years. After they kicked their old drummer out of their band Crutch, it was suggested that they audition Jason’s nephews and play with them. Eric and Derek Calkins were both a part of a band called Subject to Change. The band was on the rocks, so the twins decided to jam with Jason and Rich. Derek was playing drums, Rich on bass, and Jason and Eric on guitar. Before you know it they had a couple songs together and considered getting serious about being musicians. Growing as a band… A couple of years later, after many days of practice, local shows, and a dedicated local following, the foursome of $50 Flander was actually getting good. Their songs were more dynamic, with better vocals, and rhythm as thick as a brick. They had a good sound. Songs like “On My Own” and “Wife Beater” were huge local hits with their crew. In 2001, the boys got an opportunity to go to LA to play for a small punk Label called Aggravated Music. The guys had a good time, but didn’t sign with A. M. because of conflicts with the contract. Problems… Throughout the ladder years of the band’s existence, tension mounted between Jason and the other band members. His childish behavior and selfishness created countless problems. The rest of the band was sick of having to convince Jason to play shows out of town or play for less than $300 bucks. They quickly figured out that rationalizing with Jason was becoming more of a pain then loading equipment. But on the other hand, the songs they were writing were getting better. What could they do? Talk to him, kick him out, play shows without him? These were all considered. But one day, the problem simply resolved itself. And then there were three… One day, after a two hour drive home from a show in Orlando, Jason snuck his gear inside his truck and just left. Did the band break up? Did they beg Jason to come back to the band? FUCK NO!!! They did the right thing. Eric, Derek, and Rich continued on, playing the shows like nothing was different. Now, with “the monkey off their back”, the guys have evolved to a professional band. A band that will continue perform live, write better songs, and most importantly... entertain.

Group Members Eric Calkins(Vocals,guitar) Derek Calkins(drums, backup vocals) Rich Stratman(bass, backup vocals)

Instruments Guitar, Bass, Drums

Albums 3 Demos

Press Reviews Press reviews from Stuart News, Internet write-ups, The Forum.

Additional Info $50 FLANDER has been in 3 surf videos, Newspaper writeups, Surf commercials & performed at numerous major events for radio stations & surf production companies.

Location Jensen Beach, Florida - USA

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