This is a tale of auspicious beginnings and rock n’ roll odyssey. Dead Man’s Army is: Allen Woolsey – drums, Matt Austin – bass, Ryan Culton – guitar and vocals, and GC – lead vocals.

Phase 1: The story of Dead Man’s Army begins with the profitable encounter of Allen and Ryan. Merely a few days after posting the well-known method of seeking musicians, the internet ad, Ryan received a promising response from an eager and motivated drummer. He didn’t hesitate to call Allen that very day, and Allen didn’t hesitate to invite Ryan to his studio to begin rehearsing that very hour, saying Ryan’s rough demos were “the best rock out there, hands down.” Allen and Ryan quickly began jamming with former band mates to fill out the line-up of what would become somewhat of an anomaly in the So-Cal area: a straight-up rock band with melodic sensibilities. After several failed attempts to find the right combination of talent and dedication, they finally solidified the 3-piece that became Hands Down.

Phase 2: Allen and Ryan began to realize that musical conflicts within the band necessitated a change in membership. They could not evolve beyond their current state without such a change. So, the unfortunate firing of the current bassist and search for the new one began. The auspicious nature of Matt Austin’s arrival is notable, for the simple fact that it took no time at all. In fact, it took less than no time. In a way similar to Allen’s reaction to Ryan’s early demos, Matt was immediately convinced that this was the project for him. So much so that he virtually joined the band before leaving his mid-western abode, hoping that Allen and Ryan wouldn’t find a suitable replacement before he could make the move. And they wouldn’t, as they soon discovered that Matt was not only the first response to their ad, but by far the best. They knew, without a doubt, that Matt’s rock solid playing and inventive writing would propel the band’s sound to new heights.

Phase 3: Re-energized, Hands Down continued to perform and record and evolve as players, performers and writers. But again, after some time, that nagging feeling returned…that feeling that they had reached the pinnacle with their present line-up. They still needed the final element to catapult the band to next and highest level. And yes, that element is the powerful vocal tone and riveting stage performance of the final member of what would become Dead Man’s Army, GC. Matt, Allen and Ryan didn’t think it was possible, but GC’s addition to the band was faster and more certain than anyone’s before. This boisterous Texan was exactly what the band needed. It was indeed a match made in…well, somewhere.

Present Phase: Hands Down was no more. Dead Man’s Army is the culmination of the lifelong journeys and experience of its musicians. They only accept the best from themselves in every facet of their band, their passion. Dead Man’s Army puts every ounce of energy into each performance, and the memory of every frustrating studio session into the emotion of their songs. The thing is, they manage to have a hell of a time doing it!