ABOUT
ADABOY! originates from the industrial heartland of the Midwest, drawing inspiration from a diverse mix of rhythms, styles, and cultural influences. Their roots lie in a region with a musical heritage that spans from the iconic Motown sounds to the groundbreaking Punk Rock of the MC-5 and The Stooges, as well as the modern innovations of artists like Eminem and Jack White.
Embodying the Midwestern work ethic and a steadfast vision, ADABOY! has undergone six distinct musical evolutions, traversing genres from Alternative and Hard Rock to Country. In this journey, they've evolved into masterful songwriters, weaving intricate musical narratives enriched with potent vocal harmonies and passionate, dynamic musicianship.
Their songs delve into the universal themes of love, loss, success, and the resilience needed to overcome the challenges commonly faced in today's socio-economic landscape. ADABOY! excels as a collective in infusing a poetic sense of hope and the spirit of survival into the realization of dreams, acknowledging that the paths one takes in life can lead to freedom or unforeseen pitfalls, depending on the chosen route.
MIKE
RICHARDS
LEAD VOCALS/GUITAR
Mike's musical journey was sparked during the Christmas season of 1990 when he was given a solo part to sing in 'I'll Be Home for Christmas' by his music teacher. Dressed in his uncle's old army fatigues, Mike's performance touched the hearts of his hometown in Reese, Michigan. It was the first time he witnessed the powerful emotional impact of music on people, as mothers approached his own, thanking and hugging her, sharing stories of their sons overseas in wartime.
This moment was a turning point for Mike, igniting his passion for music. However, it was also a time of significant upheaval in his family, marked by his own struggles and memories that continue to influence his songwriting.
Among those memories, the White Pine Children's Mental Institution stands out, a place where he received years of counseling and rehabilitation. Through it all, Mike's mother stood by him, never giving up and ultimately bringing him back from the darkness of a clinically diagnosed mental breakdown.
These experiences inspired Mike to use his music as a means to heal himself and help others dealing with traumas beyond their control. He decided to pursue a career as a public music teacher, dedicating a decade to this rewarding profession. Now, he finds his personal music becoming his most significant platform, with the path ahead still full of exciting possibilities.
STEVE
BENNETT
DRUMS/VOCALS
Steve Bennett, a Flint, Michigan native, is a versatile percussionist for whom music runs deep. Raised in a city rich with musical influence, Steve's early exposure to music came from his grandfathers, both of whom were musicians. His grandfather Jerry, a World War II-era Big Band drummer, ignited Steve's passion for drumming by gifting him his first drum kit.
At the age of thirteen, Steve joined a Punk Band named "The Will" with friends from his neighborhood. They performed wherever they could, and after high school, Steve explored various musical styles. In his thirties, he took a hiatus from secular music after getting married and starting a family, dedicating himself to playing at church.
Twelve years later, Steve's musical journey took a new turn when he joined "The Tom-Toms," eventually leading him to connect with Mike Richards. Mike presented Steve with an exciting opportunity to play with ADABOY!, and from that point, Steve never looked back. The band fulfilled his desire for skilled, respectful, creative musicians and a deep, brotherly bond that he had never experienced before. ADABOY! became more than just a band to Steve; they are a tight-knit band of brothers.
JOE
BALBAUGH
BASS/VOCALS
Joe, the youngest member of ADABOY!, is a profoundly talented musician with a rich musical journey. Raised in the serene rural landscapes of Hemlock, Michigan, he developed an early fascination with music, particularly the organ at his Grandma's house. His journey into music continued when he joined the school band in middle school, opting for the trombone as his first instrument.
High school became the turning point where Joe's passion for playing the guitar took root. With dedicated practice, he honed his skills, transitioning from trombone to guitar. He embarked on his musical journey by joining his first band, "The Consolation Prize," as the lead guitarist.
Despite the band's eventual disbandment, Joe's musical pursuit persisted. He became a part of a Ska band named "Nothing for Something," rekindling his trombone skills while also performing solo guitar shows as a teenager. This period of exploration solidified his commitment to music beyond high school. He pursued Music Education with a minor in Composition at Anderson University, discovering that he could potentially make a living from his passion. Through the years, he gravitated towards playing the bass and emulating the styles of notable bassists like Victor Wooten, Pino Palladino, and Jaco Pastorius.
However, along the way, Joe encountered personal challenges, including a period of substance abuse. It wasn't until he found support from his fiancée that he was able to leave those substances behind and regain clarity in his life. Today, he thrives in the creative and production aspects of music, cherishing the process of writing and producing music.
VINCENT
MODERN
GUITAR/VOCALS
Vincent Modern, born as Mark Maggard in Flint, Michigan, discovered his passion for music at a young age. By the age of five, he was already studying songs on the radio, thanks to the influence of his music-loving parents and family members who played acoustic guitars and sang popular tunes...
His early influences included iconic acts like Elvis, The Beatles, ABBA, and KISS. At fifteen, he joined an R&B/Pop/Rock group that even ventured to meet the president of MCA Records in New York City. After several years of recording and performing, Vince decided to launch his own Thrash/Metal music project at eighteen, devoting five years to writing, recording, producing, and performing.
Facing personal struggles with substance abuse, depression, and despair, Vince reinvented himself through his faith, and yet again showcasing his versatility as a musician transitioning to Country and Christian Rock, where he would dedicate over a decade to actively writing, recording, producing, and performing.
In 2022, he received an invitation from drummer Steve Bennett to audition for ADABOY!. The audition, held on April 23, 2022, was marked by an electrifying sense of excitement and dynamic enthusiasm.
