A band whose distinct sound ranges from classic rock to folk rock, all the while placing a heavy emphasis on lyrical content. Definitely music with a message.

9 MP3 Songs
ROCK: Americana, ROCK: Folk Rock



Details:
Best Fight Story was created in 1994 when songwriter Derek Johnson (vocals & guitar) moved from Fargo-Moorhead to Minneapolis, Minnesota. Derek's younger brother, Chad Johnson (bass & vocals), also moved to Minneapolis to attend college. The two teamed up and began looking for drummers. Eventually, Derek met up with hometown friend Matthew "GG" Holm (drums). Best Fight Story was born.

Best Fight Story quickly worked up a presentable set of Derek's songs and began gigging. The trio developed their material by playing local and regional gigs over the next few years. After producing a few "home grown" demo tapes, the band teamed up with Minneapolis engineer/producer Tom Herbers (Third Ear Studios) and New York based graphic designer, now animator, Richard Borge (www.richardborge.com). Together, Best Fight Story produced two independently released CDs. The first CD, "Best Fight Story," was a self titled collection released in 1997. The second collection, "Bone Mountain Builders," was released in 2000.

Shortly after the release of "Bone Mountain Builders," Derek Johnson began writing the material for Best Fight Story's third release. It soon dawned on Derek, and the rest of the band, that the new songs were the strongest material to date. Once again teaming up with Tom Herbers and Richard Borge, Best Fight Story took a year and a half to record the collection now known as "Free Everybody."

Inspired by a quote from Malcolm X, "Free Everybody" explores the various ways our lives are political. Wether it be the politics of pop music (Pop Songs, Goodbye Gary), the politics of industry (Freeway Crazy), the politics of power and greed (Hole in the Sky, Free Everybody), the politics of race (White Black) or one's personal credo (Success), the collection "Free Everybody" is an intense, yet often humorous look at the human condition.

"Free Everybody" has a conceptual feel. Not only does the collection have a lyrical theme, but the individual tracks are linked together through various sound bites. Field recordings, interviews, and edited sound montages are some of the approaches used to give "Free Everybody" a conceptual feel.

Alas and Alack, Best Fight Story called it quits in 2004. Other than the occasional reunion show, Best Fight Story is inactive. Derek and Chad live in Minneapolis but have moved on to play bluegrass music. They currently play in a bluegrass band named The High 48s. Matthew lives in ST. Paul, Minnesota with his wife and is currently raising two children.