Countdown to Battle #4: The Faded Truth

Singer John French and guitarist Nick Maas formed The Faded Truth in 2007 with an idea to explore rock in all its different styles.

Bassist Terry Moses, guitarist Dustin Moses and drummer Joe Britt rounded out the band, which started becoming familiar to fans around the area. Jack Rogers replaced Moses after about a year, but TFT was building up steam.

The band got into the studio with producer James Whitlock to record an 11-track album in 2010. But just about the time that project was finished, things fell apart. The Faded Truth dissolved in 2011, before the album could get released.

Countdown to Battle #4: An early preview

We still have a little bit of time to prepare for Battle #4, which will begin at 3 p.m. Saturday, Aug. 8. As always, you can contact one of the members of your favorite band to purchase tickets. Or you can use PayPal to buy directly from us by going to this page.

While I'm pulling stuff together to start getting you previews on the Battle #4 bands, I thought I'd take the time to drop a few audio samples on you.

At least three of the eight bands on the bill do have some music for sale at Bandcamp and elsewhere. If you're not familiar with Bandcamp, you can purchase albums or single tracks for digital download directly from the bands. In many cases, the bands allow you to pay whatever you think is fair.

Congrats to Billy Croghan and Paije Davidson

Our congratulations to Billy Croghan of Battle #2 co-winner Les Gruff and the Billy Goat on his marriage Saturday to Paije Davidson. The couple exchanged their vows at the Franklin Room in St. Louis.

We expect the Croghans to be back from their honeymoon in time for the Battle of the Bands finale on Sept. 6. Les Gruff and the Billy Goat are on the bill that also includes Battle #2 co-winner Macrobliss, Battle #1 winner Lunar Levitation and Battle #3 winner Slick Ice Blues. The final slot for that event will be filled after the conclusion of Battle #4 on Aug. 8.

We just published an Android app

Hey, everyone. A quick note to let everyone know that earlier today, we got our Android app published on Google Play. Download it here and install it on your phone or tablet. It gives you direct access to this blog, our Facebook event listings, our YouTube channel, ticket purchases and more.

We'll be adding things to it and improving it as time goes by. To start, it'll give you everything you need to know about Sun Valley Jams and our events in one easily accessible place.

As of this minute, it doesn't turn up yet in the Play Store search. It will soon. But this link will get you directly to it.

And while you're at it, sign up for our newsletter and get these blog updates delivered directly to your email inbox. Come winter, we plan to start offering up some exclusive content to our subscribers on occasion. So don't miss out on anything important. Click here to sign up.

Battle #3 recap: The young rockers

I keep hearing it over and over from all corners that rock is dead. But from what I've seen and heard in the weeks I've been involved in Sun Valley Jams, I am thrilled to say that rock is still alive and well and should be around for quite awhile longer.

Have a look at these three bands who performed at Battle of the Bands #3 on Sunday. All three are talented, hard-working and inspired. All three are young, and all three have a center that takes songwriting and performing very seriously.