About a year ago, Brett decided to start a band after receiving overwhelming support from friends and strangers alike who had seen his solo act at various parties, open mics, and a local bar known as Slick n’ Reds. One night after playing Slick n’ Reds, he was approached by a bassist named Alex Vounchinas. He expressed interest in Brett’s music and a mutual desire to start a band. Brett took note, and held on to his phone number. The search for his ideal band had begun.

After searching for months for the right musicians, Brett stumbled upon drummer Blake Scearce at a party above his very own apartment. As a child, Blake tagged along on tour with his dad, Donnie Scearce, who not only was a sound engineer for several platinum selling artists, but is also currently in a successful touring band by the alias Lundy. Now as a 19 year old musician well beyond his years, Blake was itching to use his skills in an original rock band. After conversing with Brett over their musical ideals and experiences, a jam session was in order. Brett’s uniquely catchy voice, clever songwriting, and provocative lyrics paired with Blake’s love for showmanship, knowledge of vocal harmonies, engineering skills, and pure rock drumming was a perfect match. They soon began collaborating their ideas and musical concepts under the band name Evolve. Realizing that they may be on to something, Brett and Blake set out to find the remaining pieces. After an audition with Alex, the band had found the bassist they needed. Now all that was needed was a lead guitarist.

At first, the search for lead guitar was tougher than imagined, auditioning through a seemingly endless amount of players for weeks. Alex then recalled Chris Keck, a versatile guitarist who he had met several years ago playing in a local band. Going out on a limb, they found Chris on myspace, and invited him to audition for the band. Chris had been in and out of a few bands over the last few years, but was never satisfied with the talent, personalities, or direction of any of them. He knew though that with patience and a positive outlook, he would find the band he always dreamed of playing in (or they’d find him). So with an open mind and low expectations, the last audition for a lead guitarist was set. When Chris walked in, he immediately realized this was not your average band. Everything around the room from the Gibson Les Paul hanging on the wall, the countless guitar/recording/music business magazines, to the unmistakable sense of progress in the room was a clear sign to get excited. Chris’ knowledge of music theory, improvisational skills, and shared enthusiasm was exactly what the band was searching for. All that was needed was time to develop and mold together.

Nearly three months of grueling practice schedules in limited space and time constraints brought the band exponentially closer and tighter as a group. Ready to take on their hometown of Wilmington, NC, they played their first few shows still under the name Evolve. They in turn took their earnings from the shows and recorded their single (available on iTunes) “A Brighter Self Help”. Around this time, the boys were made aware that they were one of over a hundred bands fronting the name Evolve, and a name change was made. The name Fortune in the Sun (F.I.T.S) derives from each members love for the beach, the warm sun, and all the great things that come from being around it.

Unfortunately around the completion of the demo, Alex was let go due to creative and personal differences. Brett and Chris decided to take on bass playing duties while searching for their ideal bassist, which in turn has produced some of F.I.T.S’s best new music and live performances to date. The single “A Brighter Self Help” has been spreading fast, especially considering Wilmington’s musical community. Fortune in the Sun has now played and packed out the likes of The Beach House, Red Dogs on Wrightsville Beach, and The Whiskey and has return dates set for all of the previously mentioned along with headlining a charity event with Carolina Events called Mulago Fest featuring four other bands (Smooth Op, Sci Fi, Green Shack, and Kid Get Right with comical guest Johnson). The band is currently working on more original material for highly anticipated album. Don’t miss the next big thing while they’re in your area.

Schooling: Brett: Music Fundamentals and Theory, Two years guitar under Lou Wilson, Jazz guitar and voice and traditional singing Chris: Music Theory, and Classical guitar under UNCW professor Robert Nathanson Blake: 7 years of choir, 4 yr all county- 2 yr all state, 13 yrs Drum Lessons