The Billions
Upcoming shows:
- None scheduled
Genres: Alt / Indie rock, Pop
Web site: http://www.myspace.com/thebillionsband
E-mail: ricketyrum@gmail.com
Custom radio station:
Free MP3 downloads:
Appearances on The Turnpike:
Related links:
- Free download: 11-track Christmas album (iTunes-ready zip file) (Dec. 18, 2007)
- Podcast: Meet the Billions! (Sept. 20, 2005)
- Review: The Billions, "Trash or Treasure" (Sept. 19, 2005)
- Best of local music 2004 (Dec. 2, 2004)
- Miracle Maker: Local Billion-aire releases heavenly solo album (March 9, 2004)
- Review: Sam, "Miracles" (Feb. 5, 2004)
- Topeka rock band finds Lawrence scene welcoming (April 19, 2001)
- Q&A with The Billions (April 10, 2003)
History:
More info on The Billions and Sam Billen's side project, Sam, at northernrecords.com
2001 was the debut of The Billions first national release "Never Felt This Way Before." After a year of touring the states the band went on hiatus. During the hiatus the band saw the release of a solo record, the birth of a child, the return of one member of the group, another leaving, and the celebration of a new marriage. 2004 marked the end of the hiatus and a new beginning for The Billions — they called it "Trash and Treasure."
"Trash and Treasure" began somewhat ominously with some false starts and delays. It wasn't until the band: brothers Sam and Dan Billen, Ken Komiya, and Simon Bates, decided to record at their farmhouse in Kansas where they found their stride. It began with The Billions producing, arranging, and recording their own songs. The result was that they were able to find their collective voice; a voice that tries to sum up life here on earth and the beyond.
When asked for influences, The Billions cited what one can call The Billions very own "Trash and Treasure:" The Postal Service, Pinback, instruction manuals for electronics, Starflyer 59, Flaming Lips, Japan, the Bible, The Pernice Bros., The Shins, and books on Philosophy. Out of this potpourri you will find that this record goes beyond the bumper sticker, "one man's trash is another man's treasure." It asks, will either last forever?
Musicians:
- Ken Komiya: Drums
- Dan Billen: Bass guitar, Keyboard, Vocals
- Sam Billen: Guitar, Keyboard, Vocals
- Simon Bates: Guitar
Former members:
Formed:
1995 in Topeka, KS
Influences:
The Postal Service, Pinback, instruction manuals for electronics, Starflyer 59, Flaming Lips, Japan, the Bible, The Pernice Bros., The Shins, and books on Philosophy.
Audio interviews:
- Dan Billen: on being a substitute teacher
- Dan Billen: On teaching elementary classes
- Dan Billen: on teaching middleschool
- Do you have to choose between being promoted to the Christian market or to the secular market?
- Do you prefer playing for a primarily Christian audience at youth groups, versus Bottleneck-style bar venues?
- Worried about being pigeon-holed as 'Christian' ...
Discography:
| Name | Year | Label | |
|---|---|---|---|
 | Live Home Recordings | 1997 | |
 | The Billions (EP) | 1999 | |
 | Quiet As It's Kept | 2001 | |
 | Never Felt This Way Before | 2002 | Northern Records |
 | Miracles | 2004 | Northern Records |
 | Trash or Treasure | 2005 | Northern Records |
 | Merry Christmas | 2007 |
Yuca Roots (early all-ages patio show) :: Lawrencians may know Yuca Roots as the band that played the afterparties for Spearhead and Ziggy Marley. The sextet resonates with most anyone in search of easy vibes and upbeat tunes ... More info
- Mountain Sprout / The Maybelles / The WiseAcres
- Kansas City Renaissance Festival
- Lawrence Chamber Orchestra
