Backstory:
Formed in the basement of a defunct bank in New York City in 2009, Authorized Banking is an edgy band composed of four former bankers turned musicians. Lead vocalist, Johnny “Cash Flow” Perkins, rhythm guitarist, Sammy “Interest” Norton, bassist, Benny “Bond” Miller, and drummer, Tommy “Trust” Anderson, met while working on Wall Street during the financial crisis. After losing their jobs due to the crisis, the four found solace and artistic expression in music. They used their shared experiences as bankers to write songs that offer raw and insightful commentary on society, greed, power, and the human condition. The band was initially a form of therapy and catharsis but quickly gained traction on the local scene due to their unique sound and perspective.
Genre:
Authorized Banking can be classified under the ‘Alternative Rock’ genre, with an undertone of ‘Progressive Punk’. They are known for their high-energy performances and lyrics that often expose the inner workings of the financial industry, making them a unique voice in the Rock genre.
Title:
“Golden Parachute”
Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1)
[Em] I used to wear a [Bm] suit and tie,
[Am] Chasing numbers, reaching [C] sky high.
[Em] Dreams of gold and [Bm] diamond rings,
[Am] Fell apart like [C] broken strings.
(Chorus)
[G] Golden parachute, [D] where are you now?
[Am] I’m falling fast, don’t [C] know how.
[G] Golden parachute, [D] lost in the sky,
[Am] Left me here alone to [C] cry.
(Verse 2)
[Em] Towers of glass, [Bm] hearts of stone,
[Am] In the race for wealth, [C] we’re all alone.
[Em] Power games and [Bm] secret deals,
[Am] They don’t care how [C] anyone feels.
(Chorus)
[G] Golden parachute, [D] where are you now?
[Am] I’m falling fast, don’t [C] know how.
[G] Golden parachute, [D] lost in the sky,
[Am] Left me here alone to [C] cry.
(Outro)
[Em] As the sun sets, [Bm] on our dreams,
[Am] Nothing’s ever, [C] what it seems.
[Em] And the system, [Bm] it’s a lie,
[Am] Sold us all a [C] damn goodbye.
Fan Testimonial:
“My name is Jill and I am a massive fan of Authorized Banking! I find their music incredibly relatable, especially as someone who has also worked in the finance industry. Their song ‘Golden Parachute’ speaks directly to my experiences and emotions during the financial crisis. Their raw and insightful lyrics, coupled with their infectious energy, make them a band like no other. I’ve been to every one of their shows in the tri-state area. Their honesty and authenticity is refreshing, they’re not just a band to me, they’re a voice for all of us who felt the impact of those challenging times.”