Backstory:
Formed in the quaint suburbs of York, England, Frightening Expense took root in 2012 when lead vocalist and guitarist, Vincent Straker, met drummer, Joshua Redwood, at a local pub’s open mic night. They bonded over their mutual adoration for punk rock music and shared financial struggles. Drawn to their raw energy and shared passion, local bassist Sarah Spade joined them, and the trio began creating music that combined their shared experiences and frustrations, naming their band ‘Frightening Expense’ as a snide comment on their financial struggles and the cost of pursuing their love for music.
The band’s first album, “Broken Piggy Bank,” brought them local recognition and the attention of indie music producer Julian Stratford, who helped the band refine their sound and establish a loyal cult following. Frightening Expense’s music, characterized by its raw energy, biting lyrics, and a dash of self-deprecating humor, resonated with fans facing the same struggles, turning them into a symbol of the ‘struggling artist’ in the local music scene.
Genre: Punk Rock
Title: “Empty Pockets, Full Hearts”
Full Song Lyrics:
(Verse 1 – G,Em,C,D)
In the city of dreams, with our torn-up jeans, (G, Em)
Chasing fame or bust, but it’s just dust. (C, D)
Empty pockets, but our hearts are full, (G, Em)
We’ve got the rhythm, we’ve got the pull. (C, D)
(Chorus – G,D,Em,C)
Empty pockets, full hearts, (G, D)
Never stopping, from dusk till dawn. (Em, C)
With a song in our heart, a dream in our sight, (G, D)
We’ll make it through, cutting through the night. (Em, C)
(Verse 2 – G,Em,C,D)
Dinner’s cheap ramen, in a room that’s crumbling, (G, Em)
No dollars in our hands, but we’ve got a band. (C, D)
Empty pockets, but our hearts are on fire, (G, Em)
With a song to sing, and a burning desire. (C, D)
(Chorus – G,D,Em,C)
Empty pockets, full hearts, (G, D)
Playing our music, tearing charts. (Em, C)
With a melody sweet, a rhythm so right, (G, D)
We’ll keep playing, till the morning light. (Em, C)
Fans Favorite: ‘Becky Thompson’
Testimonial:
“I discovered Frightening Expense during a low point in my life. I was jobless, penniless, and feeling pretty worthless. Their music, especially ‘Empty Pockets, Full Hearts,’ spoke directly to my soul. They transformed their struggles into something beautiful, which encouraged me to do the same. Frightening Expense is more than a band to me; they’re a symbol of resilience and hope. They remind me that even though I might have empty pockets, as long as my heart is full of dreams and determination, I can overcome anything.”