Backstory:
Thick Shell was formed in the small town of Lexington, Michigan in 2004. The band members, Elliott Blackwell (lead singer and guitarist), Marianne “Mars” Sutherland (drummer), and Terry “TJ” Johnson (bassist), were high school friends who shared a love for music. Following their high school graduation, they decided to turn their casual garage jam sessions into something more serious, birthing the band Thick Shell. The name was inspired by their shared belief that resilience and protecting one’s individuality are key to thriving in a world filled with challenges. Despite starting with small gigs at local bars and festivals, their unique sound and stage presence soon caught the attention of a broader audience, leading to their first record deal in 2007.

Genre:
Alternative Rock

Title:
“Suburban Skies”

Full song lyrics:

(Verse1- G D Em C)
G D
Underneath these suburban skies,
Em C
We found a rhythm in the lies,
G D
We wore our souls like a thick shell,
Em C
Drowned in dreams where we fell.

(Chorus – C G D Em)
C G
Through the cracks, we saw the light,
D Em
In the darkness, we found the fight,
C G
Under these suburban skies,
D Em
We learnt to grow, we learnt to rise.

(Verse2- G D Em C)
G D
The city lights, they called our names,
Em C
Promised glory, promised fame,
G D
But in our hearts, we knew it well,
Em C
Underneath this thick shell.

(Repeat Chorus)

(Bridge – Am Bm C D)
Am Bm
We found our song, we found our tale,
C D
In the silence, in the gale,
Am Bm
We traced our path, rang the bell,
C D
In our heart’s deep, thick shell.

(Repeat Chorus)

Fan’s Testimonial:
My name is Sophie and I’ve been a loyal Thick Shell fan since I first heard “Suburban Skies” on a local radio station. The rawness of their lyrics coupled with their dynamic alternative rock sound resonates with me deeply. Their music makes me feel understood, and their live performances leave me feeling energized and inspired. What makes Thick Shell my favorite band is the fact that they’ve remained true to their roots, delivering honest and compelling music that speaks to the heart. Their story of resilience and individuality, much like their band name suggests, is a testament to their authenticity. Seeing them grow from a small town band to nationally recognized musicians has been an incredible journey to witness. Thick Shell is more than just a band; they’re a symbol of resilience and perseverance, which is why they’ll always be my favorite.