Bio
The Story of the Crow
The initial vision for Fool The Crow began in 2017. Justin Massie had some songs written and began looking for musicians to bring those songs to life. Early members of the group fell one by one. Some were a bad fit for Justin's ultimate vision and goals, some fell to life circumstance, while others fell to the traditional rock n roll excesses. Justin kept writing and kept searching. The right musicians were out there, he just had to find them.
"Oh, you play drums, huh?"
Life is a party when you're a young drummer. It was at one of those parties where Branson Blankenship took notice of the host's guitar and Marshall amp. He began speaking to the host whose name was Justin and was excited to tell him he was a drummer. Justin smiled and said "Oh yeah? There's a kit upstairs. Let's hear it." Justin held back a small giggle as this thin kid ran upstairs and climbed behind the kit. The sounds that soon shook his home were quick to dispell all doubt. The smile faded and was replaced by awe. Soon Branson returned downstairs and Justin approached the young man and within weeks, the new Fool The Crow was born.
Click the Album Art to hear "Whisper of the Witch"
"But, you play guitar. I need a bassist."
In 2013, Justin met Philly Dee while working as paramedic in WV. Philly was quiet and awkward and seemed uncomfortable most of the time. The two discovered that they both played guitar and that Philly had spent time with touring groups and working as a session player. The two talked about playing music together several times over the next couple years but with two lead guitarists, it seemed it just wasn't a good fit. Philly had been trying to transition back to playing bass guitar with bands for several years, but groups kept employing hi as a lead guitarist. In late 2020, Philly read a post in a local musicians wanted post on Facebook and instantly recognized Justin. He answered the ad and Justin stated he needed a bassist. Not another guitarist. Philly replied that he was a bassist that happened to play lead guitar. Soon, the audition came together. Justin, Branson, and Philly came together and it soon became apparent that this was Fool The Crow.
Whisper of the Witch
Fool The Crow entered Big River Records recording studio with one thing in mind. To capture the power of a Fool The Crow live experience. Over the course of 3 sessions they did just that. With Tony Daniels and Brad Kinder producing and engineering, the Crow had finally spread its wings for flight and the group completed it's first EP titled "Whisper of the Witch". A Colombian artist known as PabloMonster Illustra created the iconic cover image and the record was complete. An independent release, the group signed on with CD Baby for distribution and they have dubbed their own label, Murder of 3 Records.
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