Most high schools in America can boast five teenage boys that call themselves a band. Some have even played for a youth group or party. But, seldom have they shared the stage with the likes of Rebecca St. James, Big Tent Revival, Newsboys, Audio Adrenaline and NewSong…especially before even signing a record contract.
The story began in 1995, when 3rd grader Dallas Morgan, classmate Bryan Nance and 5th grade brother Justin Morgan met occasionally to play and write a few songs. Over the next four years, an evolution took place as a group slowly emerged. Justin passionately attacked his bass. Bryan and Dallas continued to polish their guitar and drum skills. Brent Lain was named lead guitarist, and Brandon Johnson handled lead vocals. They practiced long and hard, polishing songs they wrote and arranged.
Eventually they chose the name "Phat Chance." The hidden meaning in "PHAT" spells out the band's goals; "It's an acronym for 'Praising Him All Times' which is the focus of the group," explained Justin.
As implied by the band's name, the self-penned lyrics are almost completely vertically focused. "Without You" is a prayer that says, without God, His people are lonely and have nothing to live for in life. "He is the foundation of all purpose and meaning in our lives," said Justin.
"Protection," inspired by the Psalms, is a song about how God protects His children. "Through the struggles we've had, God has always been our protection," confides Bryan, whose riveting testimony details God's protection through his turbulent childhood.
Realizing they needed to polish their unique pop/rock sound, Phat Chance called on friend Scotty Wilbanks, formerly of NewSong. Wilbanks suggested new arrangements for existing songs and produced a five-song independent album for the group. He's also responsible for the energetic stage choreography and potent lighting effects.
Armed with their newly refined sound, Phat Chance was soon performing for youth groups and rallies. Thanks to Justin and Dallas' father, noted Christian concert promoter Roy Morgan, the boys soon landed on the Summer Jam 2000 tour as the pre-concert band. Dallas noted, "We'd play six songs outside the arena for people waiting in line."
Crowds loved their fusion of hooky pop and guitar-driven rock. Their merchandise table was packed with new fans that loved their tight performance. "Of course, people from home like our music, but these people had never heard of us and they still liked us." A grateful Brent added, "It was great to meet and minister to so many people."
Roy Morgan soon began talking with record labels. With a few phone calls, Phat Chance's five-song demo landed in the hands of Mark Stuart, lead singer of Audio Adrenaline and co-owner of Flicker Records. The group was quickly added to the label's roster, as Roy sensed a great fit. The signing was a dream come true for the five. "The initial shock hasn't set in yet," Brandon offered. "Every guy dreams about being in a band."
The group was welcomed onto Summer Jam's main stage for 2001, and to Festival Con Dios with Newsboys and Audio Adrenaline. "Our goal is to show people they can have fun worshipping God," said Brandon.
While the group's love for music has led to a full-time national touring commitment, the reward has not come without a cost. Spring 2001 was their last semester in the school system - Justin and Brent will spend their senior year being home-schooled by a tutor on the road, as will sophomores Bryan and Dallas. Recent high school graduate Brandon will put plans for college aside to focus on music.
"I'm excited about doing music, but will really miss my friends. But, I've been called," Brent continued, "to be in the band and travel and I need to obey that, even if it means leaving my school my senior year. I've been given an opportunity most people will never enjoy." Due to the heightened responsibility of being in the public eye as a Christian band, each member of the group has chosen a pastor as an accountability partner. "At their age, it's very important that they're accountable to an adult," said Roy Morgan, now the group's manager.
"God's been opening doors for us to play our songs and people have responded far beyond what we thought they would," said Bryan. "It's not about getting to the top of the charts, it's about being faithful. Our job is simple: to tell others what God has done in our lives, to challenge youth to a life of abstinence and purity, and to show that Christians can indeed have fun as we express the joy God has put in our hearts."
