{image1}When it comes to being in a band, fame and fortune isn't always attainable, but a different approach is leading Madison acoustic rock group The Profits down the right path.
In support of its second album, "Far From You and Your Everyday Noise," the group isn't looking to arenas or larger venues. Instead, The Profits are invading colleges one by one, in a grass-roots effort that has many discovering the band. UWM's Gasthaus is their next stop, Thursday, Oct. 13.
"The (idea for a) band came from a dream we had when we were on our front porch," says vocalist and guitarist JP Roney. Soon The Profits moved from front porch to center stage.
The band had a clear idea of where it wanted to go with its music, and its debut album, "The Sign of the Dollar," felt like an accomplishment, but some of the feedback they received said otherwise.
"Many thought the songs weren't worthy of radio play and were unprofessional," he admits. But instead to firing back at the critics, The Profits gathered their favorite albums and worked all summer putting together an album that would convince the naysayers.
And so "Far From You and Your Everyday Noise" was born. Teaming up with producer Doug Derryberry -- of Bruce Hornsby fame -- wasn't a bad idea either.
Unprofessional would be the last word to describe the disc, a blend of beautiful melodies, gentle vocals and acoustic flair. It's not just catchy, it's smart.
The vocal interplay on songs such as "Misplaced" add to the originality but fans of Guster, O.A.R. and Jason Mraz will certainly be able to take refuge in the 11-track album.
Mike Droho, vocalist and guitarist, couldn't be happier.
"Every day I wake up, I'm grateful not to have a normal job," Droho says. "With writing music, you can express your feelings."
Droho picked up a guitar after high school, learned a few basic songs, and realized that it was easier to write his own music than learn everyone else's. So he pursued the idea full-time.
"It's pretty close to the perfect job," he says.
Now, these former UW-Madison students are making the grade in the music business.
"We're taking small steps towards building a future," Roney says.
The Profits make a stop in Milwaukee at UWM's Gasthaus, 2200 E. Kenwood Blvd. on Thursday, Oct. 13 at 9 p.m. The show is free.
The band's Web site is theprofitsband.com.
