Fame ‘Within Reach’ for Theory of Flight

By April Corbin

Friday, Oct. 9, 2009 | 5:56 p.m.

Special to the Sun/Fred Morledge

Theory of Flight (left to right): rhythm guitarist Stephen Goodrum, drummer Tyler Williams, bassist Joey McMahon, lead guitarist Vince Casas, keyboardist John Colombo and singer Beau Hodges.

Theory of Flight has made quite a name for itself since forming in 2007. Now, the mainstream rock sextet is preparing to move from being Las Vegas music scene regulars to national spotlight seekers.

Earlier this summer, the band shot a video for their single, “Set the Night on Fire.” They also teamed up with Mark Needham, the famed producer who has worked with My Chemical Romance, Fleetwood Mac and Vegas-success story The Killers. Now, with the upcoming Oct. 16 release of their debut album, Within Reach, the band hopes to obtain a nationwide distribution and subsequent touring. Given Theory’s quick ascension in the local scene, success on a larger scale seems plausible, perhaps even likely.

But Theory of Flight frontman Beau Hodges will be the last person to tell you that. While some bands in their position might be daydreaming about groupies, mansions and pimped-out rides, Hodges says he and his bandmates are taking life day-by-day.

“It’s very surreal,” Hodges says of the band’s successes so far. “Everyday feels like waking up in a dream. I think all of us are afraid to wake up and see it’s all gone away.”

Hodges adds that there’s even some resistance to jumping headfirst into being MTV-bound rockstars. “We have a lot of friends in successful bands. They’ve all said, (fame) will cost you something.”

The band has plenty of already-famous friends. Hodges says, he and his bandmates see Grammy Award-nominated The Frey as older brothers. (Before either band was formed, members from both played in a now-defunct small band.) Likewise, Theory is friends with members of Lifehouse, who first broke onto the national music scene in 2001 with “Hanging by a Moment” and have continued to release new albums and tour ever since. The successful musicians offer realistic advice and guidance, much needed for a band about to try their luck on a national stage.

Hodges recalls, “(Joe King, Frey guitarist) told us, ‘Enjoy every moment. Stop and talk to every fan. Because there will be a moment where everything starts moving quickly, where everything becomes a blur. You lose touch with what’s happening in everyday life. So, remember to be a good dad. Be a good husband. Stop and take time.’”

As a husband and father himself, Hodges said the advice struck close to home. “That was the best advice I could have gotten, that it’s not always about the success or the music or even affecting the world. Just remember to always be a good dad.”

The frontman’s humility is one thing he believes keeps the band’s collective ego grounded as they gain each small success in the music industry. “From the beginning, this was not about being rockstars,” he says. “(It’s) about helping people, encouraging people.”

Theory of Flight performs at many charity events. Their upcoming CD release party will be an all-ages event at Town Square Mall on Friday, Oct. 16, featuring raffles to raise money for the Children’s Miracle Network. It’s a cause the band feels strongly about.

The track “Burn On,” off Within Reach, is dedicated to a fan named Brandon Rayner who died of cancer in late December 2008. According to Hodges, the song was sitting on a shelf incomplete when the 10-year-old entered the band’s life. “He inspired us to finish writing the song,” he says. After his death, the band was asked to perform the song as his memorial.

“It’s not the most radio-friendly song. It’s not the catchiest, but it as a lot of meaning. (It’s) the one I love the most.”

Hodges shies away from talking about expecting success on a national or international level. He says the band is simply along for the ride and only hopes that those who do listen to the debut record delve deeper than the catchy hooks.

“I want people to genuinely take a second and read through the lyrics and listen to what they say and what they mean,” he says. “It’ll come across a different way. Hopefully (they’ll) be encouraged and inspired, and we can make someone’s day a little better.”