Meet Strange Celebrity

Every once in a great while, a band comes along that conquers the odds and stands out in today's often bland music scene. With the perfect balance of talent, passion and experience, Luke Brown (vocals, guitars and songwriter), Rick Wilson (drums), Quinton Gibson (guitar) and Tracy Ferrie (bass) have the pieces in place to become the next breakout rock ’n’ roll success story.

Strange Celebrity is the brainchild of dynamic frontman Luke Brown, who started the band in 2001 as the pursuit of a long-time dream; a dream to be in a rock band that could write and record hit songs as well as deliver an unparalleled live show. Employed as a songwriter in Nashville, Tenn., one would have expected it to be easy for Brown to find the missing people-pieces to his musical puzzle. But finding great musicians wasn’t enough. Brown wanted band mates that would bring both the musical bond and the personal chemistry he desired.

Even as he began to pursue this dream, Brown wasn’t a stranger to the world of music. Growing up in Chattanooga, Tenn., he began singing in various venues and eventually became a member of two full-time bands. Despite that success, he searched for the musical partnership that could be his personal stamp and the fulfillment of his true heart. Not knowing where it would take him, he began writing songs for what would become the physical representation of his dream, Strange Celebrity.

Enter Rick Wilson, a drummer from New Jersey who had attended school for jazz performance. Heavily involved in praise and worship over the years, Wilson too was searching for a place to dedicate his musical craft—something that was more than just show after show. He made a leap of faith and began working for a producer in Nashville, which then led to a meeting with Brown. A friendship formed quickly and a musical bond developed. Soon Brown and Wilson began the search for the individuals to complete their band.

After auditioning a host of talented musicians, but not finding the right chemistry, Brown called on some musical connections he had made over the years. Tracy Ferrie, a seasoned bass player originally from Indiana, came to mind, and this acquaintance of three years turned out to be just the right fit.

Still missing was a key fourth member…the guitarist. Quinton Gibson spent many years as a “hired gun” for a variety of acts and had played in a band with Ferrie back in Indiana. Gibson longed for a partnership where he could implement his musical talents. Reconnecting with Ferrie in Nashville led to the realization of this desire as he rounded out Strange Celebrity—not only on guitars, but also in mind and purpose.

“We really have the whole ‘family’ aspect going,” Gibson excitedly shares. “That’s true,” adds Ferrie. “It’s like we’re a chain-link fence. We each have different and common interests, and through that we all work together to make this great team.”

Brown could not be happier about the team of musicians and friends that is Strange Celebrity. “It's amazing to me to step back sometimes and observe how God had a plan all along, and how He allowed this thing to come together like it has.”

With the team in place, Brown and his new bandmates sought the counsel of Warner Bros. A&R rep and famed musician Chris Rodriguez, who provided the well-rounded direction and advice that was needed as they began to record their first project together for Squint Entertainment (a Warner/Curb Company).

Releasing June 2003, Remedy is sure to take the music world by storm. With contributing songwriters and talented producers Nick Trevisick and Dan Wilde (a founding member of the Rembrandts), this album is a dream come true for all the members.

Gibson, Ferrie and Wilson are quick to point out that Brown wrote “these amazing songs and seemed to have a perfect vision of who the band members are as artists.” Brown not only contributed songwriting credits to the recording, but also co-produced two songs on Remedy with writing/production partner Chuck Butler. As the songs were completed and came together, the enthusiasm at the newfound label intensified, which added to the band’s excitement about the project.