Founded in by Stan Barker, Tamara Frank, and Brian Holcomb, THRILL MACHINE still has its original membership intact in an industry famous for short-term careers. The Atlanta-based rock trio’s fantastic live shows, combined with their professional work ethic has kept them in regular demand…playing a steady stream of club venues, concerts, private and corporate events, receptions, and festivals.
Current and original members are Stan Barker (Southpaw, Shodown, White Lightning) on drums and vocals, Tamara Frank (Dart, Peach) on bass guitar and vocals, and Florida-native Brian Holcomb (Pax, Tease, Toys, Shodown, White Lightning) on lead guitar and vocals. Thrill Machine played their first show in December at the now-historic J.D. Dempsey’s Pub in Lilburn, Georgia, just outside of Atlanta; becoming a party band favorite in metro Atlanta.
Thrill Machine draws from a large variety of musical sources and inspirations; ranging from Tamara’s performances in theatre side-projects such as South Pacific, Godspell, The Sound of Music, to the entire bands work in the Seasons of Love benefit concerts, of which Tamara is a featured principal. Stan and Brian have performed featured shows with many top country acts; sharing the stage with legends like Waylon Jennings, Joe Diffy, The Kentucky Headhunters, and more, and headlined the Annual th of July concert at Stone Mountain, Georgia with Pat Kirby in front of , enthusiastic fans.
Originally intended as a flexible cover band, the fact that all three members sing lead vocals is the bands’ secret weapon. Playing Rock, Alternative, R&B, Funk, Blues and Classic Rock genres, Thrill Machine combines genres and genders to create a unique niche and style that enjoys a healthy interest in both local and regional club and concert circuits.
Along with their success performing covers, Thrill Machine has two all-original releases under their belt. Evoke, released on the indie Brainstorm Media label in September , was intended by Thrill Machine to be an affectionate homage to the bands that inspired them to play, and fans gobbled up copies immediately.
Likewise, the follow-up release, ’s Steampunk Project has also been well-received by professionals and fans alike, showing growth and maturity in their songwriting and subject matter. But don't call their audience fans- “The term “fans” does not adequately describe our audience”, remarks Barker. “They are all our personal friends, and the best audience you could ever hope to play for. To be supported like this for nearly years is just remarkable.”
