With two acoustic guitars, innovative songwriting, and a vision, Tate Troelstrup and Matthew Eizenga formed FIRST NAME BASIS early in 2002. Finding an immediate an overwhelmingly positive reception to their unique style and lush harmonies, the duo decided to expand their sound. A friend of the group recommended bassist James Meador and drummer Nick Mitchell - the foursome clicked, and knew right away they had a dynamic appeal. They wasted no time in getting out and performing the energetic full band versions of Tate and Matthews tunes in live settings.

As their fan base grew and they fell into a solid groove, the guys decided to expand once again; enter keyboardist Nick Wygonik. Ignoring the logistical problems of having two people with the same name in a band, they went into the studio and recorded their 7 song EP 'Everything All At Once' in a whirlwind three day session. With the addition of keyboards and Tate at last picking up his electric guitar, the group found themselves with a sound very different from so much other music.

Rooted in the songwriter tradition, but with the constant and varied interplay between five very different individuals, FIRST NAME BASIS has emerged as a powerhouse of musicianship, blending the best of rock, funk, and jazz with infectious lyrics and a must-see live show that always delivers. With a boundless energy, the band has made their presence known in every medium.

Already road tested, and veterans of radio and television (the band is a favorite on WZND radio and TV10 in central Illinois) and of course taking full advantage of the power of the internet, these five musicians hailing from various parts of the Chicago land Region have carved out a path that will see them spreading their sound to a national level one fan at a time. Considering the impressive list of milestones achieved by this new group, expect to get on a FIRST NAME BASIS with James, Tate, Matthew, Nick, and Nick, very soon.