Latin School of Chicago

This year Johnny '07, Teddy '05 and Pete Mathias '05 and childhood friend Casey Gibson '05 expect to be on the road about 270 days, playing between 250 and 300 gigs at large and small concert venues, bars, theaters and festivals around the country. They will be spending much of their time in their trusty red van "Dee Dee" and cheap hotel rooms, writing music and planning their next performance between shows. For up-and-coming indie rock band Filligar, this grueling tour schedule is just part of doing business. Recent success, however, has changed very little about how Pete, Teddy, Johnny and Casey approach what they do. Hard work, a determination to consistently do their best, enthusiasm about new opportunities and remaining loyal to the fans who have supported them since high school are values to which all four are committed. They stay grounded and appreciate the experience they are gaining on the road. "It helps that when we play these venues and see the lists of bands that have played "Mr. Teolis put drumsticks in my hands in fifth grade and his motto was all about loyalty and commitment. So, although music wasn't an obvious choice, it was something we always worked hard at and were determined to do our best with." "Like anyone else our age doing most anything, we are paying our dues," said Casey during a recent interview, with Johnny adding: "We learned very early on that every show, no matter how big or small, is an opportunity that can lead to the next show or another opportunity. And that is how we keep moving forward." After 10 years together – first playing events in Chicago while still at Latin, then playing the college circuit, and since graduating, devoting themselves to music full time – the four long-time friends are seeing the fruits of their labor. Their latest release, "The Nerve," was nominated for best rock album of the year at the 2012 Independent Music Awards. SPIN Magazine has named Filligar one of music's "Next Big Things," and Boston's RSL music blog lists the group as one of the top eight live acts in America. Last summer, the band toured with Counting Crows and signed on with top music management firm Red Light Management. 22 LAT I N MA G A Z I N E there before us – bands like the Black Keys or Kings of Leon, who came through only a few years prior – they were in the same place that we are now," said Casey. It also helps that new doors continue to open for them. The band has composed music for commercials and television. It also is partnering with the U.S. Department of State to introduce young people in other countries to American music; Filligar members were recently interviewed on Pakistani radio. This summer they plan to travel to Azerbaijan as part of the program. Hitting the road in a rock band was not the most obvious choice for any one of the four. Casey, a classically trained pianist, has a degree in Economics from Hamilton College. He also is a successful commercial composer for a music company in Los Angeles. All three Mathias brothers attended Dartmouth, with Teddy earning a degree in anthropology and film, Pete in classics, and Johnny in Arab/ American relations in the 20th century. Pete

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