Sam Billen 
Dan Billen 
Jared Bowes
Ken Komiya

 

Discography
Never Felt This Way Before (2003) 
Quiet as it's Kept (2001) 

“Introducing the next great rock ‘n’ roll band from the heartland of America . Despite their age, these gifted musicians have all developed into accomplished songwriters. This multi-talented band has already demonstrated the unique ability to blend lyrical sincerity and innovative musicianship without ever taking themselves too seriously. You may hear songs about girls, songs about the passing of a loved one, songs that are epic, and others that are just plain fun. Always an equitable balance that mirrors human life.

The Billions sound is not limited to the traditional rock standard format of guitar, bass, and drums. They feature a wide array of instruments from a stark acoustic guitar, to string and horn arrangements, and even a steel drum. All of these sounds and tones support their greatest strength, the ability to write a compelling pop song.

Dan and Sam Billen have known Jared Bowes since childhood, and both the Billen and the Bowes families have kept their children immersed in music from birth. As a result, the boys were well beyond any period of musical adolescence by the time they'd reached high school, and it seemed only natural for them to start a band. Providentially, their accomplishments as a group would be noteworthy from the very start.

The Billions' first two self-released discs were recorded by progressive rock guru, Kerry Livgren, of the band Kansas . As it turned out, Livgren liked the boys' music so much he used it on a computer animated video series he was doing for Sony. Strangely though, it wasn't until the Billions left Livgren and started recording without supervision that their work began to get recognized. Their third independent venture, "Quiet As It's Kept" has been widely praised, and is undoubtedly the one that got record labels buzzing.

However, the studio wasn't the only place the Billions were getting attention. They also drew a significant fan base with their live show. Incessantly seeking to reproduce their recorded material in concert, the Billions often found themselves swapping instruments between songs or even playing more than one instrument at a time. It was certainly an entertaining spectacle for the audience, but the Billions have always given priority one to the quality of the music itself. Consequently, they felt that a three-piece band was insufficient.

Therefore, in early 2002, the Billions completed their lineup by stationing longtime friend and talented percussionist, Ken Komiya, behind the drums. Fortunately, Ken appears to be exactly what the threesome has needed to bring their studio perfection to the stage. Additionally, Ken's presence has seemed to enhance the already harmonious dynamics of the band. So much so, that the group has recently moved in together. They now occupy a quaint farm shack near Lawrence , Kansas .

Communal living in their hillbillyesque haven has afforded the band frequent opportunities to practice, and a greater commitment to musical excellence seems very justifiable to the band these days. Earlier this year the Billions signed with the elite Northern Records, and in April, Northern brought them out to California to make a new record. Those who have heard it consider it to be a superlative achievement. "Never Felt This Way Before" is scheduled for national release in October 2002, and has great potential for being the precursor of a drastically expanded touring schedule for the Billions.”