Alpha Rev is possibly the most refreshing thing on the music scene in years. Self-described as a mixture of "Beethoven and Buckley with British sensibility and American rock," their sound is like picking all of the good parts off of your favorite CDs and blending them to create something even Willy Wonka couldn't fathom. But let's not sugarcoat it. Beyond refreshing, what Alpha Rev brings is realness, a realness reminiscent upon such groundbreakers like Led Zeppelin, The Stones, Radiohead and other greats who made you say out loud in your car, "Yeah man, I feel you." ATX magazine called Alpha Rev "easily the most accomplished and polished artist that the Heart of Texas has to offer, offering something unique to many bands these days." Truly, their sound can only be compared, not described, and is something like that first rollercoaster ride, an experience only for yourself.

Casey McPherson is the font-man, lead singer, and principal songwriter of Alpha Rev. From losing his dad, his brother, and many friends to suicide, and from leading a self-destructive lifestyle for many years of substance abuse, arrests, car wrecks, and depression, Casey was looking for ways to heal from that and make a positive difference in people's lives. This brought him and Better Off Rock'd together in 2006.

If you spend any time on our site or at our events, you'll see lots of mention of Alpha Rev and Casey. We can't say enough good things about them. We are working with them to produce high school and college concert tours where Casey performs and also speaks to suicide, mental illness, and substance abuse. Casey is also the host of our podcast called The Other Sides of Suicide. Buy their CDs and buy tickets to their shows and buy their merch because they never stop supporting us and are huge advocates of suicide prevention. Casey's previous band was called Endochine and a link to their music is below as well.

In 2003, Josh Tatum was only 14 years old when he began writing and performing professionally as the front-man of Just Short of Sunday (appearing on The True Music show on HDnet, releasing two EPs, and touring regionally through Texas, Oklahoma, Kansas, Arkansas, and Florida). Inevitably, Just Short of Sunday went their separate ways in December of 2004, but this only led Tatum to his next project, Slider's Fault, as their singer/ guitarist and principle songwriter.

Through December 2006, Slider's Fault toured nationally from coast to coast (mostly performing for girls at resort cheerleading camps and for several Warped Tour dates), made a big splash during South By Southwest in Austin where they dominated local news coverage and filmed their second music video, released their EP, The Road to Last July, that was added to over 70 college radio stations, and released two music videos (of which Last Call For Sympathy made it on over 24 regional video outlets across the country). With college choices looming over their heads, this group also went their separate ways. However, this did nothing but propel Tatum to the next stage in his career where he spent 2007 honing his songwriting skills in Ft Worth, Austin, and Los Angeles.

For 2008, and performing now as Josh Tatum, he continues to write wise beyond his years lyrics about his life experiences, create arrangements that make you want to listen over and over, and play a wide range of guitar styles that melt either your heart or your speakers.

As a college freshman, Josh represents the voice of students we want to reach. He shares the struggles of college students everywhere, and as one of them, is able to connect in relevant ways.

Josh has been a constant source of input, guidance, and support at Better Off Rock'd as we continue to develop ways to reach more people and prevent suicide. We strongly encourage you to be his friend on MySpace and Facebook and hang out with him at his shows and become a friend in person too.