Flannel's music is so incomparable they've created their own genre; Genuine Cornfed Cosmic Iowa Roots Music. The song "It Ain't Iowa", from their first album, "Cornfed" is so poignant it was nomiated as the new Iowa state song (later declined by the Governor). Artist Bio Flannel is an Iowa City four-piece that plays original Country, Rock and Americana with a distinct Midwestern tilt. They are known for tight melodic harmonies and insightful lyrics. Along with "traditional" country, they stretch the boundaries of the genre. On their newest CD, “Wrong From Right” is an unexpected blend of country and reggae. Flannel was formed in '05 when Scott was asked if his 'band' could play at a fund raising party for Camp Courageous. When asked what his band's name was, he panicked. He really had no band and hadn't played his guitar seriously for several years. Having often been taunted for wearing flannel shirts from mid-Aug through late May, he blurted out "FLANNEL" and a band was born. His first and only choice on guitar was his uncle Steve Ellis, absolute master of the Telecaster, two-time Iowa Rock & Roll Hall of Fame inductee, winner of the '74 Hamm's Bear lookalike contest, 7 time winner of the annual Steve Ellis trophy, and the funniest man on Earth. On percussion/sound/lights is Rich Paterson, who actually went to school to study music. (but they don't hold that against him) Rich was Scott's neighbor for years before he knew Scott played guitar. One day Scott asked him where he could record some songs and Rich said, "What songs?" He musta liked ‘em, because he has stuck with Scott through thick and thin laying down the perfect percussion and arrangements for Scott's song writing. Rounding out the group is the amazing Ryan Bernemann on bass/vocals/guitar/accordion/harmonica One of the finest musicians you'll find anywhere, Ryan joined Flannel in ‘08 when he and Scott realized they each knew every word to the Flying Burrito Brothers "Gilded Palace of Sin" record and they liked to sing 'em together. Flannel's first full length CD, CORNFED, came out in January ‘08. They have opened for such notables as David Allen Coe, Cross Canadian Ragweed, James Otto, Stoney Larue, and others. More About Flannel Scott Cochran - guitar, vocals The illegitimate offspring of Lou Reed and John Denver, Scott is most at home singing and playing guitar. Scott was taught song writing by his grandma Leona while playing cowboys and indians on a linoleum floor in Oxford, Iowa, circa 1969. But he forgot all about that. Then, several years later, he awoke from a dream one winter night and figured he'd better get crackin’ on some song writing before life had passed him by. Scott started playing music and smoking cigarettes the same day in 1985. After realizing the destructive powers of each, and despite numerous attempts at quitting both, he has managed only to give up cigarettes. Scott played bass in legendary Iowa City bands "Koyaanisqatsi" and "Disciples of Jello" then moved on to guitar when he realized covering Stonewall Jackson was his true musical calling. The rest is mystery. A native of Coralville, Iowa, Scott sites such diverse influences (in addition to his grandma Leona), as Freakies cereal, the Iron Brigade of the West, the hornets’ nest on 8th street he passed everyday on his way home in 3rd grade, Thurman Munson, and the planet Venus. Steve Ellis - lead guitar, vocals When Steve first heard The Ventures playing Walk Don't Run on the radio he knew immediately that he wanted to play the guitar. He got his first guitar as a birthday gift at the age of eleven. It was a second hand acoustic guitar from Sears and Roebuck. It has been non-stop guitar playing since then. In junior high and high school, Steve spent most of his weekends playing music at teen dances, fraternity parties and ballrooms. "I remember the first few times I played music at the DanceMor Ballroom in Swisher. My mom had to take me there and pick me up because I was too young to drive". In the late 60's and early 70's he played the midwest and western states with blues and soul groups and performed at the Grand Ole Opry in 1984. Steve is a two time inductee into the Iowa Rock and Roll Hall of Fame. Rich Paterson - percussion, sound, lights Rich has been playing drums for 40 years and still thinks he’s a teenager. He’s played jazz, blues, country and rock and roll as well as symphonic and new-age. If it’ll hold still, he’ll hit it with a stick. His favorite gigs are backing up strong vocal bands and he even sings (in the shower). Throughout his career he has played an endless list of clubs and dance halls in eastern Iowa, many of which have since burned down, or flooded, for which he claims no responsibility. He has a Bachelor of Music Performance degree from the University of Iowa, but tries not to let it get in the way. Rich doesn’t make the music, he makes the music swing! Hit it! Ryan Bernemann - bass, guitar, vocals, harmonica, accordion, eye candy After graduating from the University of Iowa School of Music with a vocal performance degree, Ryan realized that he was just too damn good to be devoting all of his musical talents to the Classical realm of music. Instead, he's decided to rock the worlds of the fans that come to see him and any of the ten or so bands that he's been a part of in the last decade. In all seriousness though, Ryan enjoys playing with anyone and everyone, anytime and anywhere. When he is not making music, he enjoys spending time with wife, child, family and friends. He is also proud to be living his days in the Iowa City area.