With finals, papers, the Mifflin Street Block Party and end of the semester distractions, it is hard to believe University of Wisconsin freshman Ben Schaefer balances both school and his position as drummer in the up-and-coming acoustic band The Profits. With the craziness of this season in general, it is difficult to imagine how any of the band’s members manage to balance the responsibilities their musical careers demand with anything else. But balance they do. Despite stresses and inevitable pressures, The Profits treat their packed schedule with seeming ease, proving that they are doing exactly what they love, and are doing it with undoubted success.
JP Roney and Mike Drohomyreky founded the group, with the musicians teaming up for Jack Johnson covers and other aesthetically pleasing acoustic songs. Making the decision to add an upright bass to the mix, the duo placed fliers around Madison advertising the need for a bassist. It was the talented and skirt-clad Scott Lamps who answered the call, contributing a shy but solid foundation to the already existing smooth and mellow sounds. Soon the trio began making a name for themselves, playing various venues in the area. The group was not complete, though, until Schaefer saw the group perform last fall and requested an audition. His suave treatment of the bongos impressed the other band members and the group as we know it was born.
Since its creation, the band has done nothing but continue to gain momentum in the music world, branching out from the local scene and achieving recognition throughout the Midwest. Named for the inspiration of Ayn Rand, The Profits embrace the musical styles of Jack Johnson, John Mayer and Coldplay, and cite Joni Mitchell and Jimmy Eat World as influences. The Profits have produced an onslaught of original songs, but are known to include a few interestingly chosen covers in their set lists. Their playful performance of “Sweet Home Alabama” at an early concert spurred the inclusion of covers at all of the band’s shows. Now The Profits include their personal and, it can be said, better than the original versions of songs like “No Diggity” and “Ignition Remix/ Stand By Me” to the delight of audience members.
As of late, The Profits have experienced a number of changes and additions to the band as a whole. Rob Fleissner, a seasoned street team rep, was recently added to the team as the group’s manager and booking agent. Having worked closely with the widely beloved band Guster, Fleissner is now devoted to furthering The Profits’ recognition and success, and is achieving great levels of triumph in his endeavors.
Going hand in hand with the mission of their manager, The Profits are backed by an incredibly devoted street team, known affectionately as The Profiteers. The group of fans, devoted to spreading the catchy acoustic sounds of the band wherever possible, has grown by leaps and bounds in the past two years. The desire to help has lead to new merchandise items, CD sales, and other creative endeavors. The efforts of The Profiteers are rewarded by the band members themselves with private concerts, personalized kitchen appliances, and previously unreleased The Profits songs. It is this collaboration, according to Roney, that constitutes one of the best aspects of the group.
When asked to describe the ultimate goal for the band, Roney said he wants The Profits to become “…the best band ever. We want to write like The Beatles and play like The Stones.” The statement was said partly in jest, but considering the group’s current plethora of songs, The Profits are well on their way to achieving their goal. The band’s lyrics are piercingly honest, possessing an amazing relatable quality that comes from each song’s subject matter being based on the personal experiences of the members. Displaying insight, a heart-and-soul quality and a sense of humor, The Profits deliver each song with musical maturity and infectious energy.
Such talent is meant to be shared. With a second album in the works and slated for a September release, The Profits have been working hard, preparing their sophomore CD while participating in long tour stretches around the Midwest. The band plays both large and small events, each producing a great level of satisfaction for the group. “We like the big shows,” said Drohomyreky, “but we like smaller ones too. Some of the best shows have been for twenty or thirty people.” The extensive amount of touring and hard work done by the band has led to significant recognition, most notably at this year’s Madison Area Music Awards, where The Profits took home awards for Best Acoustic Artist and Best Overall Artist. Having recently headlined a show at The Rave in Milwaukee, The Profits continue to play monumental gigs, including an upcoming show at Luther’s Blues Thursday and serving as opener for the Violent Femmes Friday as part of UW’s All-Campus Party.
Even with the increasing success, the boys in the band are just as they have always been – dedicated to their music and their fans. Onstage and off, The Profits are the perfect example of the balance of professionalism and fun. They play like a band that demands attention for its musicality and skill, and for tackling an incredible workload. They act, though, like four of your favorite friends, poking fun of each other on stage and engaging their audience with anecdotes and stories. The Profits will become your new favorite band, winning you over with undeniable musical talent and their infectious love of performing.
