Biography

Sometimes great things happen in the most unlikely places. Take the tiny, Northern Wisconsin town of Three Lakes as an example. In March 2004, Ryan Wallis (lead vocals/guitar), Zach Hales (lead guitar/vocals), Dan Scheppele (rhythm guitar/vocals), Tim Hales (bass), and Mike Maney (drums) put together a makeshift band to compete in a local high school talent show. As a completely unassuming collection of music loving friends, the group walked away from the contest with the trophy and decided to pursue their new band seriously.
While honing their writing and playing skills and tearing through a steady diet of live shows across the North Country, 4th Floor was asked to record the theme for the sports show Outdoor Frontiers in 2006. Shortly after, the band entered A440 Studios to record their first album.
Titled “Released”, the record found its way into regular rotation on local commercial rock stations Z104.1 and 94.5 WRJO. “Released” received solid spins on 250 college market radio stations throughout the US, fueling the band’s tour schedule and taking them to larger markets, stages, and audiences.
2009 now finds the band with their new, sophomore release in hand. “Newton’s Cradle” was recorded at Whitehouse Studios in Wausau, WI and the 14 track disc is a flamethrower. On display throughout is a more uniform and in-your-face style of song writing. Just and Illusion and Only Dying provide power, big harmonies, and plenty of rock radio hooks. The musicianship is impeccably road-worn and Wallis’ vocals crash through the tracks like a finely aimed wrecking ball. Additionally, Hales provides lead vocals on the tracks Burn, Holy Water, and Lies, further showing the true depth of talent that has emerged from the band.
4th Floor has played over 200 shows in 4 states winning two Battle of the Bands including the regional Launchpad competition. They have had the privilege of sharing the stage with Red, Royal Bliss, Papa Roach, Black Stone Cherry, Hinder, Nonpoint, Hellyeah, Finger 11, Machine Head, as well as playing with countless other local/regional bands from Wisconsin, Illinois, Minnesota, and Iowa. With an incredible new record, their heavy sound and slightly twisted lyrics, the band is poised to become one of Wisconsin’s most original and accomplished acts.