Shiny Penny

Shiny Penny are a band to notice. They caught the eye of Bon Jovi, who chose to have them as support for the show in Indiana, as part of a competition.

Shiny Penny are Scott “Stix” Ayers (drums), Brad DiCarlo (guitar), Eric Hyman (bass), Dean Schimmelpfennig (vocals), hailing from Kokomo, IN.

They have just released a music video for “Don’t Believe a Word That I Say”, the first single for their upcoming album.

Their sound is smooth alt rock, with “Don’t Believe a Word That I Say” feeling like passionate frustration, and a call for someone to pay attention. The wide open spaces and echoed vocals feel like “is anyone out there?”. We’re here, Shiny Penny!

Check out the video for “Don’t Believe a Word That I Say” below. If you’re sensitive to seeing people underwater or trapped, stick to Spotify. - Depth Magazine

Link is a Video of News Reel - RTV6 News

INDIANAPOLIS, Ind-- This day is a little different than previous ones for the band, Shiny Penny.

The Kokomo-based band is quite literally experiencing the “big stage” for the first time. Tonight, they’re the opening act for Bon Jovi at Banker.

“We don’t know what it’s going to be like yet. At this point we’re just imagining what it’ll be like,” lead singer Dean Schimmelpfennig said.

For the band, the Bon Jovi concert is the culmination of eight years of hard work. Three weeks ago, they say the hard work paid off when they received a call that they won a contest to be Bon Jovi’s opening act for their Indianapolis tour stop.

“We’ve been in other contests before and haven’t had a lot of luck. Going into it we were like it’s just another contest,” guitarist Brad DiCarlo said.

In recent years, Bon Jovi has developed a trend of featuring local bands for their openers; Shiny Penny was just one of the entries in a contest that saw hundreds apply.

The moment isn’t lost on the band members, its relished.

“Just with all the attention that it’s been getting it’s just been a lot of new craziness going on that none of us really knew how to handle yet. But, I think we’re doing ok,” Schimmelpfennig said.

While their excitement and anxiousness is through the roof, the band says they will treat the show as if it was any other. They say their goal is to provide the same sincere and authentic show they always do.

Only this time, they know a few more eyes will be on them.

“We’re hoping that we’ll make some new fans tonight who want to come out and see us at one of our own shows.” Schimmelpfennig said.

For more information on Shiny Penny you can visit: http://www.shinypennyofficial.com/ - Fox 59 News

Three years ago, drummer Scott "Stix" Ayers worked as a crew member for bands playing arenas across the United States.

On Wednesday, one of his long-shot wishes will be fulfilled when Kokomo rock band Shiny Penny performs as Bon Jovi's supporting act at Bankers Life Fieldhouse.

"I've always wanted to sit at my own drum kit and kick my own kick drum and feel what that feels like in an arena," he said.

Ayers and his Shiny Penny band mates — vocalist-keyboard player Dean Schimmelpfennig, guitarist Brad DiCarlo and bass player Eric Hyman — won a contest to open the Indianapolis show. Bon Jovi and concert promoter Live Nation selected unsigned opening acts for every date on the band's "This House is Not For Sale" tour.

Ayers said he can't disclose the names of acts he once toured with, but few bands can rival the commercial success of Bon Jovi. With more than 130 million albums sold around the world, Bon Jovi will make its first Indianapolis appearance since 2003.

What do Bon Jovi and Shiny Penny, an independent act with one album and two EPs on its resume, have in common?

The way the musicians named their bands, for starters. "Bon Jovi" is derived from vocalist Jon Bon Jovi's given surname: Bongiovi. And "Shiny Penny" is inspired by the structure of Schimmelpfennig's name. Credit DiCarlo's mother for that idea, Schimmelpfennig said.

To land on the Bankers Life Fieldhouse stage, Shiny Penny submitted its video for the song "Insanity" to Bon Jovi's "Opening Act Contest." More than 100 acts tried to score the Indianapolis gig.

"A lot of our followers who have been with us for years just rallied behind us and voted for us," Schimmelpfennig said. "It’s pretty cool to see."

The members of Shiny Penny visited IndyStar's offices to record live videos of the songs "Laser Freedom" and "Don't Believe a Word That I Say."

Earlier this month, Shiny Penny issued a new conceptual video for "Don't Believe a Word That I Say," an underwater project made at pool facilities at Eastern Howard School Corporation.

"We needed to have control over the lighting, so we had to do it overnight two nights in a row," Schimmelpfennig said of the shoot.

He conceded that no one involved, including director Taylor Blythe and the members of Shiny Penny, knew if the underwater images would work.

"We said, ‘OK, let’s go for it,' " Schimmelpfennig said.

Bon Jovi

WITH: Shiny Penny.

WHEN: 7:30 p.m. March 22.

WHERE: Bankers Life Fieldhouse, 125 S. Pennsylvania St.

TICKETS: $19.75 to $149.75.

INFO: Visit Ticketmaster.com or call (800) 745-3000.

Download the IndyStar Things To Do App
Call Star reporter David Lindquist at (317) 444-6404. Follow him on Twitter: @317Lindquist. - USA Today

Promoter Live Nation and Bon Jovi's management chose local band Shiny Penny from thousands who applied for the contest to open his shows on the tour, by entering on Bon Jovi's website (bonjovi.com). The band has been running similar contests for other communities on its "This House Is Not For Sale Tour."

Prior to the show, lead singer Dean Schimmelpfennig told Fox59, "We don't know what it's going to be like yet. At this point we're just imagining what it'll be like," the Kokomo, Indiana based band is quite literally experiencing the "big stage" for the first time, but you could tell that while it may have been the biggest night so far of their young lives, they handled it quite well.

For the band, the Bon Jovi concert is the culmination of eight years of hard work. "We've been in other contests before and haven't had a lot of luck. Going into it we were like it's just another contest, " Brad DiCarlo said. To see some photos to the show, click: http://onstagemagazine.com/shiny-penny-photo-gallery/

www.shinypennyofficial.com - On Stage Magazine

Material: Shiny Penny are a rock quartet from Kokomo, IN whose music is a blend of pop/ rock and alternative, but with elements of blues, jazz, folk, soul and EDM mixed in for good measure. Their set drew from their current and past releases with songs that are catchy and sometimes emotionally epic. Lyrics proved to be deeply meaningful and powerful lyrics.

Musicianship: This band plays very well together. Frontman Dean Schimmelpfennig has an amazing voice with a fantastic range. He seems to be able to sing anything, from hard rock to blues to soul. The rest of the band is equally solid. Drummer Scott “Stix” Ayers switches beats fluidly from a funky groove to hard rock to the steady unrelenting beat of EDM. Guitarist Brad DiCarlo shows off his virtuosic flair from time to time, and bassist Eric Hyman provides a solid bedrock of rhythmic harmony.

Performance: Shiny Penny kicked things off strong with their latest single, “Insanity.” “Open Out” had a hard rock edge, while “Lulla-BYE” showcased Schimmelpfennig’s incredible vocal range. Switching back and forth from behind the keyboard to front and center, he commanded the crowd and kept things interesting. DiCarlo and Hyman got to show off their talents during “Soulsleep,” which is a funky, bluesy, dance rock tune. Schimmelpfennig’s wife, Ashton, joined him for the duet, “Ticket.” People in the crowd were dancing during “More,” and soon the band had the audience jumping with them.

For “Laser Freedom,” Shiny Penny hopped off the stage and joined the audience, where they had everyone form a circle to simulate a campfire singalong, complete with acoustic guitar, tambourine and shakers. The band then returned to the stage for an electronic/live mix of their song, “Mr. Welker,” during which Schimmelpfennig played keyboard, synth and guitar. Shiny Penny ended their set with the high energy, “Don’t Believe A Word That I Say” followed by an encore after the audience chanted, “One more song!”

Summary: Shiny Penny definitely know how to keep their set interesting and maintain a good vibe with the crowd. This band is an extremely tight-knit group of musicians who offer a diverse style, are fun to watch and even more engaging to hear.

The Players: Dean Schimmelpfennig, vocals, keys; Brad DiCarlo, lead guitar; Eric Hyman, bass; Scott "Stix" Ayers, drums.

Photo by Mary Lemanski

Venue: Schubas Tavern
City: Chicago, IL
Contact: js@everheartentertainment.com
Web: shinypennyofficial.com - Music Connection Magazine

Shiny Penny

Add some rock, alternative and pop to your life by catching Shiny Penny on stage. The band, based in Kokomo, Indiana, is touring in support of their album Wait, Don’t Hold, which will be released September 29. The quartet will be joined by Truslow, Kysia, The Shades, and Kips, and the performance will be held September 30 at 8:30 p.m. at The Abbey in Chicago’s Irving Park neighborhood. Tickets are $10. - AXS

Midwest-based rock group Shiny Penny announced a national headlining tour in support of its upcoming record “Wait, Don’t Hold”. Just nine months after the band’s previous release “Open Out”, Shiny Penny is slated to unveil the new record on Tuesday September 29th. The band will be touring from the end of September through the end of November from Texas to California to New York and everywhere in between.

The “Wait, Don’t Hold - Release Tour” will feature a plethora of notable support acts like Ohio pop/rock band Truslow, best known for its radio single “AdHd.” Slospeak recording artist Ravenhill will also be performing alongside the band for a selection of dates on the tour. A full list of dates and support acts can be found on the band’s web page www.shinypennyofficial.com/tour/

“Shiny Penny are one of the best local musical acts to break out of Central Indiana in recent memory” writes William Kelly Milionis of Examiner.com after seeing the band perform live for the first time. Dave from Antidote Radio boasted that “Shiny Penny may be vying to become the most prolific [songwriters] of the year” in his review of the upcoming record.

Since 2011, Shiny Penny has been delivering it’s soulful pop/rock to fans, performing anywhere and everywhere from Van’s Warped Tour to buzzing street festivals. After being nominated for NUVO's 2015 "Best Pop Act in Indianapolis" the band has become a staple in the music scene in Indiana and surrounding states. The band’s personal and authentic sound, combined with its high energy and engaging live performances, has made Shiny Penny fan favorites across the midwest. - Kokomo Herald

The song takes the listener on a journey through the mind of a writer who addresses many of his own struggles such as forgiveness, the feeling of treading water and the frustration of running out of time. Despite the darkness of the track’s content, it manages to remain accessible to any listener with it’s addictive hook and post chorus sing alongs.

Please take the time to check out their first single “Insanity,” which will be on Shiny Penny’s debut EP Wait, Don’t Hold, which is slated for a September 29th release. The band will be going on a national tour in support of the record this fall. For a full list of dates, visit shinypennyband.com. - Venn Magazine

Pennies have been retired from circulation in Canada and the same fate awaits for this coinage in the the States. Kokomo, Indiana’s four-some Shiny Penny is here to compensate for that as they shine on their upcoming release, Wait, Don’t Hold.

Shiny Penny may be vying to become the most prolific songwriter of the year (shouldn’t there be an award for that?). Wait, Don’t Hold comes out a mere nine months since their previous EP, Open Out. The band’s proven ability to create catchy, sing-along, and memorable music goes to the next level on Wait, Don’t Hold.

For the majority of artists, pop rock and deep lyrics rarely meet, but these aspects mesh on Shiny Penny’s “Insanity”. The first single and lead track from Wait, Don’t Hold, captures a welcomed intensity of emotion and musicianship.

Its like I’m
Driving through the sea
But the wheels are turning
Swimming on the streets
But the waves are coming
Flying with no wings
All the living and the learning
Oh it’s just insanity

“Don’t Believe A Word That I Say” offers a wonderful dichotomy between the snappy tune and vocals in contrast to the topic of recognition of personal faults. Track three on Wait, Don’t Hold, may well be one of the most heart rending and beautiful songs ever. Covering an aspect of love that’s rarely taken to this level, “More”, looks inside a couples love, but that love is hindered by an unspoken need.

You tell me all your secrets
You pour your heart into my brain
But I’m losing a connection
And feeling emptier with every day
Tell me this is just a moment
I wish I knew that it would go away
‘Cause I don’t wanna see the ending,
I don’t want our love to go to waste

“Ticket” gradually builds from a deep bass and synth intro, gradually transcending into it’s bright pop rock chorus. The final song of Wait, Don’t Hold, “Looking for Soul” showcase Dean Schimmelpfennig vocal abilities. The song brilliantly leaves the listener hanging for a closure to an unresolved search.

I’ll keep moving on
I’ll find my way
I’ll forget what’s gone
I’ll know my place
Oh I’m all but lost
Just looking for soul
Just looking for soul

Watch the video for Shiny Penny’s lead single “Insanity”.

[Video Link] - The Antidote Radio

Some of the best up-and-coming and established musicians in Chicago...indeed. MER's Music Showcase at LandShark Beer Garden at Navy Pier featured Matthew Kysia of Kysia Live; Zoie Moser; Dean Schimmelpfennig and Brad DiCarlo of Shiny Penny; Phil Jacobson, Mark Jacobson and Andrew DeMuro of The Shades; and host, MER with Matt Hines. Each artist performed one song in a round robin style. Going through the lineup four times provided each artist the opportunity to perform four songs. And, participating artists stood together in the finale.

Dean Schimmelpfennig lead singer, keyboard/piano, guitar, co-songwriter and Brad DiCarlo, guitar, vocals and co-songwriter of the Kokomo, Indiana based band Shiny Penny are one of the best local musical acts to break out of Central Indiana in recent memory. Schimmelpfennig and DiCarlo bring a uniquely original personal sound to the music world by combining groovy, modern alternative/pop rock styles and funk/blues influences. These highly talented musicians look to connect with anyone willing to listen. Shiny Penny has shared the stage with many national acts, played in front of large concert crowds (Vans Warped Tour 2014 & 2012, Rockstar Energy Drink Uproar Festival 2013), they've received radio play and were interviewed on the nationally syndicated Bob & Tom Show.

Schimmelpfennig and DiCarlo performed a powerful pop ditty entitled, "Insanity" as their first round song and instantly had the undivided attention of the crowd...heads turning, feet tapping, and hand clapping. Even Showcase musicians on the stage riser awaiting their turn to stand in front of the crowd were getting into the performance; toe tapping, head bopping and finger snapping. MER commented respectfully at the end of the song, "it's so catchy, it sounds like it's on the radio already doesn't it?! Can I get an, Amen!" And, a loud and resounding "Amen" was returned from the crowd. MER continued his respect and admiration with his comment, "Alright, let's bring up these guys writing these pop hits! They just write catchy stuff with a lot of energy!" With that, Schimmelpfennig and DiCarlo performed another powerful pop ditty entitled, "Lulla-BYE". This second round song saw these musicians hit their stride. Schimmelpfennig's amazing vocal calisthenics shined...from powerful vocal to intimate falsetto. Their third round song was "Laser Freedom" and elicited the largest audience response of the afternoon with hand clapping and toe tapping and even a bit of dancing. "So catchy it's annoying actually" MER stated wryly. And, their fourth round song was another vocal and pop tour-de-force. "The band we just saw, Shiny Penny, REAL good and their vocals...[Schimmelpfennig] has a terrific voice and his partner Brad can really play the guitar...he's very excellent!" explained new Shiny Penny fan Windell Williams. - The Examiner

The first time we saw Shiny Penny (then named Shiny Penny and The Critical Shoes), they were totally obliterating the competition at a Battle of the Bands at the now-closed Daddy Real's The Place. We're not sure what happened to Daddy Real's, but Shiny Penny thankfully survived – and thrived. They're releasing a brand new album called Wait, Don't Hold (just nine months after the release of Open Out) and setting off on a long tour across the Midwest and into Texas. This killer live band earned their spot at the top of the pack, honest. - NUVO Magazine

Only nine months after the release of their EP Open Out, Shiny Penny presents Wait, Don’t Hold. Admittedly, though I’ve been hearing of the alternative pop-rock band from my birthplace of Kokomo, Indiana, off and on for a little while now, this new record is my first true exposure to the group.
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The EP opens with lead single “Insanity,” whose music video was exclusively released on Friday, September 18th, through Venn Magazine. After a short and ominous introduction which brings a sense of foreboding and seems to foreshadow an oncoming storm, the track overtakes the listener all at once, not unlike a wave crashing over the railing of an unsuspecting sea liner. The soft, ethereal, mist-like intro is broken suddenly by a turbulent rhythm carried on the shoulders of the kick drum and a simple piano bass line, sounding somehow impossibly smooth amid its powerful punches. The opening lyrics manage quite cleverly to form a double entendre, both boasting of the track’s musical movement and speaking poetically of the song’s theme of confusion while journeying through life:
This vessel runs a long way up
The waves are never-ending
The rows are tough and push so much
Still fight the stream so gently
The record continues with the catchy and upbeat “Don’t Believe A Word That I Say,” a song which blatantly hints—like the guy who nudges with his elbow the side of the friend next to him while saying, “Wink, wink”—through its title at the message of hypocrisy and shame about to be proclaimed by its writer. Dean Schimmelpfennig sounds like the Apostle Paul in Romans 7 as he sings that while he is hoping for a specific something, he finds himself running toward something different entirely. He finds himself desiring a thing he does not wish to desire.
I’m living a lie
So don’t believe a word that I say
I’m only living, and I’m full of mistakes
My brain is jumping all out of place
Oh, why am I holding on to what’s in the way
He proceeds to cry out in melodic pain with a cliché yet fitting “whoa” before continuing on with another verse and chorus followed by a passionate bridge of professed hopelessness:
I’m tired of needing something to fill me
Tired of seeking something that kills me
I’m tired of wishing for something more
When I know it’s only gonna make me want a little more
Next comes a mellow tune by the name of “More.” The soft piano paired with the smooth, crisp vocals cause me to imagine that I am listening to a little known Jordan Anderson melody (as all of his melodies regretfully happen to be). Then, halfway through, it nearly sounds as if The Almost decides to join the party. The combination of sounds is a beauty I have never before dreamt of being possible, ending the track with a steady crescendo in passion.
“Ticket” continues the tale with a proclamation of hope and jubilee that seems in multiple ways to be the antithesis of the EP’s opener. Beginning in a very similar manner to “Insanity”—kick drum and clean guitar eighth notes—this fourth song tells of the singer’s faithful optimism despite life’s unpredictable and discouraging complications.
I just want to tell everybody
What I am all about
That I’ve made it finally
That I got my ticket out
Truth be told, I can’t help but wish “Ticket” were the actual finale to the record. The theme, both musically and lyrically, works exquisitely to complete the thought begun by the EP’s introduction. Every time I hear the final drones of the track, I feel a sense of completeness. I feel contented—the kind of contentment that can be gained only from finishing a captivating story.
However, this record holds a sort of disjointed epilogue. After all should be said and done comes “Looking for Soul.” It’s almost a bonus track if only EPs were to have such things. Ironically, this song that feels so out of place carries the same lyrical theme as its predecessor. Hope, joy, and peace in the thick of chaos are declared:
I’ll keep moving on
I’ll find my way
I’ll forget what’s gone
I’ll know my place
However alien “Looking for Soul” may seem, the music remains creative and enjoyable just like the rest of the record. The entire EP is a lovely collection phrases and melodies that borrow your ear and forever steal your mind. Wait, Don’t Hold truly is overall a grand musical gesture from a group I hope to hear more from very soon. - Stephen Shutters

Need some new music?

Check out Kokomo-based @ShinyPennyBand who we checked out in Dallas during #CEDIA15. - @KlipschAudio

Up next was the band Shiny Penny. This was also another band from out of state. Shiny Penny is from Indiana. It was also their first time performing in San Antonio. They opened up their set with "Insanity". Personally, that's my favorite song from their new EP, "Wait, Don't Hold." Overall, their energy got three random people to start dancing towards the end. It was great listening to them live, because there was whole other level of energy compared to when you listen to the album. If I remember correctly, they closed their set with "More", another song from their EP "Wait, Don't Hold."

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Anyways...After the night had ended, Bryan and I had a chill discussion about all the bands. In his words Best Stage Presence went to Shiny Penny. - Rowdy Radio

The band Shiny Penny is currently on a tour that will keep them on the road through the end of the year, and last night they played here in Tucson at the Original Sagebrush Cantina.

We have been listening to their music for a while now and live the sound of Shiny Penny. Most of us who love live music know what it’s like to fall in love with the sound and end up being very disappointed with their live performance — not the case with Shiny Penny. This entertaining band grabs you with the first tune and you are in for a real ride through the last. - Kenne Turner

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich. (WOOD) They hail from Indiana, but they’re bringing their sound on tour to West Michigan. The band Shiny Penny was named by Nuvo Magazine’s as the “Best Pop Act of Indianapolis.” They will perform their mix of pop, rock, blues, and gospel at The B.O.B. in downtown Grand Rapids on Thursday, January 28 at 8 p.m. and at Our Brewing Company in Holland on Friday, January 29 at 8 p.m. - Wood TV 8