Formed in the Fall of 2004, Fistful of Fifties has been rocking the Northern VA, DC and Maryland area with their familiar but unique sound. Their high energy songs have been influenced by 90's alternative rock bands such as Nirvana, Cake, Staind and the Smashing Pumpkins. Joe Achtzener (bass), Matt Matis (vocals/guitar), Josh Pearson (drums) and David Saylor (guitar/vocals) combine catchy lyrics, melodic vocals, killer guitar solos, mind blowing bass licks and monster drumming to create what has been deemed “the up-and-coming sound of what has come to be expected in the clubs of Arlington and Fairfax counties” (Burke Connection, November 2006). 

     Having played the metro area consistently for the past two years, Fistful of Fifties have become regulars at such venues as Laughing Lizard Lounge and TT Reynold's while also gaining recognition as Fire Station 8's Band of the Month for October 2006 and Cue-la-palooza 2005's Battle of the Bands winner. Fistful of Fifties have been featured in the Washington Post's Fairfax Extra and gained local notoriety through air play on Locals Only Radio and a recent spot on DC101's Local Lix (Clear Channel Broadcasting).

     In the summer of 2006, Fistful of Fifties released their first self-titled EP, recorded at Nothing But Noise Studios. Not a band to let their influences put a strong hold on their music, Fistful of Fifties are continuously writing new songs ranging from the occasional softer ballad to hard rock, allowing enough diversity for their on stage antics to reach every type of fan.