FELL is a heavy rock project created by Joe Byers (guitar/vocals), inspired by the early-2000s alternative metal sound. Every song is written and self-produced by Joe, driven by punchy guitar riffs, heavy themes, and emotionally honest songwriting. The project features collaborator Chad Szeliga (drums), formerly of Breaking Benjamin and Black Label Society.

The first iteration of FELL dates back to 2008, when Joe was just 16, writing his first original songs and playing covers with friends after school. At the time, performances consisted of crowded practice spaces and backyard parties, but they laid the groundwork for what followed.

Just two years after graduating high school, Joe assumed guitar duties for a more established band and quickly found himself touring nationally, opening for larger acts and appearing at festivals like Rockapalooza. When that chapter came to an end, he didn’t slow down, but continuing to write, taking on vocal duties and teaching himself the fundamentals of production, while steadily refining both his sound and approach.

FELL re-emerged as the project that carried that momentum forward and once again became the project he planned to fully realize.

Attempts to build a lasting lineup never quite locked in, which ultimately pushed Joe to take full control, handling the writing, recording, and direction himself. That independence allowed him to shape the music without compromise, while still bringing in key collaborators where it mattered. One of those is drummer Chad Szeliga, whose work with Breaking Benjamin had been a major influence early on. Bringing Szeliga into the fold added a level of precision and impact that helped define the project’s sound.

While FELL currently operates as a solo-driven project, it was never intended to be. The long-term vision has always been to expand it into something larger, with the right musicians stepping in as the project continues to take shape. Joe hopes that FELL will soon evolve into a full band and return to the stage.