Written by Noah Camacho
The band, Telemonster, is made up of fathers who work in a variety of careers such as data engineering, health insurance, pottery and even running their own record store. From full-time fathers to full-time workers, these individuals are also extremely passionate musicians.
Upon winning a college talent show in 2009, four Covenant students decided to continue playing music after their college career was over.
At the time of the talent show they went under the name “The Tough Customers.” However, when they graduated, they decided to take things more seriously, and the name “Telemonster” stuck. Around this time, they added a new member to their pop-rock band.
Ben VanderHart, the guitarist and vocalist, writes the majority of the songs and produces them. Although music is an important part of his and his band’s life, it is not the most important aspect of life.
“Playing in the band is a labor of love and it’s something that everybody, you know, makes sacrifices in order to do. And there’s a limit to the sacrifices that any of us are willing to make,” VanderHart said.
The Telemonster’s debrief their days before the start of band practice. Wednesday, April 3, 2024. (Photo by Noah Camacho)
Some of these sacrifices mean having to stay up later some nights in order to finalize projects while the children are sleeping or having to reschedule a show due to work or family obligations.
Through these sacrifices, the band has learned scheduling months ahead is important. If they don’t schedule shows or events four to six months in advance, it probably won’t happen.
Due to their busy schedules between work and dad duties, they are limited to how many shows they can do a year. Their limited number of shows builds a sense of hype within the community drawing a larger crowd.
They have performed at local venues in places like Cherry Street Tavern, Yellow Racket Records, The Boneyard, and even at a venue in Athens.
The Telemonsters recognize their partners and families’ sacrifice and are grateful to have a tremendous support system.
“They’ve all had to make sacrifices on behalf of the band and all the band members, you know, whether that’s like, you know, taking care of the kids for while one of us is off making music,” VanderHart said.
The band is currently working on an album in between taking care of children and work responsibilities. They plan to continue creating music with hopes that their music will resonate with their fans.
Meet the Storyteller
Noah Camacho, a Junior communication major with a minor in marketing studying at The University of Tennessee at Chattanooga. Serves as a staff photographer at the University Echo and is also a member of UTC’s Rising Rock program. He is passionate about capturing moments throughout the Chattanooga community and campus life through photojournalism. He aspires to one day pursue a career in journalism with hopes to travel to different countries and document people and their cultures. You can reach Noah by email at dkl677@mocs.utc.edu.