Story by Christine Thompson
Sons of Legion: A Soulful Rebellion from Nashville’s Indie Scene
In the heart of Nashville, Tennessee, Sons of Legion is carving out a distinct space in the indie rock scene with their electrifying blend of rock, blues, soul, and Urban Americana. Formed by Adam McInnis and Daddy Jack, two musicians from opposite coasts united by a shared hunger for authenticity, the band’s journey is one of grit, transformation, and relentless pursuit of their dreams. In a recent interview with Christine Thompson of AMFM Magazine, combined with Adam’s personal reflections, the story of Sons of Legion emerges as a testament to courage, creative synergy, and the power of music to inspire.
A Crossroads on Broadway: Adam McInnis’s Awakening
For Adam McInnis, the seeds of Sons of Legion were sown in a moment of clarity on Nashville’s iconic Broadway. Walking home in the early morning hours, the neon lights fading and the weight of his guitar case mirroring his doubts, Adam found himself at a crossroads. He could cling to the safety of routine or take a leap into the unknown to chase his musical dreams. This late-night epiphany became the catalyst for Sons of Legion. Growing up in a musical household with a mother blessed with perfect pitch, Adam was steeped in reggae, soul, and singer-songwriter influences like The Mamas & The Papas and Simon & Garfunkel. Yet, his journey was marked by a unique challenge: tone deafness. Inspired by Ray Charles’s philosophy of “hearing music in color,” Adam developed an unconventional practice, retreating to a pitch-black room every Sunday to play a keyboard, feeling the vibrations to discern sharp and flat notes. Over three years, this method honed his vocal abilities, laying the foundation for the soulful depth he brings to the band.
Daddy Jack’s Natural Grit
Daddy Jack, the other half of Sons of Legion, was a musical prodigy from childhood. Raised in an artsy household, he was influenced by his father, Little Marchetti, a charismatic jazz pianist and actor, and his mother, who played guitar and piano. By age four or five, Daddy Jack was already tinkling the keys, his feet dangling above the floor. A self-described “lazy” musician, he leaned on his natural ability to pick up melodies by ear, bypassing formal study for an intuitive approach. From classical piano to guitar, his raw energy and ability to reinterpret music in his own gritty, soulful style became a cornerstone of the band’s sound.
A Pact Forged in East Nashville
The duo’s paths converged at a songwriter’s night in East Nashville, where Daddy Jack’s raw energy caught Adam’s attention. Over whiskey and shared stories, they discovered a common restlessness—a desire to break free from complacency and make their mark. That night, they made a pact to combine their talents and create music that not only entertained but inspired. Thus, Sons of Legion was born. Their early days were marked by late nights in makeshift studios, calloused fingers, and hoarse voices, as they poured their hearts into crafting a sound that bridged rugged authenticity with polished artistry. Their music blends the raw energy of rock, the soulful depth of blues, and the timeless appeal of Americana, resonating with listeners who crave anthems of courage and freedom.
The Birth of “Power” and a Defining Moment
A pivotal moment in their journey came with the creation of their song “Power.” Born during an intense studio session, the track encapsulates the band’s mission to inspire boldness and reject mediocrity. As Adam reflects, “Power” is about “realizing the urgency and uniqueness of our lives.” Its lyrics, like “So keep your silver, I came for gold. No place for quitters, only for the bold,” embody the courage to aim high and seize opportunities. For Adam, the song mirrors his own journey of stepping out of his comfort zone on that fateful Broadway night. For listeners, it’s an invitation to face fears and pursue dreams with determination. The creation of “Power” sparked a creative fire, leading to songs that weave stories of resilience, hardship, and the pursuit of freedom, each track a piece of their souls laid bare.
A Soul-Centered Sound
Sons of Legion’s music is deeply soulful, rooted in raw emotion rather than religious or dogmatic themes. As Adam explains, their songs come from “a place that’s without the filter of a dogma,” aiming for vibrational accuracy that connects universally. Archetypes like angels and themes of inner strength emerge naturally, reflecting intuitive storytelling. Daddy Jack adds that their music taps into something “bigger than we are,” meant to uplift and inspire without being tied to a specific ideology. Their creative process is organic, often starting with Daddy Jack riffing on guitar while Adam picks up melodies or phrases, rearranging them until both feel the “yeah” moment that signals a song’s potential. This synergy shines in tracks like “Firestarter,” born from spontaneous riffing, though Daddy Jack admits its origins are a blur—a testament to their natural, free-flowing collaboration.
Overcoming Challenges as Fuel
For Sons of Legion, challenges are not obstacles but fuel for their creative fire. Daddy Jack reflects on the “no’s” and unexpected setbacks that define a creative life, viewing them as opportunities to grow stronger. Both musicians draw from personal traumas and triumphs, weaving these experiences into the emotional fabric of their music. As Daddy Jack notes, these moments become “part of your fabric,” empowering rather than crippling. This perspective infuses their songs with themes of resilience and inner power, encouraging listeners to transform their own struggles into strength.
A Social Media Surge
Sons of Legion’s rise has been amplified by a meteoric social media presence. Starting in mid-May 2025, their TikTok following skyrocketed from 8,000 to over 300,000 in just over a month, triggering similar growth on Instagram (300,000+) and Facebook (400,000+) in the last ten days. Their self-produced, short-form videos showcase their music and personalities authentically, resonating with a growing fanbase. This digital success has propelled their visibility, proving the power of social media in connecting indie artists with global audiences.
“Outlaw”: A Rebellious New Chapter
The culmination of their journey is their debut album, Outlaw, a collection of eight tracks that embody their relentless pursuit of authenticity. From the defiant spirit of the title track to the heartfelt emotions of “Carolina,” Outlaw is a testament to resilience, freedom, and the courage to stand out. Adam describes it as “an invitation to break free from whatever’s holding you back, to embrace your inner rebel, to write your own story of success and fulfillment.” The album blends raw rock energy, soulful blues, and Urban Americana, offering anthems for those ready to chase gold instead of settling for silver.
Looking Ahead: Tours and Independence
As Sons of Legion prepares to share Outlaw with the world, they’re planning their first tour, with pop-up shows in unexpected venues like airplane hangars or parks, and eventual performances in 200-seater rooms. In discussions with booking agents, managers, and labels, they’re weighing the benefits of independence versus major label support, prioritizing creative control. Adam emphasizes that any partnership must enhance their vision without slowing their momentum, ensuring they remain the spearheaders of their journey.
At the heart, Sons of Legion is more than a band—it’s a movement. Adam McInnis and Daddy Jack have crafted a sound that bridges raw authenticity with soulful depth, resonating with anyone who’s ever felt the urge to break free and chase their dreams. From a pivotal night on Broadway to the creation of Outlaw, their journey is a testament to the power of courage, collaboration, and music that speaks to the soul. As they invite fans to join their rebellion, Sons of Legion is poised to leave an indelible mark on the music scene.
For more info see their website and follow Sons of Legion on instagram
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