About

ViliFi is a power rock trio from east central Florida, realized of passion and molded by fate. Singer guitarist, Shain Honkonen leads an expression of music to test the soul. With Jake Hogeland on drums and Dylan Thomas on bass, the sound of ViliFi resonates the bones with a style of alternative rock molded to the intensity of progressive rock. With each musician a solo artist in their own rights, the collaboration of these three musical entities forms ViliFi into the band it is today. The inception of the band formed in 2008 with two former members backing Shain. Early on the band performed exclusively within the Central Florida area gaining a loyal following. The development of their individual skills over the many years playing the local scene has lead them to venture out and pursue greater opportunities. Over time ViliFi has graced the same stages as The Marshall Tucker Band, Saliva, 12 Stones, Authority Zero, Unwritten Law, Dead Letter Circus, Smile Empty Soul, The Supervillians and Eye Empire. Having performed on stages that include The Hard Rock Live, The Whisky, Florida Music Festival, Captain Hiram’s Concert Series and many others, the band has become adept at displaying their talent in front of large audiences. Throughout the development of ViliFi, previous bands members have pursued different musical interests. After the parting of ways, Dylan and Jake have since joined creating the formidable ViliFi of today.

Shain Honkonen

It could be argued that Shain is first a poet and then a musician, if there is a difference. Shain started playing guitar at age 13 and by the age of 17 Shain started playing guitar with Classic Albums Live recreating the albums you love note for note live on stage from artists such as Van Halen, Pink Floyd, Guns and Roses, U2, Queen, The Eagles, Led Zeppelin, The Beatles and many more.

He works as a full time musician playing acoustic gigs, as a studio guitarist and as the front man of his band ViliFi. His words and his music pull at the emotions while cheering and weeping the storyboard of our lives. He identifies with a motley variety of musical influences; from The Beatles, Incubus, TOOL, Dream Theater and Nirvana. All of ViliFi’s music is written primarily by Shain. “I need music like the air I breathe, it’s never been just a choice to me.” he says when asked why he has decided to pursue a career in this field. His music and his writing are where he places his soul.

Jake Hogeland

Having played drums since the ripe age of 3 years old, Jake has built an impressive career over his years as a drummer. After excelling in his High School Drum line Jake hit the local music scene at a very young age, often performing in bars and restaurants which he was not of age to have access to. Predictably, this hindrance was consistently and eagerly overlooked when patrons and bar owners alike got a chance to hear him play. Jake has performed with countless musicians and bands alike in his hometown of Brevard County, as well as working as a touring drummer for bigger groups like JaeL.  Shain and Jake have been performing together in various groups since their early teens.

Jake approaches the kit in a new light each time he sits down. Often playing off impulse and letting the music steer his demanding rhythm, he is the driver of the musical vehicle that is ViliFi. He strives to reduce repetition and is constantly exploring new territory as a percussionist. His passion for laying down rhythm and groove cannot be under or overstated, he is undeniably in his own element when behind a drum set. Jake’s influences range from Mike Portnoy and Jimmy (The Rev) Sullivan, to Carter Beauford and John Bonham. His playing has been described as “Ballistic” and he brings an overwhelming authority to every beat.

Dylan Thomas

A bassist of 14 years, Dylan has spent the larger half of his life playing live music, and has no intention of stopping any time soon. Coming from a wide variety of musical backgrounds including blues, jazz fusion, Hard rock, R&B, progressive, blues and more, he is the latest addition to ViliFi.

“My father was a bassist in a rock band from Watertown NY when he was my age – so naturally, when I was 8 years old he bought me a bass guitar for Christmas to see if I’d pick it up. I noodled with it, but not too seriously. The next year, he bought me a Rush album. I had never really listened to them before. I heard Geddy’s unique bass style, and said to him “That’s a bass isn’t it? THAT is what I want to play. I didn’t know it could be played like that” “I immediately put the cd in the stereo in my bedroom, and sat down and forced myself to learn how to play that instrument, and persisted for the next few years until I felt I could call myself a bassist. –Because I knew for sure that was what I wanted to be.”

Though Rush was his first big influence, Dylan has taken a lot of influence from several jazz and R&B artists as well over the years. However, he makes a point to credit the local and lesser known musicians he has met through his life for inspiration to pursue music as a career, as he claims they were the people who really showed him where to start. He is the newest member of ViliFi, and is excited to be on board. “I’m both excited and fortunate to be able to work with Shain and Jake, they are phenomenal musicians, and it is evident that we all share one common goal and will stop at nothing to get there.”