Guitarist, singer-songwriter and humanitarian Chris Velan first picked up the guitar at age 9 and started playing by ear. At 14, he formed his first band, The Preachers, with school friends. One soul-searching, year-long trip and a law degree later, Velan was almost ready to merge his two passions: social justice and music. Upon returning from a journey to West Africa, where he played concerts for Guinean refugees, Velan recorded his debut, It's Not What You Think. The album features narrative snippets and world music influences, bringing together Velan's diverse experiences. In 2009, he released Solidago.