Face the Music: Spotlight on Local Bands
What better way to gather as a community and support small businesses than listening to live music at local venues? Below are some of the region’s best bands making waves locally and across the country.
Manzanita
How long has the band been together and how was it formed?
Who are some of your musical influences?
What’s the story behind the band’s name?
What do you find yourself singing about in most of your songs?
What does your songwriting process look like?
We almost always start with strumming the acoustic. When I come up with a chord progression or a riff that I like, I start adhering ideas based around it all. Then, I bring the rough tune to Aaron, and he experiments with different instrumentation until one feels right. He often comes up with a signature lick that helps define the song.
Bad Mother Nature
badmothernature.comThis four-piece rock band performs up, down, and around the region at clubs and dive bars, including top spots like Ace of Spades, the Viper Room in Hollywood, and House of Blues in Anaheim. Described as “refining a balance between driving guitar riffs, progressive yet nuanced piano licks, and buttery vocal harmony melodies,” they bring a distinctive, unforgettable sound wherever they go.
Bad Mother Nature
Members: Axel Ahrens and Corey Allred (guitarist and bassist duo), Ryan Allred (pianist), and Jon McCann (drummer)
How long has the band been together and how was it formed?
Six years. In 2016, Corey’s brother, Ryan, joined the band to play piano, [while] helping with songwriting and vocals. When [our friend] Sam left the band, we found our drummer, Jon, who joined in 2018.
Six years. In 2016, Corey’s brother, Ryan, joined the band to play piano, [while] helping with songwriting and vocals. When [our friend] Sam left the band, we found our drummer, Jon, who joined in 2018.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Pink Floyd, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Sturgill Simpson, Kaleo, Hozier, Nirvana, Greta Van Fleet, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and The Beatles.
Pink Floyd, Elton John, Led Zeppelin, Sturgill Simpson, Kaleo, Hozier, Nirvana, Greta Van Fleet, The Eagles, Fleetwood Mac, and The Beatles.
What’s the story behind the band’s name?
The idea came from a lyric Axel wrote down before the band even started. [Then] we took a straw vote on social media, and the response to Bad Mother Nature was pretty positive.
The idea came from a lyric Axel wrote down before the band even started. [Then] we took a straw vote on social media, and the response to Bad Mother Nature was pretty positive.
What do you find yourself singing about in most of your songs?
We write a lot in metaphors. On the surface, [it may appear to be] a story about a character or event, but we’re actually talking about a recent news event or something involving our own band’s experiences.
We write a lot in metaphors. On the surface, [it may appear to be] a story about a character or event, but we’re actually talking about a recent news event or something involving our own band’s experiences.
What does your songwriting process look like?
Initially, songs were written by Axel or Ryan; they would each write lyrics on their own and share them with the band when they were ready. More recently, however, we’ve starting writing songs as a group.
Initially, songs were written by Axel or Ryan; they would each write lyrics on their own and share them with the band when they were ready. More recently, however, we’ve starting writing songs as a group.
Ariel Jean Band
ariealjean.comKnown for their unique sound as well as the fact they’re a sister trio, the Ariel Jean Band is a two-time Sammie-nominated group for “Country Artist of the Year” and has multiple CDs and a music video under their belt. What’s more, they’re known for giving back to the community by performing at local charity events and donating to families in need.
Ariel Jean Band
Members: Ariel Jean (songwriter, singer), Amber Joy (singer), Aubrey Anne (singer), Louis Brazil (drummer), John Gormley (bass player), and Andy Gomez (lead guitarist)
How long has the band been together and how was it formed?
Five years ago, I was inspired to form a band to showcase my original music. My sisters, Amber Joy and Aubrey Anne, joined after I established the band and became lead singers as well. We’re a family band, as my dad and husband also join us on stage.
Five years ago, I was inspired to form a band to showcase my original music. My sisters, Amber Joy and Aubrey Anne, joined after I established the band and became lead singers as well. We’re a family band, as my dad and husband also join us on stage.
Who are some of your musical influences?
Miranda Lambert, John Mayer, Chris Stapleton, and Maren Morris.
Miranda Lambert, John Mayer, Chris Stapleton, and Maren Morris.
What’s the story behind the band’s name?
When I first started out, I would use my name when announced on stage; once the band was formed, we switched it to the Ariel Jean Band.
When I first started out, I would use my name when announced on stage; once the band was formed, we switched it to the Ariel Jean Band.
What do you find yourself singing about in most of your songs?
Life events [or] friends saying something funny or sad. Some of it has just been creative ideas I’ve gotten while running or in the shower! Recently, I’ve noticed that my songs are inspired by my amazing family and friends.
Life events [or] friends saying something funny or sad. Some of it has just been creative ideas I’ve gotten while running or in the shower! Recently, I’ve noticed that my songs are inspired by my amazing family and friends.
What does your songwriting process look like?
It’s always different, but usually the title and concept of the song comes first (AKA the “hook”); the melody and verses often come from me sitting down with my guitar and singing along.
It’s always different, but usually the title and concept of the song comes first (AKA the “hook”); the melody and verses often come from me sitting down with my guitar and singing along.
Manzanita
Popular indie-folk band Manzanita blends Americana and country music to create catchy melodies and powerful harmonies that inspire and delight crowds across the region. Original songwriting and storytelling contribute to the group’s freshness and comprehensive feel. Check them out on October 2 and 23 at Bishop's Pumpkin Farm and October 13 at the Orangevale Farmers’ Market.
Manzanita
Members: Nick Foster (lead vocals, guitar, drums, harmonica) and Aaron Shively (pedal steel, vocals, electric guitar, mandolin)
Eight years now. We met at an open mic night at the Country Club Saloon in Loomis. I (Nick) saw Aaron onstage with Nikko Marker, a good friend and original member of Manzanita. Then I went onstage and played a couple of original tunes. Aaron approached me after and jokingly said, “You’re in the band!” so I said, “Okay!”
For Nick, Neil Young, Ryan Adams, Bob Dylan, Guy Clark, and The Doors. For Aaron, Humankind, Eric Heywood, Buddy Emmons, Old Slow Hand, and Speedy West.
Manzanita is a beautiful, tough, evergreen shrub that thrives here in the foothills. One night sitting around a fire with some friends, someone suggested Manzanita, and it stuck.
We have songs about love, sitting on the river, staying out ‘til the sun comes up, or appreciating the simple things in life. Oftentimes, there is a story arc in our songs like in “Death in Arizona.”
We almost always start with strumming the acoustic. When I come up with a chord progression or a riff that I like, I start adhering ideas based around it all. Then, I bring the rough tune to Aaron, and he experiments with different instrumentation until one feels right. He often comes up with a signature lick that helps define the song.
Rowland & Tumblin’
This band performs a bit of everything—from loud and energetic Chicago jazz to Texas blues and a dash of West Coast swing. Named “Blues Harmonica Player of the Year” and “Blues New Artist of the Year” by West Coast Blues Hall of Fame, Rowland & Tumblin’ pours it all into their lively music.
Rowland & Tumblin’
Members: Kyle Rowland (vocals, harp, guitar), Kenny Marchese (guitarist), Mike Philips (bass), and Frank Maraglia (drums)
How long has the band been together and how was it formed?
Kenny and I (Kyle) started it in 2010. I received a call from the Monterey Bay Blues Festival asking if I had a band. At the time I didn’t but told them I did to get into the festival. Once I hung up, I realized, “I better get a band!”
Kenny and I (Kyle) started it in 2010. I received a call from the Monterey Bay Blues Festival asking if I had a band. At the time I didn’t but told them I did to get into the festival. Once I hung up, I realized, “I better get a band!”
Who are some of your musical influences?
James Cotton, Papa Lightfoot, and Lazy Lester, among many others from that era.
James Cotton, Papa Lightfoot, and Lazy Lester, among many others from that era.
What’s the story behind the band’s name?
For a while, we were The Kyle Rowland Blues Band. I wanted to rebrand, and there is an old blues song that multiple artists have done or sang about called “Rollin’ Tumblin,” [so] I used my last name as a play on words [to subtly nod] to our influences.
For a while, we were The Kyle Rowland Blues Band. I wanted to rebrand, and there is an old blues song that multiple artists have done or sang about called “Rollin’ Tumblin,” [so] I used my last name as a play on words [to subtly nod] to our influences.
What do you find yourself singing about in most of your songs?
Real life experiences. Music is a spiritual experience, so everything the band plays has meaning behind it.
Real life experiences. Music is a spiritual experience, so everything the band plays has meaning behind it.
What does your songwriting process look like?
It kind of just comes to us. Whether it’s a situation we went through with a friend or something they’re going through, it helps inspire a song.
It kind of just comes to us. Whether it’s a situation we went through with a friend or something they’re going through, it helps inspire a song.
by BELLA NOLEN
Bad Mother Nature photo by Taylor Gillespie. Ariel Jean Band photo by Julian Mendoza. Rowland & Tumblin' photo by Taylor Gillespie ©stylemediagroup. Manzanita photo by Zoart Photography.