Biography
Somewhere between the Foo Fighters and Fallout Boy is a band called DROPJOY. This band is a sonic explosion of joy and rock. There is a mirrored animation yet to be rivaled in the industry. Vocals are a powerhouse of the growl of the blues combined with the energy of hardcore metal. The blistering guitars, twisted vocals, thundering bass and drums announce DROPJOY with absolute authority. Their departure from the stage is as profound as their entrance. A true tour-de-force of obnoxious excitement and fortitude, DROPJOY is armed with vicious hooks and anthemic lyrics. Drafted with talent, strapped with stage presence, and saddled with raw screaming vocals, DROPJOY is a band not to be missed. Their music transcends genres, age and shatters the rules of the established music industry.

THE BAND

Nicki Walker: Bad Ass Vocals

Nicki Walker is a song writer, lyricist, guitarist and singer. Native to New York, Nicki moved to California in 1995 to escape the grunge of the Brooklyn subway and find new inspiration. Her raw, raspy yell, and whiskey vocals are drawn directly from the core of the planet, on fire and dangerous. Her stage presence is that of a monster breaking free. She toured nationally in 2007 with DROPJOY, which has been her project from the start. Working in LA as a “slash” artist just didn’t cut it, so she relocated to San Diego to get out of the hustle and focus on her craft. Her influences cross all music genres. Having been in the music industry over 15 years, her list of many accomplishments include a self-titled album debut and release, inclusion on “Octaves beyond Silence”, a compilation which featured Ms. Ani Difranco and the Indigo Girls, and having written and produced 5 albums locally.
“Riffter” Lee Smith: Bass

Lee was born and raised in a small Indiana town and his music influences ranged from Queen and Boston to Metallica and Ozzy. In his early 20’s, Lee hitchhiked to Arizona to work the club circuit, playing everything from Kansas to Rush. With a solid tone, thumping and inventive bass fills, he worked hard and developed his creative skills. The nickname "Riffter" was inevitable. Lee produces powerful riffs, has an active and animated stage presence and blasts thundering bass tones that drive the music. Today, Lee has an active and energetic stage presence that will leave the audience wanting more.

Cabelo
Born and raised in the Brazilian jungle, Cabelo came to California at the age of 25. Described by the ones who know him as “a docile creature”, Cabelo turns into a wild animal when in front of his drum kit. When watching Cabelo perform it is easy to see the influences ranged from Motley Crue and Skid Row to Ozzy Osbourne and Pantera. His live stage presence, enthusiasm and great feeling when drumming are his trade marks - not the kind of drummer that tries to steal the show by throwing a bunch of unnecessary feels everywhere, but one that captivate the audience by doing what the music requires him to do. All of that LOUD and with a heavy and solid beat that feels like a punch in the stomach. On this new chapter of his musical career, Cabelo faces Dropjoy as a challenge: to join a band that, although less heavy than he’s used to, kicks ass with its fun and exciting sonic explosion of joy and rock!

DISCOGRAPHY

Dirty Virgin - released 2010
DROPJOY – self titled EP - released April 2007
SBS Records Independent Music CD Sampler, Volume 10 - released February 2001
Situational Ethics – released September 2005
LA Independent Artists of the Month Compilation – released February 2001
Sighcotic Music Presents: The Sanity Compilation, Volume One – released 2001
Her Sins – released 2000

There is something inherently intoxicating and memorable about the auditory bouquet of Nightmare Fortress. Perfecting their kinetic, alienated dreamscape sound since 2011, the Seattle group’s debut long-player, The Wanting, is an immaculate collection of high-strung synergy, bound to get the mind thinking while dirtying the dance floor.

Nightmare Fortress is Alicia Amiri (vocals), Colin Roper (synths), Blair Field (synths), and Cassidy Gonzales (guitar), who, with the assistance of producer Erik Blood (Shabazz Palaces, THEESatisfaction, Crypts), have crafted a sound on the darker side of the pop spectrum, showcasing a divine chemistry that gives their intricate orchestrations a potent punch. Where synths drip in layers of swirling, lush harmonies operating in a perfect parallel with tense yet tranquil string work, the backbone of­ synthetic drums offers a crisp, driving metronome with snare snaps that penetrate throughout. As the centerpiece, Amiri’s sharp voice soars through the rhythm’s open spaces, slowly unfurling in a grand, cinematic arc.

With a selection of cuts to rival that of an 80’s slasher - do your ears a favor and scale up the dark, dangerous, bewitchingly beautiful walls of the Nightmare Fortress.

They have supported bands in the Pacific Northwest and down the west coast including Austra, Crystal Castles, Peter Hook & the Light, Trust, A Place to Bury Strangers, Cold Cave, ADULT., Niki & the Dove, Tearist, Grave Babies and more. 

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