Originally The Jake Johnson Band, Jake J and the Killjoys deliver fresh blood rock n roll attitude with a louder than life new sound. Influenced by mentors such as Alice Cooper, Doug Aldrich, Richie Sambora, and famed bassist Hugh McDonald, Jake has developed a musical style with classic aggressive guitar tones, catchy choruses, and a fearless stage presence. Jake's towering 6' 7" frame makes for the perfect frontman ready to command an audience of any size.
 
"Jake Johnson is an incredible blues guitarist"
- Alice Cooper
Jake will be releasing his new EP, Rude Awakening, April 28th, 2017. Fans can look forward to hearing old school rock and roll with modern pop melodies in songs such as Beautiful Hell and Getting Older.
 
Jake has opened for artists such as Blue Oyster Cult, April Wine, Night Ranger, Kix, Slaughter, and Vince Neil. Jake has been a featured artist for Seymour Duncan and has been a repeat artist at the Sundance Film Festival. Jake also performed on KISS KRUISE V along side artists such as KISS, Steel Panther, Lita Ford, Big Rock Show, and others. On February 18th, 2017, The Jake Johnson Band opened for Bon Jovi at Bridgestone Arena in Nashville, Tennessee. The show had a record attendance of 18,000+ people.
 
Get ready for the next generation of volume!

Riley Smith's vocals and songwriting blend country rock, soulful Americana and modern pop.  No secret to those familiar with his role on the popular TV show “Nashville”, Smith’s gritty, yet smooth, singing voice and charismatic presence have built for him a career on stage and screen. Acting in popular shows like "True Blood", "True Detective", and his latest lead, on The CW’s "Frequency," got him out in front of people. But mixing his acting work with his love music has introduced him to them in a way unlike any other role he has played.

Riley’s self-titled EP, produced by Kevin Leach and co-written with a cast of songwriters of all variations, is inspired by his time spent in Nashville and is relative to feelings and emotions he had whilst living in such a compelling, yet isolating, city. “My influences are as diverse as the city”.  After landing a role in hit TV show “Nashville," Riley became aware of the impact iconic city of music had upon him.  Smith set out to use this opportunity to his advantage. His time spent in Nashville was spent submerging himself in music. Smith confides, "I set out with a goal and plan to utilize my time in Nashville to write with as many writers as I could with the goal of making an album” 

Smith began by diving into the realm of classic country music, exploring it’s history and roots. The longer he was in town, and the more musicians he collaborated with, his sound started developing into something more dynamic and divergent. Smith’s writing process began to reference a wider variety of sounds and styles, resulting in a body of music that is relatable, heartfelt and diverse. "It's what I think makes the sound unique and kind of difficult to put in a box.” Smith reveals.

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