Graceful Degradation

Graceful Degradation is an original, alternative, rock ‘n roll band. They've been compared to Bush and incorporate musical styles similar to bands such as Queens of the Stoneage and the Foo Fighters. Based in Phoenix, Arizona, Graceful Degradation formed in late 2005 and was founded by Erick Sanchez (lead guitar) and Stephen Brown (bass guitar). In 2006, drummer, Jason Allie joined the band, followed by vocalist Nicole Heffington, in early 2007. The band's goal is simple...writing and performing original rock n roll music without compromising integrity or creativity.

From the very beginning it seemed as though the band members were meant to find each other. Erick, former guitarist of The Divine, had just moved to Phoenix from Anaheim and was looking to form a new band. He found Stephen Brown, who had recently left a reggae project in search of something a little more rockin'. Stephen and Erick connected immediately and luckily found Jason, a hard core, experienced drummer, with heavy bands such as Brokejaw and Goatheadthorn under his belt. A few months later, they auditioned Nicole, who was finishing up an acoustic duo project of 7 years called Almostblu, and after a few sessions, decided to make her the final member of Graceful Degradation.

After only a few weeks Erick, Stephen, Jason, and Nicole got through the gettin' to know ya' phase, and immediately started composing and writing kick ass music. After completing two demo cd's in late 2006 and early 2007, they started getting their name out and found themselves booking gigs at various local night clubs and bars. After a few more months of hard work, the relatively young band started playing out almost every weekend and were invited to perform at events such as the Downtown Phoenix First Friday Art Walk and Alice Cooper's Christmas Pudding show. They continued focusing on original rock, and in 2008 their focus paid off when they were asked to showcase at the Las Vegas Amplify Independent Music Conference. Soon after, they decided to take the plunge and go into the studio to record their first self-released, full-length CD, titled 'Woe & Beauty'.

With an optimistic and realistic outlook, the band sees great things ahead. We are currently working on the promotion of 'Woe & Beauty', and plan to tour next summer. Either self supported or with the help of an independent label, the band's aspirations continue to grow. Performing great shows, meeting and working with upcoming artists and musicians, and most importantly writing and performing real, rock, music are on the top of the group's priority list. As seasoned musicians, Erick, Stephen, Jason, and Nicole have the experience, musicianship, wits, and desire to make a name for themselves...and most importantly...they fuckin' rock! Take a listen...the music will speak for itself.

Discography:
August 2006 - Demo CD titled 'Pay Attention'
February 2007 - Promo EP titled 'There You Go'
December 2008 - Full length LP titled 'Woe & Beauty'

Past Venues:
Donna Jeans Libations, The Blooze Bar, The Clubhouse, Club Red, Exit Seven, The Drunken Lass, The Stray Cat, The Last Exit, The Waters Edge, Soul Invictus, Club Mardi Gras, Las Vegas Amplify Independent Music Conference, Chasers Nightclub, Phase 54, Paper Heart Arts Venue, Alice Cooperstown, Hollywood Alley, The Dirty Devil, Paisley Violin, J-Heads, Trax, Joe's Grotto, Crabby Don's Bar & Grill, The Ruby Room Lounge, Casablanca Nightclub, O'Briens Sports Bar.