Upstairs Nick

The six band members have distinct musical preferences that differ from each other, yet when we create music, we utilize those differing musical backgrounds to produce a unique sound that stretches across a variety of genres. Each song we make has a different tone, tempo, and feel to it. Our creative process for writing lyrics involves connecting the words to underlying stories that are apparent in each song. This allows the listener to have a stronger connection to the music. For the majority of our songs, we rely on the lyrics and harmonies rather than the instruments to grab the attention of the listeners.

We are set apart from other bands because we choose to not be confined to a single genre or a single word to describe the type of music we play. While hearing our music, listeners often comment that we are able to keep their attention throughout the gig or the CD because of the fact that each song is so different. We emphasize the talent of each member throughout the music instead of showcasing a distinct leader. Because of the variations in the types of genres we touch on, we are able to build connections to more listeners with our songs rather than forcing a listener to accept a genre that they may not care for. This allows us to grab their attentions and keep them even when the next song may be a type of music they would not normally listen to.

Our musical influences stem from a wide range of bands that have been able to alter the perception of music in the past and the present. Most notably, we are influenced by the musical stylings of The Beatles, but also bands such as The Turtles, The Who, The Kinks, The Clash, Jimi Hendrix, Crosby, Stills, and Nash, The Grateful Dead, Eric Clapton, The Violent Femmes, Steve Miller Band, Led Zeppelin, Red Hot Chili Peppers, Green Day, The Living End, Dave Matthews Band, Creedence Clearwater Revival, Guns & Roses, The Eagles, Foo Fighters, Jack Johnson, John Mayer, Johnny Cash, Queen, Oasis, Keller Williams, Howie Day, Simon and Garfunkel, Rancid, Social Distortion, Sublime, Dispatch, Tom Petty, Van Morrison, 311, U2, and Weezer.

Our band came together because Scott and Bryan had been roommates in college and both jammed on the acoustic guitar. After college, Scott had extra space in the basement of his apartment and called up Bryan to bring his drum set over. They began playing simple cover songs and creating new music. They realized they needed a fuller sound, but they could not find a bass player. Another college friend, Aaron, offered to learn how to play the bass so he could jam along with Scott and Bryan. With no musical background, Aaron began to learn how to play with the assistance of Scott and Bryan, and has improved immensely in his short time of playing. Upstairs Nick extended their sound when a mutual friend of the band, Kevin, came to jam on covers music. With the addition of a lead Kevin's lead guitar, Scott was able to focus on improving his vocals as well as rhythm guitar. After a couple shows were played in small bars, Upstairs Nick added another member, Justin, who is Scott's brother in law. Justin came into the band and immediately presented a strong vocal talent that complemented the vocals of Upstairs Nick. He also brought a different rhythm to the band with his acoustic guitar that allows them to create newer sounds. And finally, through Aaron's connections outside of the band, we found a young lady who rips a saxophone like you would not believe, Lisa. With these six talented members of Upstairs Nick, we are able to create our unique sound that will make people get on their feet.