Friday: Trapt with Royal Rebels and Aris

Trapt is an alternative band from Los Gatos, California, USA. The band formed in 1995, after meeting in high school, with members: Chris Taylor Brown (vocalist), Simon Ormandy (guitarist), Peter Charrell (bassist) and David Stege (drummer) and recorded the albums ‘Amalgamation’ and ‘Glimpse’ to sell at local shows. After several rehearsal absences and negative feedback the band decided to let David go. While attempting to find a suitable replacement, the band signed to Warner Bros. Records and began recording their debut self-titled album. The band enlisted Robin Diaz, to perform drums on the record, and in turn Robin, helped the band find their permanent drummer, Aaron Montgomery.

On November 22nd, 2002, the band released Trapt, along with the single “Headstrong”. “Headstrong” became a fantastic hit, reaching #1 on alternative charts and #16 on pop. Follow-up singles “Still Frame” and “Echo” (with a video featuring Michelle Trachtenberg) did respectably, although they never reached the heights of “Headstrong”. “Headstrong” became the official theme song of WWE Bad Blood for June 2003. Trapt eventually hit platinum. After more than one year an EP followed on March 30th, 2004, that included a new song called “Promise” along with live versions of “Made Of Glass” and “Echo”.


-The Royal Rebels hail from San Jose, CA. Comprised of various members of local and international bands, The Rebels came together to light a fire under the ass of Rock and Roll….
Andrew Saman is a longtime bay area native. His previous band “Pushing the Sun” gained critical acclaim and released one album. Andrew’s stage presence is dynamic and stalking while his voice demands attention. Bill Lonero was the founding member of the band LoNero and a member of the platinum selling band Steelheart. He has performed and/or recorded with Cliff Williams (AC/DC), Mike Mangini (Steve Vai/Extreme/Dream Theater), Stu Hamm (Joe Satriani/Steve Vai), Gigi Gonaway (Mariah Carey), Simon Kirke (Bad Company) and more. Stevie Loveless has performed on stages all over the world on both guitar and bass. His multi-talented skills have kept him busy both on and off the stage. From performing to producing to production, Loveless has all basses covered. Drummer Rick O’Connell was the last member to join The Royal Rebels but he was by no means the least. His pounding drum style keeps the Rebels moving forward with his tight double-bass and killer grooves.

The Royal Rebels have been busy working on new music with legendary drummer/producer, Simon Phillips at Prairie Sun Studios. Simon is best known for his years as the drummer for The Who and Toto but he has worked with artists such as Jeff Beck, Jimmy Page and many many more.

ARIS is an original post-metal progressive rock band hailing from San Jose, CA. ARIS music has complex rhythms and melodies, that are expertly woven together into powerful compositions.  The vocals have urgency, the drums are syncopated, the bass is deep and the guitars are atmospheric. Definitely a must-see live band! ARIS new album drops Nov 10th at Momma Kin, in San Jose