The Best California Rock Bands & Artists

Coley Reed
Updated July 10, 2024 44.9K views 651 items

This list of California rock bands includes solo rock artists from California as well. It's always interesting to see where famous bands got their starts, so use this list to discover some great Northern and Southern California music that you've never heard before. The rock bands and artists below have played their music all over the world and sold out countless concerts; and most importantly, they all were formed in California. 

This list of golden state rockers ranges from legendary 1960s classic rock bands The Doors and Grateful Dead to hard core metal giant Metallica and early 2000s alternative trailblazer Green Day -- and yes, even Incubus.

If you want to answer the questions, "Who are the most popular rock bands from California?" and "Which rock bands started in California?" then look no further!

  • Adam Levine, the charismatic frontman of Maroon 5, has become an emblem of California’s pop-rock sound since the group’s formation in 2001. Known for his infectious energy, catchy melodies, and soulful voice, Levine has led Maroon 5 to numerous accolades and worldwide success with hits like "Harder to Breathe," "She Will Be Loved," and "Moves Like Jagger." A truly versatile musician, Adam Levine has inspired countless musicians within and beyond California's thriving rock scene.

  • As the lead singer of Red Hot Chili Peppers since its inception in 1983, Los Angeles native Anthony Kiedis has played a significant role in shaping California's rock music landscape for over three decades. Known for his distinctive vocal style and energetic stage presence, Kiedis has contributed to iconic songs such as "Californication" and "Under the Bridge." His infectious charisma remains a defining quality of both Kiedis himself and the Red Hot Chili Peppers as a whole.

  • Audioslave was a powerhouse rock group formed in California by Rage Against the Machine instrumentalists Tom Morello, Tim Commerford, and Brad Wilk along with Soundgarden frontman Chris Cornell. An instant success upon their 2002 debut, Audioslave combined driving hard rock with Cornell's evocative lyrics and unmistakable voice. With hits like "Cochise" and "Like a Stone," Audioslave cemented their status as one of the most memorable bands to emerge from California.

  • Formed in 1999 by Tool vocalist Maynard James Keenan and guitarist Billy Howerdel, A Perfect Circle quickly made waves in the alternative rock scene for their dynamic fusion of metal, prog-rock, and melodic sensibilities. With intense, emotive songs like "Judith" and "The Outsider," A Perfect Circle has established themselves as a standout California rock act that continues to captivate audiences worldwide.

  • A product of Southern California's punk scene as a member of The Go-Go's, Belinda Carlisle quickly emerged as an influential solo artist during the 1980s with her iconic pop-rock sound. Songs like "Heaven Is a Place on Earth" and "Circle in the Sand" remain synonymous with the spirit of California. Carlisle's powerful voice and vivacious stage presence continue to inspire new generations of pop-rock artists.

  • Formed in Los Angeles in 1966, Buffalo Springfield was a cornerstone of the West Coast folk-rock movement during its brief but powerful existence. The group featured Neil Young, Stephen Stills, Richie Furay, Bruce Palmer, and Dewey Martin in its original lineup – this ideal blend of talents resulted in songs like “For What It’s Worth,” which became an anthem for social change during that turbulent era.

  • Formed in Sacramento in 1988, Deftones carved out a niche within the alternative metal genre with their experimental style and wide-ranging influences. From ambient sounds to aggressive thrash, Deftones have a distinct sound that has earned them a loyal fan base since their debut. Songs such as "Change (In the House of Flies)" and "Be Quiet and Drive (Far Away)" display their ability to create both intense and ethereally atmospheric tracks, solidifying Deftones as a force within the California rock community.

  • San Francisco's Huey Lewis & the News burst onto the scene in 1980 with their catchy pop-rock tunes that would soon epitomize the sound of the decade. With feel-good hits like “The Power of Love” and “Hip to Be Square," Huey Lewis & The News solidified themselves as a powerhouse within California's ever-evolving rock scene.

  • Active since the late 1960s, Jackson Browne is one of Southern California's most iconic singer-songwriters. A prominent figure in the folk-rock era of Los Angeles' Laurel Canyon scene, Browne crafted memorable hits such as "Doctor My Eyes" and "Running on Empty," which espouse his introspective lyrics and resonant melodies. Today, he continues to be an influential gem within California's rich rock tapestry.

  • Lindsey Buckingham's guitar work—and his tenure with Fleetwood Mac—forever enshrines him among California’s rock legends. His innovative fingerpicking style and masterful songwriting have resulted in classic tracks like "Go Your Own Way" and "Tusk." While Buckingham has achieved tremendous success as both a member of Fleetwood Mac and a solo artist, his influence on the California rock landscape is undeniable.

  • P.O.D., or Payable on Death, originated from San Diego in 1992 and has since become synonymous with California's nu metal scene. The group seamlessly blends elements of hard rock, reggae, and hip-hop to create a sound that is both passionate and distinctive. P.O.D.'s intense lyrics often serve as commentaries on social issues or convey the band’s personal experiences. Their biggest hit single to date, “Youth of the Nation,” explores themes such as violence among young people while capturing an entire generation’s struggle.

  • Hailing from San Diego, Ratt was a key player in the southern California hair metal scene during the 1980s. Known for their melodic riffs and catchy tunes, Ratt quickly became known for their infectious sound and penchant for larger-than-life performances. With iconic hits like "Round and Round" and "Lay It Down," Ratt remains as one of the quintessential California rock bands that defined an era.

  • Ritchie Valens, a pioneering rock and roll musician, emerged from the vibrant California music scene of the late 1950s. Known for his catchy tunes, smooth voice, and strong guitar skills, Valens quickly gained fame with hits such as "La Bamba" and "Donna." Tragically, his career was cut short due to a plane crash in 1959. However, Valens' influence can still be felt in the world of rock music today – he successfully blended traditional Latin rhythms with the high-energy sounds of early rock and roll, cementing his legacy as one of California's greatest musicians.

  • Steppenwolf was a powerful presence within Los Angeles’ rock community upon their arrival in 1968. Best known for their classic anthem "Born to Be Wild," Steppenwolf melded driving guitar riffs with politically charged lyrics – galvanizing audiences at a time when social change was sweeping the nation.

  • Formed in San Diego in 1996, Switchfoot has cultivated an expansive fan base through their catchy tunes and thoughtful songwriting that often explores themes relating to love, faith, and self-reflection. With notable tracks like “Dare You to Move” and “Meant to Live,” Switchfoot represents the contemporary face of California’s rock scene.

  • Hailing from Sacramento since 1981, Tesla brought hard rock anthems into California’s music conversation while distinguishing themselves from their hair metal contemporaries. Known for their down-to-earth style, blistering guitar riffs, and passionate lyrics, Tesla has remained a beloved force in rock music thanks to songs such as "Modern Day Cowboy" and "Love Song."

  • Formed in Los Angeles in 1967 by vocalists Danny Hutton, Cory Wells, and Chuck Negron, Three Dog Night defined the sound of a generation with their emblematic fusion of pop and rock elements. Known for their passionate harmonies and memorable performances, the band conquered the charts with hits like "Joy to the World" and "One." Decades later, Three Dog Night's music carries on as an integral component of California's storied rock history.

  • The Traveling Wilburys were a California-based supergroup formed in 1988 by George Harrison, Bob Dylan, Tom Petty, Jeff Lynne, and Roy Orbison. United by their mutual appreciation for each other's work, these legendary artists created songs that seamlessly converged their multiple styles while simultaneously showcasing each individual’s talent. With works like "Handle with Care" and "End of the Line," Traveling Wilburys left an indelible mark on California's music history.

  • Los Angeles-based Toto made their mark on the music scene in the late 1970s with their unique blend of rock, pop, and jazz elements. The band's diverse influences combined to create a sound that was both innovative and nostalgic. Best known for iconic songs such as “Africa” and “Rosanna,” Toto remains one of California's most enduring classic rock bands.

  • San Francisco-based band Train debuted in the late 1990s, breathing new life into the adult alternative rock genre with their catchy melodies and intricate songwriting. Their often uplifting lyrics touch on themes such as love, loss, and introspection, making Train a perennial favorite for fans of heartfelt rock music. With hits like "Drops of Jupiter" and "Hey, Soul Sister," Train became a staple in the California rock scene.

  • Daron Malakian

    Daron Malakian

    Daron Malakian is celebrated as the influential guitarist and songwriter of the iconic California-based rock band System of a Down, as well as the founder of Scars on Broadway. His dynamic, genre-crossing guitar riffs and compelling songwriting have helped carve System of a Down's indelible mark on the metal scene, with hits like "Chop Suey!" cementing their place in rock history. As a California artist, Malakian embodies the state's spirit of innovation and diversity, infusing his Armenian heritage into his music and broadening the scope of metal's reach. His creative flair and bold sonic experimentation reflect the cultural melting pot of California, making him a pivotal figure in shaping the musical landscape of the Golden State and beyond.

  • DJ Quik, born David Marvin Blake, is a renowned figure in the West Coast hip-hop scene, hailing from Compton, California. He is acclaimed for his smooth production style, detailed sampling, and funky grooves that defined much of the early '90s G-funk era. With classic albums like "Quik Is the Name" and "Safe + Sound," DJ Quik not only contributed to the soundtrack of the West Coast but also influenced a generation of producers and artists. His adept musicianship and authenticity make him a vital contributor to California's cultural legacy, known for capturing the essence of his environment and translating it into timeless music. His artistry is a testament to California's rich and varied music scene, cementing DJ Quik as a quintessential and enduring voice in hip-hop.

  • Dweezil Zappa, the son of the legendary musician and composer Frank Zappa, is a reputable guitarist and producer in his own right, emerging from Los Angeles, California. He has etched his mark in the music world not only through his original works but also through his dedicated efforts to preserve and perform his father's expansive catalog with the "Zappa Plays Zappa" tour. Dweezil's precise technical skill and his commitment to musical integrity reflect the innovative spirit of California's artistic scene. His contributions to music, spanning from his debut solo album "Havin' a Bad Day" to his most recent works, showcase his versatility and deep understanding of complex musical compositions, rightly earning him recognition as a multifaceted and talented Californian artist.

  • Graham Central Station is a funk band formed in the early 1970s by legendary bassist Larry Graham, formerly of Sly and the Family Stone. Known for their energetic performances and innovative blend of funk, soul, and rock, the band became a staple of the funk genre with their self-titled debut album and hits like "Release Yourself." Hailing from San Francisco, California, Graham Central Station exemplified the vibrant and eclectic music scene of the state, infusing their tracks with a distinctive sound that would influence generations of funk musicians. Celebrated for their instrumental prowess and musical experimentation, they capture the essence of California's innovative spirit and stand as one of the great contributors to the funk movement and the broader tapestry of Californian music.

  • High on Fire is a sludge metal trio originating from Oakland, California, formed in 1998 by guitarist and vocalist Matt Pike after the dissolution of his previous band, Sleep. Renowned for their thunderous and relentless sound, High on Fire weaves elements of thrash, doom, and stoner metal to create a distinct sonic intensity. Albums like "Blessed Black Wings" and "Snakes for the Divine" have been pivotal in shaping modern heavy metal, with Pike's virtuosic guitar work and gravelly vocals at the forefront. As California artists, High on Fire's impact lies in their ability to push the boundaries of metal, their unwavering commitment to innovation, and their representation of the state's diverse music culture. Their critical acclaim and loyal fanbase make them a formidable force within the global metal community and a high point of California’s rich musical heritage.

  • Joshua Homme is an iconic musician and songwriter hailing from Palm Desert, California, best known as the founder and primary songwriter for the influential rock band Queens of the Stone Age. With a career that kick-started with the seminal stoner rock band Kyuss, Homme has been the driving force behind some of the most distinctive rock music of the past few decades. Infused with a desert rock sound that includes heavy riffs, melodic harmonies, and experimental elements, his work with Queens of the Stone Age, such as the albums Songs for the Deaf and ...Like Clockwork, has garnered international acclaim. His contributions to music reflect the innovative essence and laid-back cool of California, making him a leading figure in shaping both the state's and the broader rock scene's sonic landscape.

  • Krist Novoselic is best known as the co-founder and bassist of the groundbreaking grunge band Nirvana, which rose to fame in the early 1990s with their seminal album, Nevermind. Though the band was primarily based in Washington State, Novoselic has since ventured into a variety of pursuits, including music, political activism, and writing, contributing to the cultural fabric well beyond his Pacific Northwest roots. While not typically classified as a "California artist," Novoselic's influence on the music scene indeed extends to California and beyond, through his advocacy for musicians' rights and election reform. His ongoing impact on American culture includes not just the iconic music of his seminal band but also his broader contributions to society through his passionate involvement in civic issues.

  • Little Feat is an eclectic rock band formed in Los Angeles, California, in 1969 by singer-songwriter, guitarist, and frontman Lowell George, along with keyboardist Bill Payne. Celebrated for their unique blend of rock and roll, blues, R&B, boogie, country, folk, gospel, soul, and jazz influences, the group carved out a niche with their complex rhythms, whimsical lyrics, and impeccable musicianship. With albums like "Dixie Chicken" and "Waiting for Columbus," Little Feat has solidified its reputation, showcasing the laid-back yet vibrant spirit of Southern California's music scene. Their ability to seamlessly combine so many different genres into a cohesive sound has made them a beloved band among peers and music enthusiasts, earning them a distinctive place as enduring ambassadors of California's rich musical legacy.

  • Los Lobos, hailing from East Los Angeles, California, is a band celebrated for their skillful blend of rock, Tex-Mex, country, folk, R&B, blues, and traditional Spanish and Mexican music. Formed in 1973, the group came to prominence in the 1980s with their cover of Richie Valens' "La Bamba," which showcased their ability to fuse a variety of sounds and cultural influences. The multi-Grammy Award-winning band is lauded for storytelling that reflects the diverse fabric of the American experience, particularly within Mexican-American communities. Los Lobos' richly textured music and commitment to authenticity make them exemplary ambassadors of California's eclectic artistic spirit, successfully bridging the gap between different musical genres and cultural traditions while remaining a pivotal voice in the landscape of American music.

  • Mike Shinoda is a multifaceted musician and record producer from Agoura Hills, California, widely admired as a founding member, rapper, and multi-instrumentalist of the genre-defying band Linkin Park. His signature harmonic interplay between rapping and melodic elements helped catapult hits like "In the End" and "Numb" to global recognition. Beyond Linkin Park, Shinoda has explored his own sound with side projects like Fort Minor, revealing his adeptness at storytelling through a more personal lens. His innovative approach to blending hip-hop, rock, and electronic music, coupled with his artistic integrity and philanthropic efforts, makes him a notable figure in California's diverse music scene. Shinoda's continual contributions and adaptability in a fast-evolving industry affirm his standing as a influential and visionary artist within the tapestry of California's cultural landscape.

  • Night Ranger is an American rock band from San Francisco formed in 1979 that gained popularity during the 1980s with a series of albums and singles. The band's first five albums sold more than 10 million copies worldwide and have sold 17 million albums total. The quintet is best known for the power ballad "Sister Christian", which peaked at No. 5 in June 1984.After their success waned in the late 1980s, the band split up in 1989 and its members pursued other musical endeavors, including group and solo efforts. Brad Gillis and Kelly Keagy teamed up with bassist Gary Moon and released an album without the other original band members in 1995, but the band soon reunited to release two new albums in the latter half of the decade.
  • Secondhand Serenade is a rock band, led by vocalist, pianist and guitarist John Vesely. Vesely has released four studio albums to date under the name Secondhand Serenade: Awake in 2007, A Twist in My Story in 2008, Hear Me Now in 2010, and "Undefeated" in 2014. The debut album used multitrack recording to create the sound of a band using technology, while the second album took a different path, using a proper band and synthesizers to establish a more accomplished sound.
  • Slightly Stoopid is an American band based in the Ocean Beach neighborhood of San Diego, California, who describe their music as "a fusion of folk, rock, reggae and blues with hip-hop, funk, metal and punk." As a band, they have released thirteen albums (four live), with their ninth studio album entitled Everyday Life, Everyday People on July 13, 2018. The band was originally signed by Bradley Nowell from the band Sublime to his label Skunk Records while still in high school.
  • Sugar Ray is an American rock band from Newport Beach, California. Originally forming in 1986 and playing heavier nu metal style music, the band achieved mainstream popularity in 1997 with their more pop influenced single, "Fly". The song's success led the band to shift its style dramatically to the more radio-friendly pop sound with their subsequent releases. Their best-selling album, 14:59, was released in 1999, and featured popular singles "Every Morning", "Someday", followed by a self-titled album in 2001 featuring the single "When It's Over". The band would release two further albums, In the Pursuit of Leisure (2003) and Music for Cougars (2009), though the albums and respective singles generally sold far less. The band continues to tour into the 2010s. In 2019, ten years after the band's last album, they announced their seventh studio album, Little Yachty, in June 2019. The lead single, "Make it Easy," was released the same month.
  • The Call was an American rock band from Santa Cruz, California active from 1980 to 2000.
  • The Cramps were an American punk band formed in 1976 and active until 2009. The band split after the death of lead singer Lux Interior. Their line-up rotated frequently during their existence, with the husband-and-wife duo of Interior and lead guitarist and occasional bass guitarist Poison Ivy comprising the only ever-present members. The addition of guitarist Bryan Gregory and drummer Pam Balam resulted in the first complete lineup in April 1976. They were part of the early CBGB punk rock movement that had emerged in New York. The Cramps were one of the first punk bands, and also widely recognized as one of the prime innovators of psychobilly.
  • The Turtles are an American rock band led by vocalists Howard Kaylan and Mark Volman, later known as Flo & Eddie. The band had several Top 40 hits beginning with their cover version of Bob Dylan's "It Ain't Me Babe" in 1965. They scored their biggest and best-known hit in 1967 with the song "Happy Together".The band broke up in 1970. Kaylan and Volman later found long-lasting success as session musicians, billed as the comedic vocal duo Flo & Eddie. In 2010, a reconstituted version of the band, the Turtles Featuring Flo & Eddie, began performing live shows again.
  • Trapt is an American rock band that formed in Los Gatos, California, in 1995, best known for its chart-topping 2002 single "Headstrong". The group consists of lead vocalist Chris Taylor Brown, bassist Peter "Pete" Charell, guitarist Brendan Hengle and drummer Mike Smith. They have released seven studio albums to date: Amalgamation (1999), Trapt (2002), Someone in Control (2005), Only Through the Pain (2008), No Apologies (2010), Reborn (2013), and DNA (2016).
  • Carly Sarah Smithson (née Hennessy; born 12 September 1983) is an Irish soul and pop rock singer, songwriter and actress who was the sixth place finalist on the seventh season of American Idol. In 2001, Smithson released her first studio album for MCA Records called Ultimate High. Smithson was dropped from the record label in 2002. After being introduced to former Evanescence guitarist Ben Moody in early 2009, plans for Smithson's post-Idol solo album were scrapped and instead she is now the lead singer of the gothic metal band We Are the Fallen.
  • Thomas Baptiste Morello (born May 30, 1964) is an American musician, singer, songwriter, actor and political activist. He is best known for his tenure with the band Rage Against the Machine and then with Audioslave. As of 2016, Morello is a member of the supergroup Prophets of Rage. Morello was also a touring musician with Bruce Springsteen and the E Street Band. He is also known for his acoustic solo act, the Nightwatchman, and Street Sweeper Social Club. Morello also co-founded Axis of Justice, which airs a monthly program on Pacifica Radio station KPFK (90.7 FM) in Los Angeles. Born in Harlem, New York and raised in Libertyville, Illinois, Morello became interested in music and politics while in high school. He attended Harvard University and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree from the Committee on Degrees in Social Studies. After his previous band, Lock Up, disbanded, Morello met Zack de la Rocha, and the two founded Rage Against the Machine together, going on to become one of the most popular and influential rock acts of the 1990s. He is best known for his unique and creative guitar playing style, which incorporates feedback noise, unconventional picking, and tapping, as well as heavy use of guitar effects. Morello is also known for his leftist political views and activism; creating the Nightwatchman offered an outlet for his views while playing apolitical music with Audioslave. He was ranked number 40 in Rolling Stone magazine's list of the "100 Greatest Guitarists of All Time".
  • Adema is a nu metal band from Bakersfield, California. The band formed in 2000 with members lead vocalist Mark Chavez, vocalist/guitarist Tim Fluckey, guitarist Mike Ransom, bassist Dave DeRoo, and drummer Kris Kohls. After their first two albums, Adema, and Unstable, the band was plagued with years of conflict and lineup changes. Ransom left the band in 2003 followed by Chavez later in 2004 due to conflicts between themselves and other members of the band. Luke Caraccioli replaced Chavez in early 2005 for one album, Planets, but then left a few months later in late 2005. Vocalist Bobby Reeves and guitarist Ed Farris, both from the band Level, were recruited to join as well, but only released one album, Kill the Headlights in 2007, before entering a hiatus. The band's original line up reformed in late 2009 and toured, but both Ransom and Chavez left again before any new music would be recorded. Fluckey took over lead vocals from 2011 to 2017. The lineup released an EP, Topple the Giants. In 2013 Ransom returned once again; Chavez rejoined the band again in March 2017, only to leave again in 2019. He was replaced by Ryan Shuck
  • Arthur Paul Alexakis (born April 12, 1962) is an American musician best known as the singer-songwriter and guitarist of the rock band Everclear. He has been a member of several notable bands, in addition to his own work as a songwriter for other artists. Alexakis founded several record labels throughout his career, and worked as an A&R representative for major record labels between and during his own musical projects. Later he became a political activist, and lobbied for special concerns which included drug awareness policies, and support of the families of the military.
  • Blue Cheer was an American rock band that initially performed and recorded in the late 1960s and early 1970s and was sporadically active until 2009. Based in San Francisco, Blue Cheer played in a psychedelic blues rock or acid rock style, and are also credited as being some of the earliest pioneers of heavy metal, with their cover of "Summertime Blues" sometimes cited as the first in the genre. They have also been noted as influential in the development of genres as disparate as punk rock, stoner rock, doom metal, experimental rock, and grunge."Blue Cheer" was the name of a variety of LSD made by chemist and Grateful Dead patron Owsley Stanley and the band was probably named after that, although the name existed earlier, as the name of a laundry detergent after which the LSD variety itself was named.
  • Deerhoof is an American independent music group formed in San Francisco in 1994. It currently consists of founding drummer Greg Saunier, bassist and singer Satomi Matsuzaki, and guitarists John Dieterich and Ed Rodriguez. Initially performing improvised noise punk, Deerhoof became widely renowned and influential in the 2000s through self-produced creative output combining "noise, sugary [pop] melodies, and an experimental spirit into utterly distinctive music". They have released 14 studio albums since 1997; their latest album Mountain Moves was released in September 2017.
  • Delaney & Bonnie were an American musical duo composed of husband-and-wife singer/songwriters Delaney and Bonnie Bramlett. They also fronted a rock/soul ensemble called Delaney & Bonnie and Friends, whose members at different times included Duane Allman, Gregg Allman, George Harrison, Leon Russell, Bobby Whitlock, Dave Mason, Rita Coolidge, King Curtis, and Eric Clapton.
  • Emitt Lynn Rhodes (born February 25, 1950) is an American singer-songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and recording engineer. Rhodes began his career in musical ensembles The Palace Guard as the group's drummer before joining The Merry-Go-Round as a multi-instrumentalist.
  • Horse the Band is a band from Lake Forest, California who are best known for their 8-bit Nintendo-influenced sound combined with metalcore. Frontman Nathan Winneke once jokingly described their sound as "Nintendocore," although the band have gone to lengths reiterating that this merely describes the sound, not the substance.
  • Lydia Pense (born Lydia Jane Pense in San Francisco, California on December 14, 1947) is an American rock-soul-jazz singer who, since 1969, has performed with the band Cold Blood. Critics have compared her style to powerful singers including Janis Joplin, Aretha Franklin, and Teena Marie.
  • New Riders of the Purple Sage is an American country rock band. The group emerged from the psychedelic rock scene in San Francisco, California, in 1969, and its original lineup included several members of the Grateful Dead. Their best known song is "Panama Red". The band is sometimes referred to as the New Riders, or as NRPS.
  • Pansy Division is an American punk rock band formed in San Francisco, California in 1991 by singer-songwriter Jon Ginoli and bassist Chris Freeman. Conceived as the first openly gay rock band featuring predominantly gay musicians, Pansy Division's music, a mix of pop punk and power pop, focuses mainly on LGBT issues, sex and relationships, often presented in a humorous light. In 1993, the band signed to punk label Lookout! Records and received international notoriety touring with Green Day in 1994, becoming the most commercially successful band of the queercore movement which began in the 1980s. Pansy Division have released seven studio albums and three B-side compilations, among other recordings. In 2008, the band were the subject of the documentary film entitled Pansy Division: Life in a Gay Rock Band.
  • Poco is an American country rock band originally formed by Richie Furay, Jim Messina and Rusty Young. Formed following the demise of Buffalo Springfield in 1968, Poco was part of the first wave of the West Coast country rock genre. The title of their first album, Pickin' Up the Pieces, is a reference to the break-up of Buffalo Springfield. Throughout the years Poco has performed in various groupings, and is still active.
  • The Choir is an atmospheric Christian alternative rock band, led by Derri Daugherty on guitar and vocals, Steve Hindalong on drums—who also writes most of the band's lyrics—along with Tim Chandler on bass guitar, Dan Michaels on saxophone and lyricon and Marc Byrd on guitar. Starting in the early 1980s from its roots in the Calvary Chapel organization, the group has recorded 14 studio albums, 3 EPs, and 3 live albums to date. The band maintains an extensive tour schedule both collectively and on individual projects.
  • The Great Society

    The Great Society

    The Great Society were a 1960s San Francisco rock band that existed from 1965 to 1966, and were closely associated with the burgeoning Bay Area acid rock scene. Best known as the original group of model-turned-singer Grace Slick, the initial line-up of the band also featured her then-husband Jerry Slick on drums, his brother Darby Slick on guitar, David Miner on vocals and guitar, Bard DuPont on bass, and Peter van Gelder on flute, bass, and saxophone. Miner and DuPont would not remain with the band for the duration of its existence.
  • The Rubinoos are an American power pop band that formed in 1970 in Berkeley, California. They are perhaps best known for their singles "I Think We're Alone Now", "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend", and for the theme song to the 1984 film Revenge of the Nerds. Although "I Think We're Alone Now," reaching No. 45 in 1977, has been their only charting hit, the group has a significant enduring cult following among fans of the power pop genre. More recently, the group became known to a wider audience after filing a plagiarism lawsuit in mid-2007 against Canadian pop-punk musician Avril Lavigne claiming that her song "Girlfriend" had too much in common with "I Wanna Be Your Boyfriend". The parties confidentially settled out of court in early 2008. The conflict led to a re-interest in the Rubinoos' music, particularly on YouTube.
  • The Tubes are a San Francisco-based rock band. Their eponymous 1975 debut album included the single "White Punks on Dope," while their 1983 single "She's a Beauty" was a top-10 U.S. hit and its music video was frequently played in the early days of MTV. The band also performed in the 1980 film Xanadu, singing the rock portion of the cross-genre song "Dancin'" opposite a big band.
  • Troy Van Leeuwen (born January 5, 1970) is an American rock musician and producer. He is best known as the guitarist for the rock band Queens of the Stone Age (QOTSA), for which he has served since 2002. He is also known for his work with the seminal rock band Failure, and with alternative rock supergroup A Perfect Circle, as well as recordings with QOTSA members' side projects such as the Desert Sessions, Mondo Generator, Eagles of Death Metal and the Gutter Twins. Van Leeuwen created his first side-project, Enemy, in 2005, Sweethead, in 2008, Gone Is Gone, in 2016, and toured with Iggy Pop supporting his album Post Pop Depression made with QOTSA bandmates Josh Homme and Dean Fertita.
  • Unwritten Law is an American rock band formed in 1990 in Poway, California They have released seven full-length studio albums and have toured internationally, including performances on the Warped Tour. They are notable for their singles "Seein' Red" and "Save Me (Wake Up Call)," both of which entered the top 5 in the US Modern Rock charts. Their sixth studio album, Swan, was released March 29, 2011.
  • Say Anything is an American rock band from Los Angeles, California. The band was formed in 2000 with Bemis and four of his friends. Within two years, they self-released two EPs, Junior Varsity and In Your Dreams, and the full-length Baseball: An Album by Sayanything. In 2003, the band signed with their first label, Doghouse Records. A year later, they released ...Is a Real Boy. To support the album, they picked up new members and began touring; however, despite rapidly growing critical and fan acclaim, Bemis' health problems, including bipolar disorder and drug addictions, sidelined the band in 2005 as five band members left during the year. Say Anything signed with J Records in 2005 and, following Bemis' successful rehabilitation, re-released ...Is a Real Boy on J Records. They went on co-headlining tours with Saves the Day in 2006 and Hellogoodbye in 2007. On October 23, 2007, the band released their third full-length album, In Defense of the Genre. In 2008, Say Anything went on a headlining tour across the US and UK and appeared on every date of Warped Tour. Their fourth album, entitled Say Anything, was released on November 3, 2009.
  • Autograph is an American heavy metal band from Pasadena, California. They released several albums throughout the 1980s and are perhaps best-remembered today for their mid-1980s hit, "Turn Up the Radio."
  • Canned Heat is an American rock band that was formed in Los Angeles in 1965. The group has been noted for its interpretations of blues material and for its efforts to promote interest in this type of music and its original artists. It was launched by two blues enthusiasts, Alan Wilson and Bob Hite, who took the name from Tommy Johnson's 1928 "Canned Heat Blues", a song about an alcoholic who had desperately turned to drinking Sterno, generically called "canned heat", from the original 1914 product name Sterno Canned Heat, After appearances at the Monterey and Woodstock festivals at the end of the 1960s, the band acquired worldwide fame with a lineup consisting of Hite (vocals), Wilson (guitar, harmonica and vocals), Henry Vestine and later Harvey Mandel (lead guitar), Larry Taylor (bass), and Adolfo de la Parra (drums). The music and attitude of Canned Heat attracted a large following and established the band as one of the popular acts of the hippie era. Canned Heat appeared at most major musical events at the end of the 1960s, performing blues standards along with their own material and occasionally indulging in lengthy 'psychedelic' solos. Two of their songs — "Going Up the Country" and "On the Road Again" — became international hits. "Going Up the Country" was a remake of the Henry Thomas song "Bull Doze Blues", recorded in Louisville, Kentucky, in 1927. "On the Road Again" was a remake of the 1953 Floyd Jones song of the same name, which is reportedly based on the Tommy Johnson song "Big Road Blues", recorded in 1928. Since the early 1970s, numerous personnel changes have occurred, although the current lineup includes all three surviving members of the classic lineup: de la Parra (who has remained in the band since first joining in 1967), Mandel, and Taylor. For much of the 1990s and 2000s and following Larry Taylor's death in 2019, de la Parra has been the only member from the band's 1960s lineup. He wrote a book about the band's career, titled Living the Blues.. Mandel, Walter Trout and Junior Watson are among the guitarists who gained fame for playing in later editions of the band.
  • Captain Beyond was an American/British rock band formed in Los Angeles, California in 1971.
  • Daniel Amos (aka D. A., Dä) is an American Christian rock band formed in 1974 by Terry Scott Taylor on guitars and vocals, Marty Dieckmeyer on bass guitar, Steve Baxter on guitars and Jerry Chamberlain on lead guitars. The band currently consists of Taylor, guitarist Greg Flesch and drummer Ed McTaggart. Over the band's career, they have included keyboardist Mark Cook, drummer Alex MacDougall, bassist Tim Chandler and keyboardist Rob Watson with sounds that experimented with country rock, rock, new wave and alternative rock.
  • David Perry Lindley (March 21, 1944 – March 3, 2023) was an American musician who founded the rock band El Rayo-X, and who had worked with many other performers including Jackson Browne, Warren Zevon, Curtis Mayfield and Dolly Parton. He mastered such a wide variety of instruments that Acoustic Guitar magazine referred to Lindley not as a multi-instrumentalist, but instead as a "maxi-instrumentalist."The majority of the instruments that Lindley plays are string instruments, including the acoustic and electric guitar, upright and electric bass, banjo, lap steel guitar, mandolin, hardingfele, bouzouki, cittern, baÄŸlama, gumbus, charango, cümbüş, oud, and zither. Lindley was a founding member of the 1960s band Kaleidoscope, and has worked as musical director for several touring artists. In addition, he has occasionally scored and composed music for film.
  • Hellogoodbye is a pop band that was formed in Huntington Beach, California in 2001 by singer Forrest Kline. They were signed to Drive-Thru Records and released their first full-length album Zombies! Aliens! Vampires! Dinosaurs! in 2006, in addition to their previously released EP Hellogoodbye and DVD OMG HGB DVD ROTFL. In 2010, the band released Would It Kill You? on their label Wasted Summer Records. The album was released in the United Kingdom and Europe by LAB Records on the 14 March 2011. Hellogoodbye released their third album, Everything is Debatable, on October 29, 2013, while touring as the opening act for Paramore's The Self-Titled Tour.
  • In This Moment is an American metal band from Los Angeles, California, formed by singer Maria Brink and guitarist Chris Howorth in 2005. They found drummer Jeff Fabb and started the band as Dying Star. Unhappy with their musical direction, they changed their name to In This Moment and gained two band members, guitarist Blake Bunzel and bassist Josh Newell. In 2005, bassist Newell left the band and was replaced by Pascual Romero, who was later replaced by Jesse Landry. Their debut album, Beautiful Tragedy, was released in 2007. Their follow up, titled The Dream was released the following year debuting at number 73 on the Billboard 200. The band's third album, A Star-Crossed Wasteland was released in 2010, and their fourth album titled Blood was released in August 2012 and debuted at number 15. Their fifth album titled Black Widow was released in November 2014 and debuted at number 8, their highest position in the charts to date. Ritual, their sixth, was released in the summer of 2017 and debuted at number 23. The band's line up has changed several times. Landry was replaced by Kyle Konkiel in 2009 and Konkiel was replaced by Travis Johnson in 2010. Jeff Fabb and Blake Bunzel left the band in 2011, and were replaced by Tom Hane and Randy Weitzel respectively. In March 2016, drummer Tom Hane announced his departure from the band and was replaced by Kent Diimmel, formerly of 3 By Design. Throughout their career, the band has performed on several notable tours and festivals including Ozzfest in 2007 and 2008; Warped Tour in 2009; Download Festival in 2009, 2013, and 2018; Mayhem Festival in 2010; Music as a Weapon V tour in 2011; Uproar Festival in 2012; Rock on the Range in 2012, 2013, and 2015; Carnival of Madness tour in 2013; Knotfest in 2014; Rockfest and Rocklahoma in 2015; Louder Than Life in 2017; Aftershock in 2014 and 2017; and Welcome to Rockville in 2013, 2015, 2017, and 2019.
  • I Am Ghost was an American post-hardcore band from Long Beach, California, conceived of and founded by Steven Juliano in 2004. They were signed to Epitaph Records from 2005 to 2010, before splitting up in July 2010.
  • Jefferson Starship is an American rock band from San Francisco, California that evolved out of the group Jefferson Airplane following the departure of bassist Jack Casady and guitarist Jorma Kaukonen. Between 1974 and 1984, they released eight gold or platinum selling studio albums, and had nine top 40 singles on the Billboard Hot 100 chart. The band went through several major changes in personnel and genres through the years while retaining the same Jefferson Starship name. The band name was retired in 1985, but it was picked up again in the early 1990s by a revival of the group led by Paul Kantner, which has continued following his death in 2016.
  • The Jerry Garcia Acoustic Band was a band formed by Jerry Garcia of the Grateful Dead. They played a number of concerts in 1987 and 1988, and subsequently released two live albums.
  • For five years in the 1970s, actor and singer Leif Garrett stood astride the world as one of the most popular talents in the teen entertainment business. A handsome young man with a passable singing voice and the right combination of confidence and ability on camera that made him desirable to millions of girls, Garrett starred in or guested on such popular series as "Family" (ABC, 1976-1980) and TV movies like "Peter Lundy and the Medicine Hat Stallion" (NBC, 1978) before embarking on a career as a pop singer. After scoring hits with sugary renditions of 1960s tunes like "Surfin' USA," he released a rock album which failed to connect with fans; his acting career soon collapsed, and he sunk into drug addiction and obscurity. Attempts to revive his career throughout the 1980s and 1990s were torpedoed by recurrent arrests for drug abuse, which reduced his once golden status to yet another child actor-turned-cautionary tale.
  • Mickey Hart worked on a variety of projects during his entertainment career. Hart worked on a variety of projects during his early entertainment career, including "Apocalypse Now" (1979), "Hearts of Darkness: A Filmmaker's Apocalypse" (1991) starring Francis Ford Coppola and "Powaqqatsi" with Francis Ford Coppola (1988). He also contributed to "The Twilight Zone" (CBS, 1985-89), "Timeless Voices: The Gyuto Monks" and "Vietnam: A Television History" (PBS, 1982-83). In the nineties, Hart's music continued to appear on the silver screen, including in films like the comedy "Made in America" (1993) with Whoopi Goldberg and the sports comedy "The Air Up There" (1994) with Kevin Bacon. Film continued to be his passion as he played roles in the Bob Weir documentary "The End of the Road" (2000) and "Grateful Dead: Crimson, White & Indigo" (2010). He held additional roles in television including a part on "On Tour" (PBS, 1996-98). Hart also contributed music to the documentary "Zakir and His Friends" (1998) with Zakir Hussain. Most recently, Hart appeared on the Ginger Baker documentary "Beware of Mr. Baker" (2012).
  • Quicksilver Messenger Service (sometimes credited as simply Quicksilver) is an American psychedelic rock band formed in 1965 in San Francisco. The band achieved wide popularity in the San Francisco Bay Area and through their recordings, with psychedelic rock enthusiasts around the globe, and several of their albums ranked in the Top 30 of the Billboard Pop charts. They were part of the new wave of album-oriented bands, achieving renown and popularity despite an almost complete lack of success with their singles (apart from "Fresh Air", which reached number 49 in 1970). Though not as commercially successful as contemporaries Jefferson Airplane and the Grateful Dead, Quicksilver was integral to the beginnings of their genre. With their jazz and classical influences and a strong folk background, the band attempted to create an individual, innovative sound. Music historian Colin Larkin wrote: "Of all the bands that came out of the San Francisco area during the late '60s, Quicksilver typified most the style, attitude and sound of that era."Member Dino Valenti drew heavily on musical influences he picked up during the folk revival of his formative musical years. The style he developed from these sources is evident in Quicksilver Messenger Service's swing rhythms and twanging guitar sounds. After many years, the band has attempted to reform despite the deaths of several members. In 2009, original members Gary Duncan and David Freiberg toured as the Quicksilver Messenger Service, using various backing musicians.
  • Rickie Lee Jones (born November 8, 1954) is an American vocalist, musician, songwriter, producer, actress and narrator. Over the course of a career that spans five decades, Jones has recorded in various musical styles including rock, R&B, blues, pop, soul, and jazz. Jones is a two-time Grammy Award winner. Additionally, she was listed at number 30 on VH1's 100 Greatest Women in Rock & Roll in 1999. Her album Pirates was number 49 on NPR's list of the 150 Greatest Albums Made by Women.
  • Stacey Lynn Swain (born November 30, 1958), known by her stage name Stacey Q, is an American pop singer, songwriter, dancer and actress. Her best-known single, "Two of Hearts", released in 1986, reached number three on the Billboard Hot 100 and the top ten on charts in other countries.
  • The Beau Brummels were an American rock band. Formed in San Francisco in 1964, the band's original lineup included Sal Valentino, Ron Elliott, Ron Meagher, Declan Mulligan, and John Petersen. They were discovered by local disc jockeys who were looking to sign acts to their new label, Autumn Records, where Sylvester Stewart—later known as Sly Stone—produced the group's early recording sessions. Initially, the band's musical style blended beat music and folk music and typically drew comparisons to the Beatles, while their later work incorporated other music genres such as psychedelic rock and country rock. The Beau Brummels broke into the mainstream with their debut single, "Laugh, Laugh," for which they would later be credited for setting one of the aesthetic foundations for the San Francisco Sound, along with other bands such as the Charlatans; the song is in the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame list of the "500 Songs That Shaped Rock and Roll". The band's popularity continued with the subsequent album, 1965's Introducing the Beau Brummels, and the Top 10 single "Just a Little."
  • The Coasters are an American rhythm and blues/rock and roll vocal group who had a string of hits in the late 1950s. Beginning with "Searchin'" and "Young Blood", their most memorable songs were written by the songwriting and producing team of Leiber and Stoller. Although the Coasters originated outside of mainstream doo-wop, their records were so frequently imitated that they became an important part of the doo-wop legacy through the 1960s.
  • The Muffs are an American punk rock band based in Southern California, formed in 1991. Led by singer and guitarist Kim Shattuck, the band released four full-length studio albums in the 1990s, as well as numerous singles including "Lucky Guy" and "Sad Tomorrow", and a cover version of "Kids in America". After a long hiatus beginning in 1999, the band released a fifth album in 2004 but thereafter effectively disbanded. Almost a decade later, the three core members of the band reunited and started performing again. An album, Whoop Dee Doo, was released in 2014.
  • Zebrahead is an American punk rock band from Orange County, California. Formed in 1995, the band has released thirteen studio albums to date.
  • London is an American heavy metal band, based in Hollywood, California. The band is perhaps most notable for featuring members that would go on to play in more famous bands such as Mötley Crüe, Guns N' Roses, W.A.S.P. and Cinderella.
  • Aaron Wright North (born March 22, 1979) is an American musician. He was the co-founder and guitarist of punk band The Icarus Line, the lead guitarist of industrial rock group Nine Inch Nails, and vocalist/guitarist for Jubilee. North is noted for his chaotic and unconventional guitar approach, his use and command of feedback, and the flailing of his guitar wildly while on stage. His reputation for being outspoken both on and off the stage resulted in equal criticism and praise from fans and music journalists, mainly due to his role as co-founder and owner of Buddyhead. More infamously, it also landed him in substantial legal trouble numerous times. The Buddyhead music website was an outlet for his ruthlessly opinionated writing, as well as the many notable interviews he conducted with the likes of Kevin Shields and Greg Ginn. North's creation of Buddyhead Records later extended to his recording and producing many of their bands. Among the groups he signed or issued releases from were At the Drive-In, Ink & Dagger, and The Dillinger Escape Plan. In 2008, North suffered a nervous breakdown. During his subsequent hospitalizations due to mental illness and health issues, he determined his disapproval with the directions of Buddyhead and Jubilee were beyond repair. He ceased involvement completely with both soon after, and has not participated in any aspect of music since.
  • Bad English was an American/British hard rock supergroup formed in 1987, reuniting keyboardist Jonathan Cain from Journey with singer John Waite and bassist Ricky Phillips, his former bandmates in The Babys.
  • Big City Rock is a pop rock band based in Los Angeles, California who are signed to Atlantic Records. Their music type is self-described as "energetic, anthemic pop" with "an uplifting sound", with keyboards, guitar, and drums. Due to recent shifts in the band's membership, the members of the band left over have created a new band called The Remainers.
  • The Deli Creeps were an avant-garde band consisting of singer Maximum Bob, guitarist Buckethead, drummer Pinchface and various bass players, most recently Daniel Monti. Though Buckethead is the only member who makes a consistent effort to hide his identity, little is known about the other members of the band.
  • Duncan Sheik worked on a variety of projects during his entertainment career. He began his acting career with roles in the series "ABC in Concert" (ABC, 1990-98) and "Reverb" (HBO, 1996-2002). He appeared in a number of television specials, including "Halloween Jam VI" (ABC, 1997-98) and "A Gift of Song" (TNT, 1997-98). Sheik also contributed music to the action picture "The Saint" (1997) with Val Kilmer and the dramatic adaptation "Great Expectations" (1998) with Ethan Hawke. In the nineties and the early 2000s, Sheik devoted his time to various credits, such as "Teaching Mrs. Tingle" (1999), "Uptown Girls" (2003) starring Brittany Murphy and "What a Girl Wants" (2003) starring Amanda Bynes. He also worked on "A Home at the End of the World" (2004). Sheik was a talented musician whose most recent work was featured in the Helen Hunt dramatic adaptation "Then She Found Me" (2008), the Jayce Bartok drama "Cake Eaters" (2009) and "Dare" (2009). In addition to his music, Sheik also appeared on-screen in the Ebon Moss-Bachrach musical comedy "Death of a Dynasty" (2005). Most recently, Sheik worked on "Brother's Shadow" (2014) with Scott Cohen. Sheik won an Orchestrations Tony Award in 2007.
  • Engine 88 was a rock band that spawned out of the San Francisco Bay Area in the 1990s.
  • The Gone Jackals was an American rock band formed by frontman Keith Karloff in 1984 and based in San Francisco, California. Originally named "Keith Gale's Parallel Universe", the first lineup consisted of Charlie Hunter, Rudy Maynard and Mark Berdon and played in the local San Francisco club scene. In 1989, after Hunter and Berdon left to pursue other projects, the band was rebranded with the addition of Judd Austin and Trey Sabatelli as "The Gone Jackals", releasing their first album Out and About with the Gone Jackals in 1990. The band's music generally consisted of hard, garage and blues rock. Their next album, Bone to Pick also incorporated heavy metal. The band collaborated with Peter McConnell of LucasArts to produce the soundtrack to the biker-themed adventure game Full Throttle; tracks from Bone to Pick were specifically adapted for this purpose. Blue Pyramid, their third and final album, also included experimentation with psychedelic rock. The band broke up in 1999, though not before signing up a new label for distributing their music in Europe. In late 2001, Karloff started working on a new musical project.
  • Josh Adam Klinghoffer (born October 3, 1979) is an American musician best known as the current guitarist for the rock band Red Hot Chili Peppers, with whom he has recorded two studio albums, I'm with You (2011) and The Getaway (2016), and the b-sides compilation, I'm Beside You (2013). Klinghoffer took the place of his friend and frequent collaborator John Frusciante in 2009, after a period as a touring member. Klinghoffer was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame with the Red Hot Chili Peppers in 2012, becoming the Hall of Fame's youngest-ever living inductee at age 32, passing Stevie Wonder, who was 38 when he was inducted.A multi-instrumentalist, Klinghoffer also fronts the alternative rock band Dot Hacker, a group made up of former touring members of Gnarls Barkley, of which Klinghoffer was a member from 2006-2008. He is also a former member of the bands Ataxia, Warpaint and The Bicycle Thief. Klinghoffer most commonly plays guitar or drums, and sings backup as well as lead vocals. He has also both recorded and toured as a session musician with notable artists including PJ Harvey, Beck, the Butthole Surfers, Vincent Gallo, Sparks and Golden Shoulders.
  • LoveHateHero was a post-hardcore band from Burbank, California. They are signed to Ferret Records and have released three albums, Just Breathe in May 2005, White Lies in February 2007 and America Underwater in November 2009.
  • New Radicals was an American alternative rock band active from 1997 to 1999. The band centered on frontman Gregg Alexander, who wrote and produced all of their songs and was the sole constant member. They released one album, 1998's Maybe You've Been Brainwashed Too, an alternative album heavily influenced by the rock and soul of the 1970s, containing—among radio-friendly modern rock tracks and love songs—strong criticism of corporate America. The band is known for their debut single "You Get What You Give", which topped the charts in Canada and New Zealand, became a top 5 hit in the United Kingdom, was in the top 40 in the US, and whose lyrics, which insulted celebrities at the end of the song, provided a minor media spectacle. Tired of touring and promotional interviews, Alexander disbanded the group in mid-1999 before the release of their second single, "Someday We'll Know", to focus on writing and producing songs for other artists. As a result, "Someday We'll Know" received little attention in most countries and the band is widely considered a one-hit wonder. "Someday We'll Know" did however go on to be covered by Hall & Oates on their 2003 album Do It for Love.
  • Ozma is an American rock band from Pasadena, California. The band's sound is a mix of nostalgic new wave–influenced power pop and contrapuntal Casiotone-driven melodies sustained by heavy guitar riffs. Since their formation in 1995, Ozma has released five studio albums and toured the U.S., Japan and Canada more than thirty times, including extensive touring with stylistically similar groups including Weezer, Nada Surf, Rilo Kiley, Superdrag, The Rentals, The Get Up Kids, Piebald, Saves The Day, Asian Kung-Fu Generation, and Rooney.
  • Persephone's Bees is an Oakland-based pop/rock/electropop music group.
  • Rx Bandits is an American four-piece band based in Seal Beach, California, United States. The band formed in 1995 in Orange County, California. They have appeared on the Vans Warped Tour, at the Bonnaroo Music and Arts Festival, Coachella Valley Music and Arts Festival and at The Bamboozle.
  • Sound Tribe Sector 9 (STS9) is an instrumental band whose sound is based heavily on instrumental rock and electronic music, funk, jazz, drum and bass, psychedelia, and hip hop, originating in Georgia, United States. Self-described as "post-rock dance music," the band mixes standard live rock instrumentation with electronics, favoring group rhythm over individual solos.STS9 has released 11 albums, two remixed albums (Artifact: Perspectives and Peaceblaster: Make it Right Remixes), and multiple live DVDs (Live as Time Changes, Axe The Cables, and various live performances) on their own label, 1320 Records. STS9 has toured the US nationally and internationally, ranking among Pollstar Magazine's list of top-grossing touring acts, with a heavy presence in the music festival circuit. Some of their recent past accomplishments include headlining stages at some of the country's major music festivals (including Bonnaroo, Wakarusa, Electric Forest, and Suwanee Hulaween), playing for sold-out concert venues around the country (playing as both an acoustic set-up in opera houses and as an electronic act in amphitheaters), performing with the likes of Jay-Z in Denver of 2010, running an independent record label, and using their voice as a platform for change, along with raising significant amounts of money towards activism efforts. STS9 is also known for pushing musical boundaries, mixing different music influences and sounds by using both acoustic and electronic means.
  • Spineshank is an American nu metal band. The band has sold over 540,000 records. Spineshank has released four studio albums: Strictly Diesel (1998), The Height of Callousness (2000), Self-Destructive Pattern (2003), and Anger Denial Acceptance (2012).
  • Stavesacre was an American rock band from Huntington Beach, California formed in 1995. The band was composed of vocalist Mark Salomon, guitarists Jeff Bellew and Ryan Dennee, bassist Dirk Lemmenes and drummer Sam West. Since its formation, Stavesacre has released five studio albums, two EPs, one split album, one compilation, and one DVD. In 2007, the band stated they would be disbanding following the recording of a few new songs with Jeff Bellew, the band's original guitarist, who departed after the recording of Speakeasy. Their final release was the Against the Silence EP/DVD documentary.
  • Storm Large (born Susan Storm Large, June 25, 1969) is an American singer, songwriter, actress and author. She attracted national attention as a contestant on the CBS reality television show Rock Star: Supernova. For many years solely a rock artist, in recent years she has branched out into the theater and cabaret world. A resident of Portland, Oregon, she currently balances performing with her own band in venues around the country and touring with the Portland-based band Pink Martini around the world.
  • The High Speed Scene is a Power pop band that originated in San Francisco, California but then moved to Hollywood to further their career. They belong to Interscope Records, after being convinced by N.E.R.D., fans of the band themselves. They have been compared to Blondie, Wheatus, and Split Enz.
  • Tom Constanten (born March 19, 1944, Long Branch, New Jersey, United States) is an American keyboardist, best known for playing with Grateful Dead from 1968 to 1970.
  • Tony Ashwin Kanal (born August 27, 1970) is an American musician, record producer, songwriter, and animal rights activist. Kanal is the bassist and co-writer for the American rock bands No Doubt and Dreamcar. His musical work outside of the band includes producing and songwriting for artists such as Pink, Weezer, Elan Atias and No Doubt bandmate Gwen Stefani, among others.
  • Orgy is an American rock band formed in 1994, from Los Angeles, California. Orgy described their industrial rock music as "death pop". The band is best known for their cover version of the New Order song "Blue Monday" and their hit song "Stitches" both from their 1998 album Candyass.
  • Oleander is a post-grunge band from Sacramento, California, USA. Its name is derived from the poisonous wildflower oleander, which line the highways of Northern California. In their nine years of activity, the band released four studio albums under various record labels. Their most successful effort, 1999's February Son, includes the hit single "Why I'm Here." Oleander went on official hiatus after the release and promotion of their fourth album, Joyride, in 2004. The band took some time off, but reunited in 2008, and began work on their album Something Beautiful, which was released on April 16, 2013.
  • East West was a Christian metal band from Irvine, California, who later re-located to Corona, California. The band takes its name from the Bible verse Psalms 103:12. While many members were replaced during East West's timeline, the best-known line-up included Mike Tubbs, Mike "House" Housen, James "JJ" Jenkins, Bobby "Vee" Vegura. In 2002, Prior to the band's 1st US Tour, Housen departed and was replaced by Jon Druse. Nothing has been heard of East West since the May/June 2003 issue of HM Magazine, in which Mike Tubbs had this to say:
  • The Last is an American, Los Angeles-based power pop band, formed in the 1970s around three brothers: Joe, Mike, and David Nolte. They released several albums on SST Records and Bomp! Records.
  • Critical Mass is a ska band, formed in 1992, from the San Francisco Bay Area. The band has played shows with The Skatalites, The Untouchables, and others. They won the award for Best Ska Group at the 1998 SF Weekly Music Awards; received a 1998 California Music Awards Nomination for Outstanding Ska Artist, as well as performing at the Awards show; and the 1996 TicketMaster National Showcase.
  • New Monsoon is at its core a rock jam band that is based in the San Francisco, CA area that was founded in 1998 by Penn State classmates Bo Carper and Jeff Miller.
  • Crumbächer was an American Christian new wave, synthpop and dance-pop band in the 1980s, headed by Stephen Crumbächer.
  • Altered State was a Progressive rock band based in Huntington Beach, CA. Influenced by Pink Floyd, Rush, Led Zeppelin and U2. Altered State has been described as "an inventive band with unique arrangements, melodic vocals and great harmonies."
  • The White Trash Debutantes are an American rock band from San Francisco, California, active since 1989.
  • Foxboro Hot Tubs is a garage rock side project of Green Day, formed in 2007. The band includes all members of Green Day, and features Kevin Preston of Prima Donna Their first album Stop Drop and Roll!!! was released on April 22, 2008. The name "Foxboro Hot Tubs" is the alias Green Day uses to book secret shows. Billie Joe Armstrong and Jason White go by the names Reverend Strychnine Twitch and Frosco Lee respectively.
  • KSM was an American rock band from Los Angeles, California that was active from 2006 to 2010. The band consisted of lead singer Shelby Cobra (real last name Spalione), lead guitarist Shae Padilla, rhythm guitarist Katie Cecil, bassist Sophia Melon and drummer Kate Cabebe. They gained popularity in summer 2009 when they covered the song, "I Want You to Want Me" by Cheap Trick. The song was used to promote the television series 10 Things I Hate About You on the ABC Family network.
  • Redemption Song is an American reality television show, which aired on Fuse TV. The show, hosted by Chris Jericho was about 11 women who are competing for a recording contract. The series ran from October 29, 2008 to December 19, 2008 on Fuse TV. The first episode was posted online on the Fuse website and on various cable ON DEMAND services 1 week before the premiere. The winner was Mixi, whose real name is Alecia Demner.
  • Alcatrazz is an American heavy metal band formed in 1983 by Graham Bonnet, Jimmy Waldo and Gary Shea. They are best known for their song "God Blessed Video".
  • Alexander Greenwald (born October 9, 1979) is an American musician, actor, and record producer. He is the lead singer of the California rock band Phantom Planet.
  • Bill Harkleroad (born January 8, 1949), known professionally as Zoot Horn Rollo, is an American guitarist. He is best known for his work with Captain Beefheart and The Magic Band. In 2003, he was ranked No. 62 in a Rolling Stone magazine list of "the 100 greatest guitarists of all time".
  • Cold Blood is a long-standing R&B horn funk band founded by Larry Field in 1968 and was originally based in the East Bay region of the San Francisco Bay Area. The band has also performed and recorded under the name Lydia Pense and Cold Blood, due to the popularity of their lead singer, Lydia Pense.
  • San Francisco quintet Crime In Choir are an instrumental progressive rock band, comparable to Faust, Goblin, Magma, Soft Machine, etc. Founded in 2000, Crime In Choir released their previous full-length releases on Frenetic Records and Omnibus, respectively. The band’s third full-length, Trumpery Metier, was recorded by Tim Green, and is their first release for Gold Standard Labs. The band includes two original members of At the Drive-In, guitarist Jarrett Wrenn and bassist Kenny Hopper. On September 13, 2007, Crime in Choir performed at the San Francisco Museum of Modern Art accompanied by light projections by visual artist, Anthony McCall. Crime in Choir's fourth release, "Gift Givers" was released on 22 January 2009 on Kill Shaman Records - their previous label closed its doors in October 2007.
  • Donna Jean Thatcher Godchaux-MacKay (born August 22, 1947) is an American singer, best known for having been a member of the Grateful Dead from 1972 until 1979.
  • Dredg is an American rock group formed in 1993 in Los Gatos, California. The band consists of vocalist Gavin Hayes, guitarist Mark Engles, bassist Drew Roulette and drummer and pianist Dino Campanella. The band established themselves in the indie scene with their 1998 release of the concept album Leitmotif, landing them a deal with Interscope Records. Dredg released El Cielo in 2002, Catch Without Arms in 2005, The Pariah, the Parrot, the Delusion in 2009, and Chuckles and Mr. Squeezy in 2011.
  • Earshot is an American hard rock/alternative metal band from Los Angeles, California. The band has released three albums: Letting Go, Two, The Silver Lining, and have most recently announced plans to release their 4th studio album, a 5 song Mini-LP entitled "Aftermath" on April 16th 2015.
  • Jack's Mannequin was an American rock band formed in 2004, hailing from Orange County, California. The band originally began as a solo project for Andrew McMahon, the frontman of Something Corporate. The band was signed to Maverick Records and released Everything in Transit in August 2005, peaking at 37 on the Billboard 200. The Glass Passenger was released in 2008 on Sire Records, sold 49,000 copies in its first week, and peaked at number eight on the Billboard 200. People and Things was released October 4, 2011. Shortly afterward, it was announced that McMahon would discontinue releasing music under the name Jack's Mannequin, choosing to release music under his own name henceforth. On November 30, 2015, McMahon announced that he will reunite Jack's Mannequin for a tenth-anniversary tour of Everything In Transit.
  • Janis Tanaka (born January 9, 1963) is a bass player who has worked as a session musician and on tour with a number of well-known artists including Pink, Fireball Ministry, Hammers of Misfortune, Stone Fox and L7. She was also a member of the Pagan Babies, a band started by Courtney Love, Kat Bjelland and Deirdre Schletter in the 1980s. She is currently playing in the band Winterthrall. She is currently playing with the all female version of L.A. based Femme Fatale.She has also acted in a few films: Live Freaky Die Freaky, Down and Out With Dolls and The Year of My Japanese Cousin.