Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real
Encyclopedia
Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real are an American rock group based out of Venice, California. The band consists of Lukas Nelson (vocals/guitar), Anthony LoGerfo (drums), Tato Melgar (percussion), and Corey McCormick (bass).
The band name is a pledge for the group to simply be themselves, both musically and individually. They promise to make music that is true to who they are and what they represent as a band. It is with this intention that Promise of the Real was formed. Within the band’s packaging for their debut record, Promise of the Real, Lukas further elaborates on this idea.
concert. Shortly after the two began jamming together in Seal Beach, CA and the foundation for the band was laid. In October 2008 Lukas decided to quit school and pursue his dream of a career in music. He called LoGerfo, longtime friend and band mate from Hawaii, percussionist Tato Melgar, and bassist Merlyn Kelly to form Promise of the Real.
In January 2009, the band hit the road for their first extended run, a nine show tour opening for Willie Nelson
. The run would be highlighted by a five night stop at The Fillmore
in San Francisco. The tour would prove to be successful as the local press in each city quickly acknowledged that something was “brewing” with this band.
Next was a two week run with the legendary B.B. King through Colorado and Nebraska. Promise of the Real was a natural fit to support B.B. and the audiences quickly latched onto the band. The band’s stock of “Live Beginnings” was completely sold out on this run and luckily for them, tracks had been laid to release their first studio recording.
Equipped with new merchandise and a taste for the road, the band toured as much as they possibly could. With each passing month the band would play new cities, eventually covering most of the country. POTR were proving to be the true definition of road warriors. In the spring of 2009 the band were able to part ways with their beloved van Rhonda and graduated to an RV aptly named, “The Real Mobile." From the summer of 2009 through 2010 the band would put 100,000 miles on the RV as they continued down the road.
A change in vehicles wouldn’t be the only significant change the band would undergo. Original bass player Merlyn Kelly left the band to pursue other interests in the summer of 2009 and the band used two bass players before finding Merlyn’s permanent replacement. The band used longtime friend and mentor, John Avila
of Oingo Boingo
fame, for numerous performances throughout 2009-10 as well as friend JP Maramba.
Promise of the Real was recorded in Austin, TX at Pedernales Studio in the March of 2010 and was released in December 2010. The album consists of 12 official tracks and one surprise. The album is representative of the band’s free spirited philosophy, consisting of songs representative of numerous genres and inspirational influences to the bands members. The cover art was created by the 6 year old daughter of album engineer Steve Chadie. With the rest of the artwork being provided by Micah Nelson including a bookled of the collected works created by Micah while on stage during POTR live shows.
The album also pays homage to two of Lukas’ favorite musicians, Jimi Hendrix
and Neil Young
, through creative renditions of a “Pail Gap” / “Hey Baby, ”and “LA” respectively. There’s also a cover of the song “Peaceful Solution” co-written by Lukas' father Willie Nelson
and sister Amy Niccore. Lukas’ dad also proudly offers backing vocals on “Sound of Your Memory” and “Fathers and Mothers.” Lukas’ aunt, Bobbie Nelson, plays the piano on "Fathers and Mothers" as well.
Bass player Corey McCormick was added to the line-up in the fall of 2010 and adds a harder edge rock and roll element to the band. A veteran musician, McCormick has performed with numerous musicians and bands including Chris Cornell
of Soundgarden
fame. His style blends perfectly with the rest of the band and has provided the band with the option to deeply explore their music.
and The Late Show with David Letterman
with more to come.
The band name is a pledge for the group to simply be themselves, both musically and individually. They promise to make music that is true to who they are and what they represent as a band. It is with this intention that Promise of the Real was formed. Within the band’s packaging for their debut record, Promise of the Real, Lukas further elaborates on this idea.
History
Lukas Nelson moved from Paia, Maui to Los Angeles in 2007 to attend Loyola Marymount University. In early 2008 Lukas met drummer Anthony LoGerfo at a Neil YoungNeil Young
Neil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
concert. Shortly after the two began jamming together in Seal Beach, CA and the foundation for the band was laid. In October 2008 Lukas decided to quit school and pursue his dream of a career in music. He called LoGerfo, longtime friend and band mate from Hawaii, percussionist Tato Melgar, and bassist Merlyn Kelly to form Promise of the Real.
Live Beginnings (2008 - 2009)
The band played their first shows in the fall of 2008 traveling to each gig in a tired but willing van named Rhonda. To get around the band sold a 5 song EP titled “Live Beginnings”. The album contained live tracks recorded off the soundboard at the world famous “Belly-Up” in Solana Beach, CA and would be the skeleton for the band’s first studio recording.In January 2009, the band hit the road for their first extended run, a nine show tour opening for Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson
Willie Hugh Nelson is an American country music singer-songwriter, as well as an author, poet, actor, and activist. The critical success of the album Shotgun Willie , combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger and Stardust , made Nelson one of the most recognized...
. The run would be highlighted by a five night stop at The Fillmore
The Fillmore
The Fillmore Auditorium is a historic music venue in San Francisco, California, made famous by Bill Graham. Named for its original location at the intersection of Fillmore Street and Geary Boulevard, it lies on the boundary of the Western Addition and the Pacific Heights neighborhoods.In 1968,...
in San Francisco. The tour would prove to be successful as the local press in each city quickly acknowledged that something was “brewing” with this band.
Next was a two week run with the legendary B.B. King through Colorado and Nebraska. Promise of the Real was a natural fit to support B.B. and the audiences quickly latched onto the band. The band’s stock of “Live Beginnings” was completely sold out on this run and luckily for them, tracks had been laid to release their first studio recording.
Brando's Paradise (2009)
In April 2009 the Brando’s Paradise Sessions EP was formally released through the band’s website and sold on the road. The album consists of some of the first songs ever penned by Lukas and the cover art would become the basis for the band’s Peace Sign logo. The picture titled “My Own Wave” was painted on stage at a POTR show by Lukas’ brother, Micah and now is the visual representation for Promise of the Real. To date, the band has sold over 10,000 copies of the EP and Micah continues to paint on stage with the band.Equipped with new merchandise and a taste for the road, the band toured as much as they possibly could. With each passing month the band would play new cities, eventually covering most of the country. POTR were proving to be the true definition of road warriors. In the spring of 2009 the band were able to part ways with their beloved van Rhonda and graduated to an RV aptly named, “The Real Mobile." From the summer of 2009 through 2010 the band would put 100,000 miles on the RV as they continued down the road.
A change in vehicles wouldn’t be the only significant change the band would undergo. Original bass player Merlyn Kelly left the band to pursue other interests in the summer of 2009 and the band used two bass players before finding Merlyn’s permanent replacement. The band used longtime friend and mentor, John Avila
John Avila
John Avila is a Mexican-American bassist and music producer, best known for being in the new wave band Oingo Boingo from 1984 to 1995.-Career:Avila co-founded the music group Food for Feet in 1981, and played with them until 1991....
of Oingo Boingo
Oingo Boingo
Oingo Boingo was an American new wave band. They are best known for their influence on other musicians, their soundtrack contributions and their high energy Halloween concerts. The band was founded in 1972 as The Mystic Knights of the Oingo Boingo, a performance art group...
fame, for numerous performances throughout 2009-10 as well as friend JP Maramba.
Promise of the Real (2010)
Along with another heavy touring schedule on the books, 2010 would bring two significant events for the band. The band would record and release their first full length record, the self-titled “Promise of the Real” and Corey McCormick would join the band as their full time bass player.Promise of the Real was recorded in Austin, TX at Pedernales Studio in the March of 2010 and was released in December 2010. The album consists of 12 official tracks and one surprise. The album is representative of the band’s free spirited philosophy, consisting of songs representative of numerous genres and inspirational influences to the bands members. The cover art was created by the 6 year old daughter of album engineer Steve Chadie. With the rest of the artwork being provided by Micah Nelson including a bookled of the collected works created by Micah while on stage during POTR live shows.
The album also pays homage to two of Lukas’ favorite musicians, Jimi Hendrix
Jimi Hendrix
James Marshall "Jimi" Hendrix was an American guitarist and singer-songwriter...
and Neil Young
Neil Young
Neil Percival Young, OC, OM is a Canadian singer-songwriter who is widely regarded as one of the most influential musicians of his generation...
, through creative renditions of a “Pail Gap” / “Hey Baby, ”and “LA” respectively. There’s also a cover of the song “Peaceful Solution” co-written by Lukas' father Willie Nelson
Willie Nelson
Willie Hugh Nelson is an American country music singer-songwriter, as well as an author, poet, actor, and activist. The critical success of the album Shotgun Willie , combined with the critical and commercial success of Red Headed Stranger and Stardust , made Nelson one of the most recognized...
and sister Amy Niccore. Lukas’ dad also proudly offers backing vocals on “Sound of Your Memory” and “Fathers and Mothers.” Lukas’ aunt, Bobbie Nelson, plays the piano on "Fathers and Mothers" as well.
Bass player Corey McCormick was added to the line-up in the fall of 2010 and adds a harder edge rock and roll element to the band. A veteran musician, McCormick has performed with numerous musicians and bands including Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell
Chris Cornell is an American rock musician best known as the lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist for Soundgarden and as the former lead vocalist for Audioslave. He is also known for his numerous solo works and soundtrack contributions since 1998...
of Soundgarden
Soundgarden
Soundgarden is an American rock band formed in Seattle, Washington in 1984 by singer Chris Cornell, lead guitarist Kim Thayil, and bassist Hiro Yamamoto...
fame. His style blends perfectly with the rest of the band and has provided the band with the option to deeply explore their music.
(2011 - Present)
With the line-up in place and the new record out, POTR set out in 2011 to deliver their message of love, peace and honesty to the world. The band will perform over 200 shows this year and have already been featured on both The Tonight Show with Jay LenoThe Tonight Show with Jay Leno
The Tonight Show with Jay Leno is an American late-night talk show hosted by Jay Leno that initially aired from May 25, 1992 to May 29, 2009, and resumed production on March 1, 2010. The fourth incarnation of the Tonight Show franchise made its debut on May 25, 1992, three days following Johnny...
and The Late Show with David Letterman
Late Show with David Letterman
Late Show with David Letterman is a U.S. late-night talk show hosted by David Letterman on CBS. The show debuted on August 30, 1993, and is produced by Letterman's production company, Worldwide Pants Incorporated. The show's music director and band-leader of the house band, the CBS Orchestra, is...
with more to come.
Studio Albums
- Promise of the Real (released December 21, 2010, self-released) (recorded at Pedernales Studio in Austin TX, produced by Promise of the Real)
EPs
- Brandos Paradise Sessions EP (released June 2009, self-released) (recorded at Brando's Paradise Studio, produced by John Avila and Promise of the Real)
Live Recordings
- Live Beginnings (released October 2008, self-released) (recorded live from the sound board at the Belly-Up Solana Beach)