To The Nines

To the Nines is a rock band that has its base steeped in riff-based rock like seminal rocks bands (Led Zeppelin, Thin Lizzy, and Stone Temple Pilots), but includes mixtures of funk, psychedelic, and alternative. This is due to the band members coming together and mixing in the influences they share, but also combining in diverse elements from each individual’s particular taste and background. This provides for a more unique sound, while still being rooted in the rock that everyone is familiar with. All of this, while dressing their best to provide a visual performance to complement their music. To the Nines was formed when lead singer Enrique Hernandez answered an ad on Craigslist that guitarist Donald Rickert had posted. Enrique was visiting family in Pennsylvania when he had the epiphany that his life’s desire has been to be a singer and performer, so there was no point in waiting. Being driven to pursue this endeavor, Enrique got on his smart phone and pulled up the Craigslist postings for Los Angeles (where he resided). This is where he encountered Donald’s ad. Donald is a bit of a veteran of the music scene, specifically in Bakersfield, Ca. and in Los Angeles. He has been in a few bands of which he was a founding member (Highway Jones, 5 O’clock Angel), and has also played with and filled in with some other bands (The Abbreviated Truth, Exploiting Eve). Learning from past experiences, Donald wanted a singer who was a performer and also a songwriter, so that they could collaborate and ensure that the songs they played weren’t all from Donald’s perspective and pen. After a couple of emails, Enrique wrote lyrics (based upon an experience he had in elementary school in Greenwich Village—PS41) to one of Donald’s tunes that had been finished except for the vocals. This song became “Wounded Smile” and was the first tune they collaborated on, and even premiered live a few short weeks later at Boardners in Hollywood. While To the Nines doesn’t have a full-time bassist yet, they have drafted John Barker (Highway Jones, 5 O’clock Angel) in to perform, and they are also working with other bass players trying to find the right fit. The emphasis of To the Nines is on songwriting and live performance. Enrique is an electric and eccentric front-man that harkens back to lead singers who knew how to entertain while singing like Steven Tyler, Peter Wolf, and David Lee Roth. Donald is plays funky rhythms and fluid solos into one musical voyage. While being a new band, To the Nines is reminiscent of classic bands, but with a fresh and exciting twist. Fashion, funk, imagery, and alluring rock is what you’ll get from To the Nines. To the Nines is a band based around songs, songwriting, and exciting live performances. Mixing in the classic style of riff-based rock with a fresh perspective, and looking sharp in the process.