Fresno's Urban Sound...
To define the "sound" of the Central Valley, add musical genres from around the world to your playlist, hit the shuffle button, and sit back and enjoy the variety of musical styles. It is difficult to compare the sound of the Central Valley to anywhere else. It is as unique as the diversity of the people that call this area home.
The re:FUSE Fest provides the opportunity to sample some of the best local music performed by the top talent in the area...
3 Bags Full
Soul Roots-Music Funk
Myspace
Veterans of the Fresno, CA underground music scene, Three Bags Full is a diverse group with a wide-ranging musical style and an exciting and aggressive stage show. They specialize in original groove music full of luscious harmonies and lyrical twists. With a rock playboy flair and a hip-hop salute to the hook, Three Bags Full is not to be missed!
40 Watt Hype
Hip-hop Latin R&B
Myspace - Website
They are Tru Players, but they don't play the same way that you play. 40 Watt Hype is more than just another hip-hop group. Their trademark sound combines the sophistication of The Roots with the party atmosphere of the Black Eyed Peas with the Latin flavor of Santana, resulting in an incomparable groove full of sensuality and style.
Adrian Mezenger
House Electro Jazz
Myspace - Website
Adrian began the DJing journey when he invested in his first set of Technics 1200 turntables in September of 2006. Like all beat junkies, Adrian soon found himself spending hours every single day mixing in the bedroom. Surprisingly, although he had always listened to techno and trance, he soon found himself gravitating towards a funky house sound. He couldn't stop himself from going into debt buying house records.His fate was sealed - Adrian became a house DJ.
Adrian M, as he was first known, emerged on the local scene amongst the most supportive house music community and friends he could ask for. After a performance & bookings for the bi-weekly Lush party, Adrian was brought onboard as resident to Fusion which was hosted alongside DJ Roman at Thaiphoon. Two years later Adrian finds himself in the lab working on his own tracks, polishing his craft as a producer.
Basura
Punk Hardcore Indie
Myspace
Black Pennies
Alternative Punk Prog
Blake Jones & the Trike Shop
Indie Art Pop
Myspace - Website
"Yeah, but what kind of music do ya play?" Blake Jones & the Trike Shop is a quirky avant-pop band trying to, depending on who you talk to, bridge the gap between: frank zappa and paul mccartney/cocoa pebbles and episodes of "Dark Shadows" /15 century church music and Dr. Seuss. --Theremins whir, guitars clang, and a good time is had by all. Spear-headed by life-long songwriter and DIY-er Blake Jones, their recordings are characterized by strong melodies supported by an eclectic blend of standard 'rock' instruments and thrift store oddities such as the theremin and toy piano.
But perhaps the only explanation needed is that written by James Gardner of the All Music Guide: "It lands like a pure-pop present on your doorstep!"
Bobby Joe Neely
Blues Jazz Funk
If you ever needed a visual representation of the working-man blues, Bobby Joe Neely will not disappoint. Once the awe of seeing Bobby Joe perform subsides, settle back and enjoy the soulful blues only the One Man Band can deliver.
Brother Luke and the Comrades
Folk American Gospel
Myspace
We don't want. 9 to 5. traffic. flat screens. nice cars. houses. insurance. collections. tv. restaurants. 2 weeks a year. stability. more more. vicariously. super markets. mega anything. contracts. appliances. surface level. sameness. tests. ladders. settling. clubs. fasion. dead lines. computer malfunctions.
Buffalo Guns
Progressive Indie Rock
Myspace
Buffalo Guns are an interesting mixture of musical talent, put together creates a wonderful sound. They are a Madera based, but Fresno playing, indie rock band. Writing their own form of dynamic music with catchy melodies makes them a great band to watch. You'll catch yourself singing along even if you don't know the words. BUFFALO GUNS is: Keith Pistoresi (Vocals), Kaleb Saldate (Guitar, Keys), Ariel Rivera (Guitar), Joseph Lynch (Bass Guitar), Antonio Montanez (Drums).
Chuck Dimes
Hip Hop
Myspace
Chuck Dimes is the smiling face among the mean-mugging thugs. In an era where every rapper wants to sell drugs, kill someone or make the next bubble-gummy disposable dance song, Chuck Dimes is a breath of fresh air – and fresh rhymes.
Clint Storm
With over 10 years under his belt, Clint Storm has a resume that some dj's can only dream of. Best known for the long-running party FOCUS, he helped bring some of the biggest talent in house music Fresno has ever seen. Diz, Johnny Fiasco, Halo, David Harness, Onionz, Garth, M3 & Q-Burns Abstract Message, are just a few of the heavy-hitters to grace the decks at FOCUS. Clint also held a residency at one of S.F.'s hottest clubs, PINK. Clint's style of house music ranges all over the board. Mixing it up with funky, jackin', deep, tech, electro, jazzy, soulful, sexy, and dirty house, Clint is definitely a favorite for the dancers, dj's, and music lovers alike. Get your dancin' shoes ready!
Clouded Vision
Acoustic Reggae Grunge
Myspace
The three met Kevin at the bottom of that giant tree called Pangea and all started hammering away like starving lions on a helpless zebra. People came from all over to witness this beautiful insanity. Watching, listening, and dancing, this was like nothing they'd seen nor heard before. This was the moment when this group realized what really made them happy. They could see through the BS of everyday life and the structure that others before them had cuffed the masses with. Living good, being positive, and spreading good music and vibes is all these cats did from here on out. Experiencing every bit of life there is to experience. There they went blazing down the road.
Cole Fonseca
Delta Blues
Myspace
Coles story is a little different from other musicians to be modest. Its a story that is heart warming, admirable, tragic but also how strong the will of a man can overcome all, through the power of love and ambition. A young man at the age of 26 and with eyes that bare the essence of an old soul that you will lose yourself in by their intensity yet comforted by his humble soft spoken voice. Cole has become one of the most respected Blues and Rock artists in California and soon the United States simply because of his sound, his presence and simply his story of resurection from death itself.
DB and the Struggle
Reggae Funk
Myspace - Website
A project dedicated to the fullfillment of originality.....DB brings it hard with electrifying intensity burning through funk scales dripping with soul. A pitched musical tyraid of the utmost establishing refugee freedom love-in. The Struggle shines above the escapades of secular rejuvination, replete with custom grooves, proving detailed accomplishment transcended by friction rhythm designed to make your feet happy. ...Don't fight the phenomenon of the struggle, persue the course until your destiny manifests itself.
DJ Bradley
Myspace - Website
DJ Bradley (Bradley Fitzhenry) is the founder of the production crew SonicFoundation and over the past 11 years has produced over 200 parties in San Francisco (sp0rk, Groovesector, Funkengruven) and Fresno (Metropolis, D&S, Sunday Sessions at 2039, Tasty, Antidote, Hot House, Focus, Nectar, aftersessions, Groovejet, Deep & Funky).
He was born and raised in Fresno, California with musical tastes born out of a strange combination of influences: his mother's fascination with seventies-era pop, the high school embrace of early-eighties goth and new wave, plus a 3-year, late-eighties disk jockey stint at the seminal and now legendary college radio station 90.7FM, KFSR. Today Bradley continues to dj all over the country in cities such as New York City, San Francisco, Oakland, Seattle, Los Angeles and Chicago, and is proud to be a part of 2009's RE:fuse Festival.
DJ Roman
Myspace
Dj Roman (Roman Morales) was born in San Francisco CA and has lived as a Fresno native for more than 25 years. His love for music goes far back to earlier childhood memories of the 70's. Roman's favorite genres consist of Reggae, Disco, House and Funk. Djing for the past 6 years has made Roman believe that knowing music, finding music, and undertstanding music takes years and once you've started, there is no end. Roman has been a resident at 2nd Saturday, Shakedown, Fusion, and The Soulcial. He currently is resident dj at three parties: The Pink, Body Language and Lush. Roman's motivation for his craft is this: if you take away the stardom, the money, all of the pretty people ... some Dj's will walk away, but the best of them will still be there, playing for the love, for the music, for the feeling of seeing people lose it to a track he's discovered.
Dale Stewart
Folk Rock
Myspace - Website
In a quest for the big reasons why I end up back at the political lyrics of the folk singers of the protest era, the cool groove of the earliest rockers, the art of the masters of songwriting and pure punk pragmatism. I hope we can synthesize these elements into something good and meaningful.
The Dirty Sanchez
Alternative Rock Progressive
Myspace
Based out of Fresno, CA, the Dirty Sanchez brings an irresistible blend of hooks and hard rock to every performance. The band, comprised of members John, T.J., Angel, and Cristobal Sanchez (no relation), have been performing together for over 5 years. During that time, the group has crafted a unique sound influenced by the likes of Elliot Smith, The Beatles, Soundgarden and Nirvana.
Known for their great live shows, “the Dirties” never fail to get a crowd moving. John’s affecting voice, T.J.’s high flying guitar solos, and Cristobal’s energetic drum playing always keep audiences wanting more.
In other words, the Dirty Sanchez is your new favorite band.
Down Word
Rock Alternative Hip Hop
Myspace - Website
After a few lineup changes and many months of hard work, guitarist Christian Jensen finally solidified the Down Word you see today, in fall '08. This innovative and unique group of individuals brings intense diversity and a very well rounded sound, to pique the interest of any music lover. From catchy, hard-rocking guitar riffs, to funk, blues, and ballads, guitarist Christian Jensen takes the listener on a journey throughout each song. With a background and the ability to play in nearly all musical styles, from metal to R&B, drummer Steve Warner uses his skill in interesting ways and goes the extra mile to add a little spice to the flavor of Down Word. Highly skilled with an amazing ability to adapt his unique style to different types of music while keeping the funk alive, bassist Steve Tran is the back bone of each song. Perhaps one of the biggest reasons Down Word sets themselves apart from many other up and coming bands is singer J Martinez's hip-hop/grunge/blues singing styles and thought provoking lyrics. Paying close attention to detail, Down Word is a high quality musical fusion with great respect for every genre incorporated to create the sound you hear today.
The Escorts
Rock Pop Indie
Myspace
Moses and Ronnie had been jamming together for a few years, and were also briefly involved in a group with Roxanne. After the group split up for a few months, Ronnie and Moses continued playing together and soon began incoorperating Benji on guitar. As the three began writing songs together, Roxanne was welcomed into the new group as a bassist.
Ultimately, we each have very different influences, opinions, and goals within our music. This is our way of putting everything together and experimenting with the outcomes. It is very hard to categorize exactly what "style" we are, but I'm sure there is something for everyone's tastes. Take a listen and let us know how you feel about it...
Ezra Osborn
Rock Alternative Hip Hop
MySpace - Website
Influenced by California's legendary House music DJ's and drawing from his wide spectrum of musical tastes, Ezra pursues his passion for House music. Ezra is known for his impeccable selection, programming, and flawless mixing skills. His versatile style caters to the vibe of the people on the dance floor while staying true to his love for real underground House. Ezra has gained much acclaim in the local DJ community for his uncanny ability to work a crown into a frenzy. He simply knows what to play next.
In 2006 Ezra and his associate Kristian Moua established VOLUPTUOUS RECORDINGS a fully independent record label, which since has released various Underground house Music hits. Ezra's tracks and remixes have been featured on many respected DJ mixes and compilations.
Glen Delpit and the Subterraneans
Bluesy American Roots Music
Website
Glen Delpit and the Subterraneans play the type of roots rock that employs bits of blues, folk, rock , rockabilly and country. The music is original but the sound is so recognizable you feel like you know them and their music. Delpit was born in New Orleans and grew up playing country blues, in fact still does as a solo performer. The Subterraneans have opened for acts like Bo Diddley, The Fabulous Thunderbirds, Dave Alvin, and many others.
Geoff Kramer
House Funk Electronica
MySpace
Hooligans
Ska Soul Reggae
Myspace
Since 1992, Los Hooligans have been bringing traditional ska, swing, big band and Latin influences to our audiences. We won't be fully abandoning those sounds, however, we will be exploring new sounds to update our "vibe."
Well, we've decided to have FUN, and bring an eclectic mix of early traditional Ska & Northern Soul to the stage."
Jay Rossette Project
Soul Latin Fusion
Myspace - Website
After touring with the influential Latin Rock group Malo for the past five years, Jay has undergone many changes (both musically and personally). Now Jay has embarked on a solo career in music. With all new original music, Jay sees no end in sight. Coming from many musical backgrounds, The Jay Rossette Project is a mixture of many different influences and musical styles.
Kristian Moua
House
Myspace - Website
DJs, Kristian used his college loan money to purchase a pair of Technics 1200s and a mixer, and taught himself how to spin. His musical taste started with progressive, but as he explored the world of electronica more deeply, he discovered his true passion: House. Such icons as Mark Farina, Doc Martin, and Roy Davis, Jr. have influences Kristian's taste and style.
Lezayr
Alternative Rock Indie
Myspace
Lezayr es un concepto musical basado en la musica contemporanea de este siglo (y el anterior) tomando y mezclando todo tipo de musica y sus variantes. La banda fue iniciada en el 2002 por Alex Ayala como una banda de covers que despues evoluciono a el concepto que actualmente es.
More than a band, Lezayr is a musical concept.
Founded by Alex Ayala in Guadalajara Jalisco, Mexico as a project/workshop and a band Lezayr had the sole purpose of performing on stage with different musicians covers and basically music they liked. Lezayr realized that the purpose of the band was more about creating new music rather than simply playing tunes that were already around. Alex's deep lyrics and music revolves around the experiences of people but, mainly his own; there is love, hate, despair and hope all together mixed to create a unique sound.
Motel Drive
Americana Rockabilly Country
Myspace - Website - Sonice Bids
A '64 Bel Air barrels down old Highway 99. In the darkness to the west lie row after row of cotton, to the east grapevines and other cash crops of California's central valley. A break in the fog up ahead allows the warmth and buzz of neon lights to break the wet silence of that long dark drive. But before any head hits that motel pillow, the brain begins to shake, the bones begin to rattle, and the heart begins to roll as the seasoned blend of veteran musicianship which is Motel Drive, the slinky, rootsy, and greasy country, rock and roll, and rockabilly music carries you to that lone bar on the edge of town, that bar mama told you to stay away from, where Gretsch guitars wail and an upright bass is slapped around, where voodoo drums pound and a lap steel grinds away. It's Motel Drive, baby, where Cash and Stray Cats pound 'em down with Gram, Buck, and Dwight. It's blood, love, and beer, the smell and taste of the Motel Drive stew. One hell of a night and your new favorite band. Motel Drive.
The Neptunes
Instrumental Surf Rock
Myspace - Website
The Neptunes have been playing scorching instro-surf-rock-jazz since 1997. Mixing many styles and influences into a white-knuckle ride that will have your pulse speeding out of control. The Neptunes use vintage equipment, but that is all that is vintage about this band. Come to a show and dig the sound of the Neptunes!
P-Rez
MySpace - Website
Steve Perez, aka p-rez, began his dj career in late 2000. With over 20 years of drumming experience, it didn't take him long to define his sound and build a following in his hometown of Fresno, CA. Since then, he's had residencies at local clubs where he's played alongside some giants in the genre including Mark Farina, Jeno, Jay Tripwire, M3, and Rick Preston, to name a few. He and his pal Rusty teamed up to form the production duo, Dos Banditos and in 2006 had their first release on Fresno label, Le Poop Music. Now, P-rez maintains a rigorous schedule in the studio and in the booth. His party Frisky has been going strong for over 4 years, showcasing local Fresno talent, as well as some of house music's rising stars. As of late, he has taken the reigns as co-owner of San Francisco record label, NSF Records, where he is ready to take the label to new heights.
Patrick Contreras
Musique
Myspace
Patrick Contreras' versatile electric violin sound can only be described as "eclectic" because of his innovative style. The one comment that people consistently make after hearing him for the first time is “I did not know a violin could sound like that!” It is truly an exhilarating experience to attend his concerts. He is only 25 years old, has an incredible musical resume, and is one of Fresno’s finest artists who is on the verge of becoming an international talent.
Poplord
Pop Indie
Myspace
Poplord was originally a duo, Tom Magill and Stan Schaffer, and since 2007 also includes Craig Daniel, which we believe makes us a true "band" by definition. These three youngsters have been part of the Fresno-area music scene for thousands of years. Tom and Stan were both in longtime Beatles tribute band, "The Beetles", among others. Craig was in popular rock act "Playtonics", who relocated to the bay area to become famous, and nearly did.
Populus
Appex of Egotism
Myspace
FUN FACTS ABOUT THE GENERAL POPULUS:
* populus Loves To Order/Eat Pizza, While Watching Televisions', The Biggest Loser
* populus Has Never Celebrated To The Song, 'Celebration' . He Usually Works A Dead-End Job, Too Hard, To The Song, 'Celebration'.
* populus Is Currently Seeking 2 to 4 Art School Girlfriends, In Their Early To Mid-Twenties, With Low Self Esteem , And Even Lower Standards.
* populus Is A Sucker For Both, The Veggie Tales, And Pixar Films.
* populus LOVES Hearing Fresbian's With Full Mullet, Call Each Other 'Dude'.
* populus Enjoys Making Phallic Sculptures Of Butter, And Then Hiding These Sculptures Around The Bakery He Dayjob's At, To Help Co-Workers That Are Having Bad Days.
* populus Didn't Enjoy 'American Woman' The First Time It Was Recorded, Or The Second. Bad Lenny Kravitz.
* populus can Benchpress over 85lbs...
Racelegs
Sexy Badass Instrumental
Myspace
Children of Ol' Hutah, Racelegs as a 4 piece instrumental band tie in the influences of the universe and their surroundings. The combination of sounds from simplisitc instrumentation bring forth the big and meaningful creation of your not so average day to day environment. Racelegs can be described as that marching band tune that you've had stuck in your head for years.
Racelegs is Nathan Swift (Guitar), Mike Adame (Synth), Joshua McCarter (Saxophone), and Ryan Clifford Chin (Drums)
Scats on the Sly
Jazz
MySpace
They don't write 'em like that any more and that's OK! Scats on The Sly keep those pop and jazz standards from the 1920's and 30's jumping with precision, personality and a lot of love for the musical gems they play. With a hybrid of cool swing and hot jazz reminiscent of Dan Hicks and His Hot Licks, Squirrel Nut Zippers and Manhattan Transfer, this copacetic quartet will take you on a musical journey back to a time when songs had charm and sophisitication and beat boxes, synthesizers and Marshall stacks (not to mention political correctness) had yet to make an appearance.
Sleepover Disaster
Alternative Rock Shoegaze
MySpace - Website
Inspired one night by a particularly great set by local Fresno band Flaming June, songwriter/guitarist Luke Giffen and drummer Vince Corsaro formed The Sleepover Disaster in 1997. Sharing a love of the late 80s/early 90s Shoegazer scene, they immediately set about crafting a sound that combined big, atmospheric guitars with melodic songwriting and driving rhythms. The result is a sound rooted in the Shoegaze genre, but decidedly updated, as well as an energetic live show.
Super Lucky Catz
Acoustic Soul
Myspace - Website
The Super Lucky Catz’s goal has always been to write great songs and connect with their audience. Their positive outlook on life has made this band special in so many ways. Their lyrics are not just empty words to shadow a melody, but communicate stories of love, life, and perseverance in order to create a better world. The Super Lucky Catz do not just write songs say their fans, they write anthems.
Strange Vine
MySpace
Mike Oz from the Fresno Bee, "I'm really diggin' this new local band Strange Vine. It's a duo made up of Toby Cordova and Ian Blesse, playing bluesy/psychedelic rock dripping with older influences.
Sidenote: Blesse is best known for playing in The Same Shape -- and he confirms that the band is broken up.
Strange Vine does well at picking up where The Same Shape left off, though. This song "Close Your Eyes" is one of my favorite local songs of the year."
Suppressors
Traditional Ska
MySpace
In July of 2005, the band started out as little more than an idealistic dream in a rather ska-indifferent environment. Through hard work, perserverance, and copious mob payouts, The Suppressors are perched comfortably on top of a steamy mound of local support, hardened street cred, and vanquished competition. Hailed as the 'new kings of Fresno ska' (Soulsandsounds.com), Suppressors continue to entertain and awe. Having played over 75 shows since in the last 3 years, The Suppressors have definitely earned the title of hardest working ska band in the Central Valley. And with the recent release of a 2 song .45 vinyl record on a choice private label, you can bet your ovaries that there will be plenty more Suppressors ska in the horizon.
Synezra
Rock Artcore
MySpace
Synezra prefers to kill people with kindness... When asked to describe their sound, ArtCore was at the top of the list, then good old fashioned rock and roll. Throw some metal into that description, and old fashioned does not do them justice, they are definitely on to something new with their sound and point of view. Their songs can't be just good; they have to be fun and challenging for them to play.
Three at the Door
Smokey blues and sultry grooves: it's an intoxicating mix served up smoldering hot by Three at the Door, the new project of Fresno musicians Mallory Moad, Ron "Doc" Morse, and Martin Hansen. Having played together previously in hillbilly boogie legends They Can't Hardly Playboys, the three musicians decided to get together a bluesy trio of voice, guitar, and bass. Mallory provides the sultry vocals, drawing on her years of singing and theater experience. Doc provides the bluesy, jazzy guitar, drawing on his lifetime love of the blues. Martin digs deep and underpins it all with his lowdown groove on the bass. Together, these three make a sound much bigger than the sum of its parts. With a song list combining blues classics by Etta James, Louis Jordan and Muddy Waters with a few well-chosen and surprising standards, Three at the Door dish out a potent yet low-key musical stew that goes to your hips quicker than a plate of pork ribs.
wewalkANDdrive
Acoustic Country Folk
MySpace
wewalkANDdrive is me and my guitar.
Wheels of Fortune
Rock & Roll
MySpace - Website
Wheels of Fortune is a 4-piece band from Fresno CA, featuring Niilo Smeds, Dylan Tidyman-Jones, James Brittain-Gore and Andrew "Bad Andy" Bunnell.
All four members have extensive roots in Fresno's music scene with bands 
and solo projects including Pinkeye, No Cello, Succulent, American Sloth and many more. Wheels of Fortune will release its debut full-length album in October 2009.
Yesterday's Chonies
Gypsy Horn Music
MySpace
During Fresno's sunny sweaty summer of 2008 several people begin to wonder why they had spent so much time learning instruments that were largely useless in this first decade of the 21st century. Rather than begin playing instruments that were in demand, travel to the late 19th century, or relegate themselves to the sad sad universe of community bands these people decided to create a demand for their instruments and thusly themselves. To create the demand they created a band. The demand is artificial but it serves to ease the cognitive dissonance they had felt when realizing they had spent much of their youth walking down a path to nowhere... namely marching band. Behold everything you ever wanted created on instruments that you have no want of: Yesterday's Chonies!