Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real - sometimes referred to as POTR - is an American rock group based out of California. [1]

Formation of Promise of the Real

Lukas Nelson moved from Paia, Hawaii to Los Angeles in 2007 to attend Loyola Marymount University. In early 2008 Lukas met drummer Anthony LoGerfo at a Neil Young concert. Shortly after, the two began jamming together in Seal Beach, CA.

In October 2008 Lukas decided to quit school and pursue his dream of becoming a full time musician. Lukas called Anthony Logerfo (drummer), Tato Melgar (percussionist), Merlyn Kelly (bass), and formed 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 beat up passenger van. They sold their EP “Live Beginnings” to help pay for touring costs. The album contained live tracks recorded off the soundboard at the world famous “Belly Up” in Solana Beach, CA and was 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 including a five night stop at The Fillmore in San Francisco. Next was a two week run with the legendary B.B. King through Colorado and Nebraska. Over the course of this tour, the band had completely sold out their stock of “Live Beginnings” CDs. [2]

Brando's Paradise Sessions EP and Lineup Changes (2009)

In April 2009 Promise of the Real released their first self-released studio recording entitled Brando’s Paradise Sessions EP. Lukas’ brother Micah Nelson designed the artwork for the album and paints on stage with the band. The cover art became the basis for the band’s signature Peace Sign logo. To date, Brando’s Paradise Sessions EP has sold over 10,000 copies.

Over the course of 2009, Promise of the Real upgraded from a van to an RV named “The Real Mobile” and toured across the entire United States.

Founding bassist 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, for numerous performances throughout 2009-10 as well as friend JP Maramba [3] After a few months the band finally found their new full time permanent bassist, Corey McCormick. McCormick was an industry veteran, having performed with multiple bands and musicians including Chris Cornell of Soundgarden.

Promise of the Real (2010)

On December 21, 2010, the band released their much anticipated first full length record, the self-titled “Promise of the Real.” "Promise of the Real" was recorded in Austin, TX at Pedernales Studio in March 2010.

Cover art for the record was created by the 6 year old daughter of album engineer Steve Chadie. The remainder of the artwork was provided by Micah Nelson, which included a booklet of collected works created by Micah live on stage with the band.

The album consists of 12 official tracks and 1 bonus track. Throughout the record, the band’s multi genre influences can be heard on every track with a diverse collection of sounds and styles.

The album also pays homage to two of Lukas’s favorite musicians, Jimi Hendrix and Neil Young, through creative renditions of a “Pail Gap” / “Hey Baby, ”and “LA” respectively.[4] There’s also a cover of the song “Peaceful Solution” co-written by Lukas's father Willie Nelson and sister Amy Niccore. Lukas’s dad also offers backing vocals on “Sound of Your Memory” and “Fathers and Mothers.” Lukas’s aunt, Bobbie Nelson, plays piano on "Fathers and Mothers".

Touring and Festival Appearances (2011)

Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real toured heavily across the US during 2011 while they promoted their recently released album “Promise of the Real.” Over the course of the year, they played over 200 shows. Major festival appearances included Stagecoach, Farm Aid, Bridge School Benefit, Sturgis Buffalo Chip Campground, Willie Nelson’s Country Throwdown Tour, etc. Lukas & Promise frequently opened shows in 2012 for his father Willie Nelson, and Lukas would then do double-duty and play with his daddy's band's part of the show.

2011 also included the band’s first national TV appearances on The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, Jimmy Kimmel Live! and the Late Show with David Letterman.

Wasted (2012)

The band released their second full length studio album, Wasted, on April 3, 2012. Following the album's release the band embarked on a national tour beginning April 6 at Antone’s Nightclub in Austin, TX.

Lukas and the band were also featured on an exclusive webcast through Yahoo Music that was shot at TRI Studios (Bob Weir’s studio). The webcast aired on April 17, 2012 and has been viewed by hundreds of thousands of people. Along with the webcast, the band was featured as the homepage artist on Yahoo music.

On May 1, 2012, Live Nation announced that Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real would be acting as direct support for John Fogerty on his coast to coast tour of Canada set September 8 – 29, 2012.

Willie Nelson's Heroes (2012)

Willie Nelson’s album Heroes released on May 15, 2012 featured Lukas playing guitar and/or singing on 10 out of 14 tracks.

Willie and Promise of the Real performed a cover of Pearl Jam’s Just Breathe live on Willie’s Roadhouse channel on Sirius XM on May 15, 2012. Lukas and Willie also performed “Texas Flood” on Late Night with Jimmy Fallon on May 14, 2012.

Band Members

• Lukas Nelson – lead vocals/guitar
• Anthony LoGerfo – drums
• Corey McCormick – bass, backing vocals
• Tato Melgar – percussion

References

1. ^ http://www.inlander.com/spokane/article-16339-out-on-his-own.html
2. ^ http://www.saljournal.com/news/story/Lukas-Nelson-12-3-clone
3. ^ http://www.sacramentopress.com/headline/36806/LUKAS_NELSON_PROMISE_OF_THE_REAL_Part_1
4. ^ http://www.nodepression.com/profiles/blogs/review-lukas-nelson-amp?xg_source=activity

External links

• Official website
• Lukas Nelson & Promise of the Real on Facebook
• Sacramento Press