The Real Nasty is a power trio based out of the San Francisco Bay Area known for their ability to flow from country to rock with a raw force that leaves audiences reeling. Their huge sound and large repertoire is bolstered by the unique instrumentation of upright bass, guitar, and cajon (an Afro-Cuban box drum) and their music offers a fresh approach that “stomps through the same fields once occupied by Led Zeppelin and Johnny Cash, [with] even some Pixies-esque weirdness to keep everyone on their toes”(SF Weekly).
Coming off of a well received tour with rave reviews from press and audiences alike The Real Nasty will be releasing their second album “Strangers & Friends” on October 8th at the New Parish Theater in Oakland, CA. The album can be described as a soulful mix of countrified rock that “blends folk, rock, blues, and country into a hard-hitting package”(East Bay Express). Their first album ‘Paper City’ is a double EP that “captures The Real Nasty’s gritty, live performance in a studio setting”(Heavy Connector) and highlights the band’s in-your-face philosophy.
Throughout the fall and winter The Real Nasty will be touring behind the new album playing material from both ‘Strangers and Friends’ and ‘Paper City’ with some new cuts thrown in. Along with touring throughout the West the band will begin work on a new rock EP in October scheduled for release by the end of 2010.
The Real Nasty- bassist Ryan Lukas, guitarist Jacob Groopman, and percussionist Matthew “Smitty” Smith- all come from strong musical backgrounds to make music that is a thoughtful blend of influences that produces “utter sonic delight”(SF Gate).
Member Bio’s
Ryan Lukas: Upright Bass, Vocals – Ryan Lukas is an accomplished upright and electric bassist who has come into his own as the primary songwriter for The Real Nasty. Ryan is a graduate of the Crane School of Music and has worked as a professional bassist and educator for over 15 years. He has performed with such ensembles as Persephone’s Bees, Alex Torres and His Latin Orchestra, The Flux, the Brian Patneaude Quartet, Sensamaya and many many more. Ryan is also an adjunct professor at Santa Clara University where he teaches bass.
Jacob Groopman: Electric Guitar, Vocals – Jacob likes to keep it simple and rock solid. Using a Telecaster and an amp with minimal effects he has developed a raw guitar tone that glues together The Real Nasty's sound. Jacob is a graduate of the Oberlin Conservatory of Music and is a former member of the award winning afro-beat band ALBINO!. A consummate and well-rounded performer, Jacob is also a mainstay in the local bluegrass scene and a sought after teacher at bluegrass camps across the country.
Matthew "Smitty" Smith: Cajon, cymbals, percussion, modified bass drum - Smitty's pursuit of musical styles has taken him across the globe to study folkloric and popular music ranging from West African to Cuban and beyond. With his cajon set in The Real Nasty, he melds percussion techniques from several musical traditions to create a fresh approach to rock and country drumming. Smitty's style is varied and adaptable, earning him a reputation as a creative and solid percussive force. Smitty is also a former member of ALBINO! and a current student of West African Master Drummer and Dancer CK Ladzepko.
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