Beautiful Criminal:
Many describe the sound as kind of a heavy coldplay, with memorable vocal hooks supported by strong guitar melodies. Drawing from a wide variety of influences including U2, Snow Patrol, Angels and Airwaves, and Lifehouse, the band’s debut release explores the themes of relationships and faith, while providing a unique hopefulness that is strongly reflected both lyrically and musically in every song.
The Band:
Founded by Songwriter Nate Picard and Guitarist/Producer Kip Haynes, the 4 piece band brings a wide variety of musical influences and styles to the group. They are performing heavily in Los Angeles, while hoping to build a national fanbase with this recording.
Singer/Songwriter Nathan Picard has spent much of the last decade fronting a rock band from Colorado, touring nationally and making a name for himself in the Los Angeles music scene. His songs have been featured in such TV shows as Criminal Minds, Road Rules, Kyle XY and Army Wives. He has shared a stage such acts as Jewel, 3 Doors Down, The Calling and Lenny Kravetz. His song-writing has been raved about by Music Connection Magazine with the "1 Demo of the Year" and "Hot 100 Unsigned Artist of Year"
Producer/Guitarist Kip Haynes is a LA studio player who has produced and performed with countless bands, singers, and artists in Los Angeles and on the east coast. He has toured in the United States and Europe. As a talented musician and producer, Kip has an amazing ability to draw out emotion through the use of layered textures and melody on the guitar.
Drummer Kelly King has quickly made a name for himself on the LA scene. Working with artists like Rihanna, Stevie Scott (American Idol) and George Lynch he now lends his talents to Beautiful Criminal. A self described groove drummer one hears diverse influences like Dave Grohl, Keith Moon and Stewart Copeland in Kelly's playing. Kelly joined Beautiful Criminal with their " songs first, ego second" approach to modern rock music.
Bassist Jeremy Farmer began his official musical career singing in the bass section of the Afro Ethnic Studies Community ensemble at Cal State Fullerton. There he met and studied under resident bassist Daniel Bustillos. In 2004, he joined Orange County jazz quintet Scenic Root, playing a number of formal events for the Black Students Union and the fraternities and sororities of Long Beach State. Jeremy sites Rocco Prestia (Tower of Power), James Jamerson (Motown) and Stuart Zender (Jamiroquai) as his strongest influences.