Meet the band

( Hoover over a bandmates image and click to learn more about him. )

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Garret Voorhees

Guitars/Backing Vox
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Matt Timbers

Hyper Vocals
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Phil Braun

Bass
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Tui Lee

Guitars/Backing Vox
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Jimmy Alexander

Lead Vocals
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Brian Kelly

Drums

StepChild Bio

STEPCHILD was forged in the streets of San Jose California. Raised on the heavy hitters of the bay Area thrash metal scene like Metallica, Machine Head, Exodus, Testament, and Death Angel. The band started by a chance meeting between James Alexander, (Vocals), and Garrett Voorhees, (Guitar) , who were unsatisfied with the bands they were in. They decided to recruit long time friend and veteran of the scene, Phil "Skip" Braun, (Bass), and Roger Somorji, (Drums), a friend and former band mate of Voorhees. The four began playing shows and toured the west coast immediately. The band quickly gained the attention of booking agents, club owners and of course a huge fan base. They became the obvious choice to play with touring national acts such as Trapped, Static X, Papa Roach, Stained, and Suicidal Tendencies just to name a few. With their unique Punk/ Metal/ Street Gangster sound, the band gained more popularity and watched their fan base continue to grow. The loyal fans of the band have even dubbed their musical style as "Maniac Metal.

The four band mates then decided to relocate to Sacramento, California where they immediately gained the respect of Sacramento radio stations and were soon playing to sold out crowds all throughout Northern California. As the band began their move to Sacramento, Somorji decided that the touring life was not for him and left the band. Alexander didn't miss a beat though and recruited Brian "Beatdown" Kelly, a drummer who made a name for himself in the Sacramento Area. As the band's sound progressed and changed, they added Matt Timbers as their second vocalist. Matt had been a longtime friend and fan of the band. This addition to the line-up was a welcome and unique change. Again, the band's popularity grew even bigger. A new image and sound was emerging. They then decided to bring veteran guitarist and Sacramento native, Tui Lee on board. With Lee's proven track record as a touring and recording artist, STEPCHILD could only benefit by adding him to the family.

The band continues to be requested to play with the touring nationals by booking agents, promoters and club owners. Most recently, the band has played with and or toured with bands such as Hed (p.e), Skin Lab, Rehab, Flaw, Taproot, Helmet, Agent Orange and many, many more. With all of their combined experience, unique sound and proven ability to dominate the shows that they are on, the band is still working hard to take their music to a higher level.

STEPCHILD recently released the music video for their latest single, "Maniac" which was directed by Jordan McClure. The music video has reached worldwide audiences and continues to help spread the word about this high energy band. The band is currently putting the finishing touches on their second full length album which is to be released in June of this year, followed up by extensive touring to support the album. So when STEPCHILD is in your area, come see what Maniac Metal is all about.

Garret Voorhees

Instrument

Guitars/Backing Vox

Years Playing

15 years

Biography

I grew up in Santa Cruz, CA where most people listen to surf music. I heard Black Sabbath at the age of 10 and I loved metal immediately. At 12 years old I got my first guitar and played a lot of punk rock, Metallica and Iron Maiden. I knew at that point I wanted to play guitar for the rest of my life. I’m very blessed to be playing with Stepchild because not only are they great musicians, they are also my best friends. I can’t wait to see what the future holds for us.


Matt Timbers

Instrument

Hyper Vocals

Years Playing

3 years

Biography

My rock star story is true. I have been a friend of Jimmy, Phil and Garrett for a long time. I have been to many Stepchild shows as a Fan! I even used to help out the band by creating flyers and websites. One day Jimmy said, “ Dude, come try and be the second singer.” Next thing you know I am on the stage alongside of my homeboys, doing it! It’s been a fucking blast ever since. I come from a Skater Kid background and was raised by Hippies. I never even imagined that I would be sharing the stage with the Punk, Metal and Rap bands that I listened too. But here I am. I am stoked to be a part of this Band and I love these guys like brothers!

Phil (Skip) Braun

Instrument

Bass

Years Playing

8 years

Biography

What can I say, I love to write, record and play music! I've always had a real passion for it. Been playing guitar and bass for years and been in some others bands. I've always thought about how music out lives the man and want to leave some badass music behind. Here's to family, friends and the music !!! Cause in the end it's all I ever wanted........Peace, out

Tui Lee

Instrument

Guitars/Backing Vox

Years Playing

10 years

Biography

Well hell, what do I think you should know about me? Been playin' guitar since I was 8 but never took it seriously till I heard Master of Puppets by Metallica. Been playin' heavy ever since. Grew up in Nor Cal between SF and the valley. Music has always been my constant. Bad days made better by playin music, good days sustained by crankin’ up the amp to infinity! Yeah, fuck your 11! Jumped around from project to project, trying to find that right fit......and wouldn't ya know it, I found it in STEPCHILD! I'm a whiskey and beer guy all the way. Love my women vulgar and confident, my drinks dark and strong and my music loud, heavy and fast!

Jimmy Alexander

Instrument

Lead Vocals

Years Playing

8 years

Biography

Early influences for me as a kid were bands like Slayer, Metallica, Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath which were life altering for me. I was a long haired, peg pants wearin’, guitar playin’ metal head. I was driven to be in a band from an early age. The first time a performed in front of anyone was at a keg party and there was a band playing but no one singing. So I grabbed the mic and sang some Metallica songs and the whole party erupted into a mosh pit. And that’s when I knew the music life was for me. This drive to play music is way bigger than me as a whole. Being a founding member of Stepchild has given me the opportunity to play with some of the biggest bands in the world to date. I’m extremely grateful to have some of my best friends in the band with me. Stepchild isn’t just a band that I play in, it’s a way of life for me. It’s family.

Brian (Beatdown) Kelly

Instrument

Drums

Years Playing

7 years

Biography

Hey what's up STEPCHILD fans and family it's Brian The Beatdown Kelly here!!! Let me give you a lil rundown on my get down. I have been influenced by many different genres of music from such bands as Slayer, Metallica, Tool, Godsmack, Machine Head, Hip Hop, Funk and anything that has a brutal punchy groove. I believe in playing beats that make the ladies shake what there momma gave’m and the fellas wanna wreck each other. I have found that with STEPCHILD I am able to express myself as I wish to with no limitations. I am looking forward to making great music with my brothers of Maniac Metal and seeing you all when STEPCHILD hits the road on tour. Until then much love and respect !! Brian The Beatdown Kelly

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