Genre: Hard Rock/Metal, Rock
Hometown: Sacramento, CA

Emerging from the Golden State's capital, Sacramento's Blacklight Hotel is a 4-piece force to be reckoned with. Guitarist Eric Davis, Singer/Guitarist Jennifer Valdez, and Drummer Kris Ayala performed together for years in the band March Into Paris, finding their musical forever home alongside Bassist Daniel Risley in Blacklight Hotel. Drawing from their kaleidoscope of influences and each having 20+ years of performing experience in their back pockets, Blacklight Hotel blends intricate math rock polyrhythms with the intimacy of folk, catchiness of pop, and raw intensity of post-hardcore. Fans of everyone from Arcade Fire to Warpaint will relate.

The band's influences have led to their unique sound. Valdez leaned on Elton, Fleetwood, Whitney, No Doubt, and began singing Broadway showtunes and playing piano at the age of 6. Meanwhile, co-guitarist Davis models the eccentricities of superhumans Nathan Larson from Shudder to Think and Piggy from Voivod. Ayala's drum inspiration is all Jazz, copping practice time during his childhood on his father's drum kit. And Risley's bass inspiration comes from the frenetic pace of Hendrix' Experience and the bizarre musical monsters of King Crimson, along with Yes' legendary Chris Squire (RIP).

With a rock solid rhythmic foundation in its Jazz & Prog backbone, Blacklight Hotel shines bright by featuring not only Valdez' soaring vocal ability, but intertwining the guitar work between her and Davis. "Our guitar roles are fully split," explains Valdez. "Eric and I trade rhythm and lead from song to song, our parts essentially completing each others' musical phrases." And when it comes to that vocal ability, the band delights in the folly of those who underestimate their singer. "Yes, people judge a 5'0" female at every turn. But without fail, those doubters apologize after they witness what we can do."

Blacklight Hotel is an impenetrable musical force with two full-time songwriters whose ideas gain momentum once they come to light in the rehearsal room. Guitar harmonies and textured chord progressions lay the groundwork for their lyrics. Leads come at you from both sides of the stage, all the while laser-focused rhythmic backing sets the stage for the band's lyrical message. Catch Blacklight Hotel on every major social & streaming platform. Visit blacklighthotelband.com for live shows and band updates.

Bio by Wiley Koepp