Brian Curtis - (Lead Vocals / Acoustic)- originally from El Dorado Hills, CA - landed in Nashville in Nov 2005. It wasn't the shortest or most ordinary route he traveled to arrive in Music City. After earning his degree in International Business from the University of California, Irvine, Brian ventured abroad and soon found himself singing lead for a country cover band in Japan while teaching English during the days. Japan was followed by a year in Italy - it was there that Brian began consistently songwriting, and signs started pointing toward Music City as his next stop. In Nov 2005 Brian packed up and officially made the move to Nashville. Songwriting sessions and writer nights led to gigs as a demo singer, which brings him now to center stage singing lead for KURTIS. An impressive vocal range combined with a genuine organic stage presence allows viewers to feel part of each and every song he delivers. From the studio to the stage Brian delivers with confidence and emotion.
Luckey - (Electric / Acoustic / Vocals) - raised in Nashville, TN - he has been surrounded by music his entire life. Honing his songwriting craft throughout his teenage years, Luckey saw his first hold as a songwriter at 18 years old. After studying guitar at MTSU, he left Nashville with guitar in tow and spent a couple years as a hunting guide in Colorado and commercial fisherman in Alabama, only to find his way back home in 2004. A few cover bands and hundreds of shows later, he finds himself in the throes of KURTIS. Luckey's ability to write songs, sing, play guitar, hear harmony lines, all naturally add up to his role as band leader of KURTIS. He has a strong and present bass / baritone range that is an important element to the KURTIS sound. In a KURTIS live show, aside from electric and rhythm guitar, you will find him singing harmonies, hitting a dual lead (Big and Rich esque) with Brian, or grabbing center mic and keeping true to his roots with a dirty country uptempo.
Shawn Rhem - (Electric Guitar / BGV's) - from his hometown of Highpoint, NC - Shawn's first love of music is stamped by true rock 'n roll. Growing up he endlessly played guitar and after graduating high school Shawn opted to attend Atlanta's Institute of Music ( A.I.M ) to further polish his guitar skills. After his studies at A.I.M., Shawn ventured north, living and working in NYC. A DJ at by night and aspiring songwriter by day, learning and studying the song writing craft. In August of 2008, the time came when Shawn decided to move to Nashville and aggressively pursue music. Shawn can play lead and shred with the best of them while adding high harmonies to the vocal wall of KURTIS. Consider his ability as as a songwriter, and you have another strong piece of the puzzle in making up KURTIS.
Bill Gregory - (Bass) - moved to Music City in February 2008 from his hometown of Danville, IN. Music seemed to always be in the cards for Bill. Guitar lessons began as early as 8 years old, and he joined his first band at 13 playing rhythm. Throughout high school, Bill continued building his guitar skill set, moving from acoustic rhythm, to electric, then onto bass. Bill attended college at Indiana State, earning degrees in both Graphic Design and Music, with an emphasis in classical guitar. His 6'5" frame, bald shiny head, and captivating stage presence has been known to steal the show more often than the rest of the guys like to admit. You can watch Bill on stage, enjoy his complex and tasteful 5 string bass lines, and just tell he has "been there done that".
John Rodrig - (Drums) - from Houma, LA is the youngest member of KURTIS at 23 years old. Drums, drums, and more drums...at 10 years old John was given his first drum kit, and it was apparent from the start that music was in his blood. At 13 he was drumming in his first band, which naturally led to playing gigs throughout high school. At 18 he auditioned for Berklee College of Music in Boston, MA, and was not only accepted into the program, but also offered a partial scholarship to attend. His musical experience and knowledge is impressive and wide ranging - playing and listening to everything from punk rock, to jazz, to metal and everything in between. Now country music and KURTIS are his primary focus - be it scoping the competition on CMT and GAC or writing drum parts to the KURTIS songs.
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