The Nickel Slots
- Genres
- Alt-Country
- Americana
- Rock 'N' Roll
- Websites
- http://www.thenickelslotsmusic.com
- Check out our facebook page
- Follow us on Instagram
- Follow us on Twitter
- Listen to our music here
- Awards and Nominations
- SAMMIES 2020 Nominee★ Country/Americana/Alt-Country ★
- SAMMIES 2019 Nominee★ Country/Americana/Alt-Country ★
- SAMMIES 2018 Nominee★ Country/Americana/Alt-Country ★
- Musicians
- Christopher Amaral — drums
- Paul Zinn — bass, mandolin, vocals
- Steve Amaral — lead guitar, vocals
- Tony Brusca — guitar, lead vocals
- Share
- Contact
- theNickelSlots@gmail.com
Q & A
As a child growing up, music surrounds us. What type of music did you hear the most back then?
02.16.20
As a band, our collective influences come from Tom Petty and Johnny Cash to The Clash and The Blasters. As well as a ton of '70s and '80s rock pop and punk.
Can you describe a moment in your career, where you felt like you truly reached somebody or made a difference?
02.16.20
There have been a lot of great opportunities presented to us, we’ve opened for Bob Seger, we’ve toured to Europe and our music videos have enjoyed national and international exposure. When strangers come up to us and know the words to our songs, or tell us how our music got them through some rough times, we always feel humbled and motivated. We are happy to be a part of people lives and a part of their personal soundtrack!
Describe your show visually and musically.
02.16.20
WE ROCK!
Do you have regular gigs around town?
02.16.20
Yes, Feb. 22 at the Brick Venue in Nevada City, Feb 28 at the Torch Club here in Sacramento, March 14 at Father Paddy’s in Woodland.
How do you describe your interviews to people?
02.16.20
Our interviews are fun, obnoxious and a really good time!
How do you describe your music to people?
02.16.20
It's rock 'n' roll, it's roots rock, it's Americana. It’s the line drawn between Tom Petty, Johnny Cash and The Clash.
How do you feel about musical award competitions?
02.16.20
Musical competitions are not easy as there are some many different genres and tastes, but it does raise awareness about live music and bands. Especially, bands like us that continue to preform and record original music.
If your band was a movie, what movie would it be?
02.16.20
Game of Thrones .
Is there a central theme to your band's music?
02.16.20
Its feel good music. Desperate, but hopeful.
Name a pet peeve.
02.16.20
Bands that take too long to get the hell off the stage when their set is done.
Tell us about how the band formed.
02.16.20
We started this band here in Sacramento in October 2008. Tony and my brother Chris, started playing with Paul and a handful of different guitarist, then I joined up and its been the same four guys for 11 Years now. We have four full-length albums, one Christmas EP and a three-song Tom Petty tribute. We have filmed a number of music videos and it's still full speed ahead as we continue writing our fifth studio album and anticipate a new music video and our fourth summer tour to Europe.
Tell us about how you first started gigging.
02.16.20
Tony, Chris and I had all played locally in bands: The Brodys, Red Star Memorial and Popgun. We had continued to network and contact bookers that we already had relationships with. Our first show was at True Love 2.0 owned by Kevin and Allyson Seconds.
Tell us about your best gig in Sac.
02.16.20
There have been a ton of awesome shows at Harlow’s, Torch Club and Old Ironsides, but when we got to open for Bob Seger at Sleep Train Arena in front of 17,000 people in our home town and we were well received … Well, let's just say that was a really special night for us!
Tell us about your worst gig.
02.16.20
Which one???
Tell us about yourself.
02.16.20
We have great chemistry together and a ton of energy that we like to share with the audience. Big or small shows, we always give it our all!
What are your musical goals?
02.16.20
We are continuing to share our music and play as many shows as we can. We are working on our fifth album and another music video as well as planning our fourth tour to Europe in Summer 2020.
What do you sing in the shower? (Be honest.)
02.16.20
What’s your favorite song to perform live right now? "Whiskey On Your Grave" from our latest album Pack up All Regrets.
What drives you to keep playing even though the music industry can be so harsh?
02.16.20
We just love to play and write music. It's what we do and we love doing it and sharing it with our fans. Our cup is half full and the best is yet to come!
What's the story behind the band name?
02.16.20
The name came from one of Tony’s song lyrics.
What's your favorite local artist/group?
02.16.20
50 Watt Heavy, Danny Morris, Joy and Madness to name a few of many talented groups in our area!
Where do you see yourself in ten years?
02.16.20
Working on the next Nickel Slots record and tour.
Who are your biggest influences?
02.16.20
Tom Petty, Johnny Cash, the Clash, The Blasters, to name a few.
Words to live by?
02.16.20
If you’ve got nothing good to say don’t say nothing at all!
You're given a magic wand. What do you do with it?
02.16.20
Stop all the forest fires and unite our country.
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