The Droppers / Members
Mike Walton
Background Vocalist GuitaristMike started playing guitar 20 years ago in the San Francisco bay area. Forming his first band in high school, he honed his skills on songs by REM, Pearl Jam, U2, Weezer, Green Day, Stone Temple Pilots, and many other staples from the mid 90's. Since moving to Orange County in 2001, he has played in many projects as a bassist and a guitarist, from small acoustic coffee house groups to hard rocking tribute bands, and everything in between. Mike is the newest member of the Droppers, Joining the band in June of 2014 he brings to the table a dedication to the sound and a bold approach to some familiar concepts in music. Right off the bat he has expanded the nature of the sound and added a flair that we hadn’t even approached before. Mike’s perfectionism will definitely be a great addition to the band and help us refine the sound and get us one step closer to perfection and continuity.
Shaun Lopez
Background Vocalist BassistShaun Lopez grew up in San Diego, CA and enjoyed all the rock music that fine city had to offer. During his time in high school (1994-1998), he picked up the guitar and became the lead guitarist in his first band simply to try and score a date with a girl. After failing miserably at scoring any dates in high school, his love for music remained and he moved to San Luis Obispo to attend college at Cal Poly, earning music minor. While at the central coast of Cali, he put aside the electric guitar and joined a band that needed a bass guitarist. It was at that point where Shaun Lopez found his instrument of choice and started giving people a reason to get off of their seat and boogie. Influenced by artists such Louis Johnson, John Paul Jones, and Justin Chancellor; and bands such as The Band of Gypsies, The Black Keys, The Doors (even though they didn’t have a bass player), Pink Floyd, and Led Zeppelin, Shaun continued to develop his own melodic groove. After a few years playing rock and roll had passed, Lopez decided that he needed a day job so he wouldn’t turn into a starving musician. So he took a 5-year musical hiatus to pursue a career in teaching. This decision put the ball in motion that would eventually lead Shaun towards finding The Droppers. In 2013, that’s when the magic happened. Lopez accepted a Math Teacher position in Orange County at the same time the former bassist of the Droppers decided to leave town. Since, the former bassist and Lopez were old friends, and since Lopez started playing in a side project with The Dropper’s drummer at the time, it was a no brainer for The Droppers to extend their invite for an initial jam session. The chemistry of his playing molded perfectly to The Droppers’ new sound and BAM, like a tag in during a Mexican Wrestling match, it’s now Lopez’s job to bring in the BOOM so that all of you are out of your seat dancing like little kids again.
Elias Schwartzman
ViolinistClassically trained from 5 years old on violin, Elias Schwartzman is a Washington DC native and attended Oberlin College. He has several years’ experience as a solo street performer in major cities on both the East and West Coast. He now resides in Orange County and plays all styles on violin, from rock to old-time fiddle to classical violin.
Tim Newman
Harmonicist SaxophonistTim first met the band at a show in 2010. When Joe found out he played sax, Tim was at the next rehearsal and has been with the Droppers ever since. He likes a broad range of music but frequently listens to the Dave Matthews Band, Eric Lindell, O.A.R, and a constantly changing mix with bands like Galactic, the Revivalists, and JJ Grey & Mofro. As a sax player, he is influenced by the many great saxophonists out there, including the late LeRoi Moore from DMB, Jerry DePizzo with O.A.R, and Jazz Saxophonist Eric Marienthal. Tim’s Equipment- Saxophone: Yamaha model YTS-82Z tenor, Rico H ligature, Jody Jazz DV metal mouthpiece, Vandoren #2 ZZ and #2 V12 reeds Mic: Audix RAD360 wireless system with ADX20i mic; Audio-Technica M2M wireless in-ear system with Ultimate Ears Custom in-ear monitors Pedals: Boss CE-5 chorus and Line 6 Echo Park delay Harmonica: Sydel Blues Session Steel and Suzuki Promaster harmonicas with Shaker Retro Rocket mic
Julio Arana
PercussionistBorn in Guadalajara Mexico and raised in Orange County, he has been playing drums for 15 years. Julio comes from a long line of musicians, mostly violin players starting with his grandfather, uncles and cousins. He grew up watching his grandfather play and tour was immersed in music from a young age. In fact his first instrument was the Violin, but growing up with Rock n Roll around the house, he soon discovered that drums was his focus. Watching those videos on MTV made him dream of his own Tommy Lee like Kit and soon, he began banging on anything and everything he could. Julio is versatile in all sounds including, rock, funk, hip pop, metal, punk and jazz. He has played with countless acts in different styles and loves playing live. He lives for it, the crowd, the sweat, all of it. Julio is very excited to join The Droppers and is looking forward to crushing the skins. Julio is a lifetime drummer bringing experience and a go getter attitude in the band. He loves playing in the pocket but can crank out John Bohnam like solos when needed. His attention to dynamics and perfect tempo are rarely seen in drummers now days. Before joining The Droppers, Julio was usually the only one in the band to play with his shirt off, he now has a good partner in crime in Joe who also likes to take his shirt off. Keep an eye out for lots of flesh and plenty of tunes.
Joe Puccio
Guitarist VocalistJoe has been the driving force behind the band since its beginning. He is last original Founding Member left in the band. He has worked hard to surround himself with incredible musicians and it shows in the energy that he exudes on stage. Its hard to watch him and not wish you were dancing right next to him. His energy pours off the stage and catches any crowd I have seen him perform in front of. He reminds us all how much fun we have doing what we’re doing, and that is why we are here in the first place. It's safe to say that he is a great leader. The band has come a long way since its inception and Joe has continued to surround himself with talented musicians that add to the continuity of the band and the uniqueness of the sound while refining his talents. Joe's great showmanship and charisma always gets the crowd involved and motivated to let loose and enjoy themselves.
