The Councilmen are Keaton York, 25 (guitar/lead vox), Julian Sanchez, 22 (bass/vox), Taylor Haley, 22 (drums) and Kyle Appleton, 24 (guitar/producer). The band formed the summer of 2007, having grown up together in Bakersfield as friends and fellow musicians. The Councilmen is their second collaboration: their first attempt happened during high school. The band influences range from their personal tastes to an amalgamation of local country ro...

The Councilmen are Keaton York, 25 (guitar/lead vox), Julian Sanchez, 22 (bass/vox), Taylor Haley, 22 (drums) and Kyle Appleton, 24 (guitar/producer). The band formed the summer of 2007, having grown up together in Bakersfield as friends and fellow musicians. The Councilmen is their second collaboration: their first attempt happened during high school. The band influences range from their personal tastes to an amalgamation of local country roots and universal industry greats such as the Beatles, Led Zeppelin, Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Crosby Stills and Nash, etc...

In a short amount of time The Councilmen have gained the respect of many in the entrainment business. Winning an opportunity to compete in the CBS Early Show Battle of the Bands in the summer of 2007, then in July of 2008 GAC featured The Councilmen on their show, "The Next GAC Star", by playing part of their homemade video "Boxcar Sermon". They didn't make the finals but they did gain the attention of Rodney Powell.

"The Councilmen, remember this name!" said Powell (drummer for The Tennessee Three, Randy Travis and Donna Summer). "These guys are gonna be big in the music industry. Keaton York is one of the best writers I've seen in a long time! I'm blown away at the dedication and music ability these guys have!"

Locally, The Councilmen have established themselves as a priority act, drawing regular crowds that put pubs at maximum capacity. The band's focus was to take the energy of progressive rock and power bands and meld it with the attitude of early '60s and '70s rock. The largest part of the band is their live shows. Their sound is best described by the people who come to their shows and share the stage with them. "I can't help but hear some Nirvana influence in some songs," says Brian Sadler of Last American Buffalo. "Americana/bluesy material is really great, vocals are profesh and have their own sound, swagger, and a heartfelt quality."