by Sarah A. Peterson-Camacho
As Fresno band The Tokes approach their first full year of play, the trio (vocalist/guitarist Gabriel Ureno, bassist Christian “Dank Lord Trap God” Miller, and drummer Bryce Lowenthal) look back and look ahead.
The Tokes-left to right Gabriel Ureno, Christian “Dank Lord Trap God” Miller & on the drums Bryce Lowenthal
KRL: How long have The Tokes been making music as a band?
The Tokes: Almost a year, February 24, 2017.
KRL: What particular genre of music do you play?
Tokes: Garage rock or punk.
KRL: What was the inspiration behind the band’s name?
Tokes: We live recreational lives, and we thought it sounded catchy to the style of music we play.
KRL: Who are your biggest musical influences?
Tokes: Contemporaries in our genre, bands like Pangea, FIDLAR, And The Frights, as well as vintage punk and classic rock.
KRL: Whose music did you listen to while growing up?
Tokes: The Beatles, the Rolling Stones, the Who, Cheap Trick, Talking Heads, Sum 41, and Blink-182.
KRL: Did you always want to be musicians?
Gabriel Ureno: Not really. It wasn’t until I was about fourteen. A kid I knew wanted to learn guitar, and I figured if he could do it, then I could too. That was the time when my grandfather got me my first guitar.
Christian “Dank” Miller: At one point I wanted to be a professional scooter rider, until I broke my hip; that’s when I started playing guitar and got into playing music.
Bryce Lowenthal: I grew up in a household where there was always a drum set. I guess I was destined to always play drums; I’m a third generation drummer, and my dad has always motivated and encouraged me to play drums through school.
KRL: What’s your songwriting process?
Gabriel: I write a riff usually, or I have a melody, and the guys help me run with these ideas. Our music comes from that; it’s just spontaneous and on the spot.
KRL: Where have you played locally?
Tokes: We’ve played in many places in the Central Valley, ranging from our own house parties or a friend’s, to Strummers and Fulton 55 in Fresno, the Cellar Door in Visalia, places like that. We used to play at the Dynamite Vinyl Records, too, when it was a thing. Good times!
KRL: What is the best part about making and performing music?
Tokes: Always knowing that we can improve, and the fact that we are able to share our ideas with people through our music.
KRL: Any upcoming concerts, events, and/or projects you’d like our readers to know about?
Tokes: We play a lot of DIY house parties, so there’s always those. We are working on a record right now, and have a label we are in talks with working on helping us release it. Also, we have a few festivals coming up, ShineFest out at The Wakehouse in Reedley on May 25-28 and Vintage Days at Fresno State on April 20 to name a couple. Our shows are constantly being updated. We’ll be making some local media appearances as well.
For more information on The Tokes and their upcoming performances, please visit their Facebook page and their ReverbNation profile. You can also follow them on Twitter and Instagram.
Check out more local band & musician profiles in KRL’s music section.
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