Almost Honest

OUR STORY
Together meeting one night in a friend's basement during a lengthy Jam session, Almost Honest was born. Hailing from San Jose, California, Drew Orepeza and Justin Florence bonded instantly during that summer night in 2008 and have been creating music together ever since.

"Often we are asked what Almost Honest represents. It lies somewhere between the truth and a lie, a grey area that you can walk through with expression in music, whereas sometimes in life, it can get you in trouble. Music allows that " Drew Orepeza (Singer & songwriter). Their name and what it represents is somewhat ironic as the band tends to use real life experiences creating a completely open and unedited form of story telling including life, love and loss and the pursuit of unequivocal truth.

Drew, a self-taught vocalist with a love for R&B and classic rock, found music late, searching for a more useful purpose and outlet. Before creating Almost Honest, he would entertain family and friends with his vast musical knowledge and off the cuff singing, guitar and piano playing. When alone, Drew would re-create classic songs training his voice and harnessing his natural talents. With influences such as Sam Cooke, Stevie Wonder, D'Angelo, and Radiohead, Drew's vocal ability is a unique gift with a soulful sound that captures and captivates audiences.

Justin began his musical career at 13 years old, headlining sold out venues in San Jose as the lead guitarist for the band: My Former Self. As the guitarist for MFS, Justin toured the United States on the Warped Tour and festivals such as BFD. "It was a great experience that's molded me into a much more rounded musician. Nothing teaches you the ropes like the road. Gives you a different more appreciative perspective of things." It's easy to hear influences like James Taylor and John Frusciante with the unique rhythm styling of Curtis Mayfield.

After writing together for several months, Almost Honest decided to move to Hollywood to follow their dream. They began writing and playing the Los Angeles club circuit. Including stops at venues like: The Roxy, The Whisky a Go Go, The Pig and Whistle, Room 5, The House of Blues, Coach House and several other LA stages. While in Hollywood, many heads turned to witness the special combination of Rock and R&B and Soul that Almost Honest creates. Among those was James Sáez who signed onto the project as their producer. James resume is vast having worked on many classic albums by artists such as No Doubt (Tragic Kingdom), Social Distortion and Bonnie Raiit. While working with and mentoring the duo, James asked long time friend Clark Germain (Herbie Hancock, U2), whose resume includes Grammy's and an Emmy nomination, to help engineer and mix their debut EP.

At the beginning of May 2010, Almost Honest started recording their Album at legendary East West Studio in Hollywood, California. Joining them on the album is Juan Nelson who played bass with Ben Harper for the last decade and helped write some of Ben's Grammy winning music. Also on the EP is legendary studio and live drummer Kenny Aronoff. Kenny's resume includes John Mellencamp, Elton John, Ray Charles, Bon Jovi, and many more. Their debut EP embodies the strong roots of Rock/Pop Soul and R&B including catchy hooks and melodies that are easily digestible in shades of Maroon 5, The Script, and other pop/rock crossover artists. The music instantly pulls you into a story of life's lessons, relationship tribulations, and the ascent to find truth.

An Artist to watch in 2012, be sure to lend an ear and watchful eye to Almost Honest. Their debut release set for late 2012.