The Nickel Slots: Electronic Press Kit

Contents

Biography

The Nickel Slots take you on a journey through hard times and desperation that always carries hope that better things are just around the corner. With influence from early roots Americana music as well as a touch of rebellious ’70s punk, The Nickel Slots draw the line that connects Johnny Cash to The Clash. From the sentimental folk tune to the foot-stomping, raucous sing-along, their rocking Americana brings you back to a long-lost memory or shared experience of pain, joy, heartache, love, hope, and redemption.

They began performing together in November 2008 in Sacramento, California, and the following spring a song from their debut album spent a month in rotation on KWOD 106.5 FM’s Sounds of Sacramento series. The Nickel Slots have won three Sammie Awards for Outstanding Americana/Alt-Country, one for Best Live Performer, and are now in the Sammies Hall of Fame. Upon the release of their fourth album Pack up All Regrets, a SubMerge Magazine profile of them said “The band has carved against the grain to create something truly vibrant.” The Nickel Slots have toured four times in Europe including headlining a night of The Green Escape music festival in France in 2018, and in March 2015 shared the stage with Bob Seger and the Silver Bullet Band at their concert at Sleep Train Arena. Their debut music video for “The Devil’s Chain Gang” won Best US Music Video at the 2015 American Online Film Awards and two awards at the 2013 Sacramento Film and Music Festival, and all four of The Nickel Slots’ music videos have garnered airplay on multiple TV networks and websites. Americana radio stations both in the USA and Europe are also starting to discover The Nickel Slots’ four albums and Christmas EP.

Lead singer, songwriter, and acoustic guitarist Tony Brusca’s songs tell unique stories and he has a knack for connecting with live audiences to make them believe he’s one of them. Bassist and mandolin player Paul Zinn’s backing vocals add an extra dimension to Tony’s melodies, and his bass lines just can’t sit still. Christopher Amaral, The Nickel Slots’ versatile drummer, lays down train beats and adds distinctive power to the band’s sound. His brother, individual Sammie Award winner electric guitarist Steve Amaral, throws down tasteful licks that dance across the line between rock and country. When these boys sink their teeth into a song, they leave a distinctive mark.

Downloadable MP3s

Music videos (YouTube links)

High-res photos

Nickel_Slots_High_Res_05

Photo by Jason Knight
L to R: Paul Zinn, Tony Brusca, Christopher Amaral,
and Steve Amaral

Nickel_Slots_High_Res_04

Photo by Jason Knight
L to R: Steve Amaral, Paul Zinn, Tony Brusca, and Christopher Amaral

The Nickel Slots, photo by Kiny McCarrick

Photo by Kiny McCarrick
L to R: Steve Amaral, Christopher Amaral, Paul Zinn, Tony Brusca

The Nickel Slots - photo by Jason Knight

Photo by Jason Knight
Back L to R: Tony Brusca and Paul Zinn, Front L to R: Steve Amaral and Christopher Amaral.

The Nickel Slots photo by Pat Johnson

Photo by Pat Johnson
L to R: Steve Amaral, Paul Zinn, Christopher Amaral, Tony Brusca

 

Technical info

Stage plot & input list (PDF)

Backline requirements:

  • Guitar amp: Fender tube amp, preferably a Hot Rod Deluxe or Hot Rod DeVille
  • Bass amp: Genz-Benz or Hartke preferred
  • Drums: 4-piece or 5-piece kit with cymbals