About Leftstronger

Jesse Magee founded Leftstronger's in 2009 despite his personal challenges of being legally blind and having cerebral palsy on his right side.  Leftstronger's music combines all the elements of great alternative rock: catchy hooks, hard-driving rhythms, and strong vocal harmonies.  Singer/song writer, Jesse Magee uses his amazing 3 octave vocal range to dramatic effect, and there's nothing like hearing him in person.  Jesse's songs are full of raw emotion, so they resonate with fans after only one play.  Leftstronger released their debut album entitled "So Close," in 2010.  The sophomore album is currently in the works, and it is expected to release in summer 2014!
 

Jesse Magee

Vocals

Jesse was born into a family who loved music.  His musical career developed rapidly during his teen years when he discovered that he excelled in many types of musical endeavors.  As a little boy, he became interested in playing the drums, listening to blues, and practicing vocals for every Seattle grunge band that came on the scene.  Later, he began performing songs at local coffee houses and asking local bands if they would mind a walk-on. The crowds roared for this young man who shook the venue without any warning!  

 

At 16 years old, he was already an accomplished drummer even though his drum instructor said he could not play without proper use of his right side due to having Cerebral Palsy.  As a self-taught drummer, he was the envy of his peers.  Now Jesse works as a drum instructor for children of all ability levels, specializing in children with disabilities. 

 

Jesse began playing guitar in his teens. He had to play the guitar upside down and without the fancy finger work. This has helped him to write incredible, catchy soulful songs with lots of hooks.  Through some very lonely years and many bands in High School, he was left behind by his peers who didn’t understand his disability.  As he grew to be a man he kept writing music, perfecting his vocal style, and inching towards a career in music; all which helped him cope with the isolation.

 

Now with over 60 original songs in his repertoire, Jesse has performed live many times within the local and regional music scene.  Jesse founded the band despite his personal challenges of being legally blind and having cerebral palsy on his right side. His talent speaks for itself and nothing will stand in his way of his success and being a role model for others.
 

Chris Souders

Guitar

Chris Souders is born and raised in Baltimore, and has music running through his blood since birth. He gets his musical talents from his father who was a drummer, but Chris decided to take a different route.  He started playing the guitar at age 10 and hasn't put it down since. He would only play in the privacy of his own home until he heard relentless feedback from friends and family to put his talents to use. He started playing in a band at the age of 24, and has taken a new outlook on a music career. During the year and a half Chris spent with his former band, Sinez-X, he has written a lot of material and played some great venues.  Although the band was doing great, he decided it was time to move on and take on a different path to further develop his skills with the help of LeftStronger.  His musical influences range from Metallica, Bullet For My Valentine, Trivium, Led Zeppelin, and Alice In Chains.

 

Joe Wood

Drums

 Endorses SoulTone Cymbals

Joseph Wood is a versatile drummer who began playing in church shortly after elementary school. The son of a music director, Joe was fortunate to have the opportunity to learn on the job while playing in front of huge crowds during regional conferences and camps. By playing in a live and improvisational setting, Joseph developed his sense of dynamics and soul that still reflects in his playing today.
Upon discovering Soundgarden and Metallica, Joseph began seeking out like-minded musicians to cover hard rock. After a handful of years playing covers, Joe became a founding member of the locally successful band “Bed?” in 2001. Unfortunately the band broke up, and Joe moved to Detroit to play with a variety of working bands in the area.
He is currently entrenched as the drummer for Leftstronger, a rapidly emerging band out of Baltimore. Joe's path to Leftstronger has been riddled with ups and downs that have given him an excellent perspective and a tenacious work ethic. Joe's top influences include: Soundgarden, Silverchair, Metallica, Alice in Chains, Pain of Salvation, Pink Floyd, Dream Theater, and Rush.

 

 Tony Nelson

Bass

 Tony Nelson was a kid from Baltimore who loved music and wanted to be a rock star.  At the young age of 10, he would beat on the drums and play congo's in an attempt to be in his older brother's band.  Since an overwelming amount of kids were interested in playing drums, Tony's brother introduced him to the bass guitar, which he instantly fell in love with.  Playing bass guitar came natural to him.  At age 12 he was accepted in his brothers band, Too Hot To Stop.  This multi-genre mostly original/cover band would stay together for 5 yrs, opening for major acts in Baltimore city as well as a few touring bands at the band stand on broadway. When Too Hot To Stop broke up, Tony Joined several all original bands, played countless shows and recorded numerous tracks.

Tony has played in bands such as Nexx Level and Pierce, who recieved major interest from labels like Motown Records, and Aja Music and Films in NewYork City. Now Tony has embarked on an exciting new project, LeftStronger. In the same vein as of some of his favorite bands, Rage Against the Machine, Metallica, and Alice In Chains; Leftstronger has brought great rock back to listeners.  Leftstronger is an amazing talented group of musicians and he has found his home.

Baltimore's' hottest rising stars.

 Visit Jesse Magee of Left Stronger: http://www.leftstronger.com/

MORE ABOUT JESSE: In addition to his role as lead singer/song writer, he is and accomplished drummer with over 10 years of experience and employed as a professional drum instructor at Jam's Music Store in Eldersburg, Maryland. He has accomplished all this and more despite personal challenges including mild-moderate cerebral palsy on his right side, slight vision and learning issues. The talent speaks for itself and nothing will stand in the way of his success and being a role model for others. The love of his life is Andrea, who stands beside him every step of the way.
To learn more about Cerebral Palsy go to:

http://www.thecpnetwork.org