From the untamed shores of Southend-on-Sea arises 5-piece alternative heroes, San Quentin. Their music isn’t just a soundtrack; it’s a rebellion against the ordinary, an outpouring of indie rock that reshapes the very essence of musical storytelling. Picture massive arena anthems, rousing riffs, and irresistibly catchy hooks. Beyond their musical prowess, San Quentin exudes a genuine working-class ethos, fuelled by a collective ambition to make a lasting impact on the music scene.
The band’s formation took place in 2019 when cousins Liam Cass (songwriter/guitarist) and Owen Eves (vocalist) joined forces with drummer Luke Johns, bassist Nick Keep & lead guitarist Dan Ridgwell. The band’s name, a nod to Johnny Cash’s defiant spirit, draws inspiration from his album “At San Quentin”. Liam found a connection with Cash’s tales of working-class rebellion, weaving those echoes into the band’s very identity.
2022 marked a seismic shift for San Quentin, earning a place on the BBC Introducing “Ones to watch for 2022” list. Their hometown resonated with pride as they commanded a sold-out 400-capacity headline show followed by slots at Isle of Wight Festival, Y Not Festival and their debut European date at Supersonic in Paris.
Having already seen support from BBC Radio 1, 6 Music, Radio X, XS Manchester and more, 2024 is proving to be a pivotal year fort the band’s rise. Confirmations have already landed for major festival slots, a headline tour and more European dates.
