Matt Swanson: Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Mandolin, Banjo, Anything he can get his hands on
Dan Stonington: Vocals, Guitar, Random Percussion, Mouth Harp
Nicole Comforto: Vocals, Guitar, Piano, Flute, Banjo, Melodihorn
Doug Pierson, Bass
Christian Krehbiel, Drums
Influences
Nickel Creek, The Avett Brothers, Gillian Welch, Old Crow Medicine Show, Bob Dylan, Radiohead, Sir Mix-a-Lot
Million Dollar Nile started like many great love affairs do - as "just friends." Dan invited his old schoolmate Matt and his neighbor Nicole to get together weekly and play bluegrass covers. The three musicians bonded over their common love of Nickel Creek, Bob Dylan, Gillian Welch, Old Crow Medicine Show, and basically anything that could be played with stringed instruments and three-part harmony.
A few months later they began writing songs, and each brought their unique flavor to songwriting: Dan's catchy melodies, Nicole's poetic lyrics, and Matt's ability to capture any genre from rasta-baltic to sea shanties. They discovered a common theme in their passion for environmental issues, and now write songs about everything from energy conservation to thinking your phone is ringing in your pocket when it's not. Finally, they invited Doug and Christian to join the band on bass and drums (formerly members of Doppleganger with Matt), and their sound was complete.
After a series of successful shows at Seattle's top venues, the band has recently recorded and released their first album, The Definition of Adventure. All profits from album sales will be donated to environmental non-profits, which you can nominate and vote for on their website, www.milliondollarnile.com.
We can't wait to play with you guys! I've been listening to your music and really dig it. FYI we've got 85-90 people coming that have already brought tickets, and will likely clear 100 for our joint gig so it should be a packed house at Chop Suey; I've been talking you guys up too.
Been down in the lovely desert southwest. Just celebrated the Tucson Folk Fest this past weekend. Lotsa good tunes and lotsa songwriting. Got me wondering what Ms. Nicole is up to! Hope all is well...cheers!
