Crimes of Passion was started by lead guitarist Juliana, and some friends during high school around 2005. The band entered many battle-of-the-bands such as “The Gig,” and the “Last Band Standing (LBS)” contest on KFOX radio. Every year the band entered LBS, they placed in the top 4, which presented them with some amazing opportunities like opening for the Doobie Brothers, Steve Miller Band and Greg Kihn at the Shoreline Amphitheatre. Other performers they opened for include Pat Travers, and Foghat at Discovery Park for the Kihncert. The band appeared several times live on 98.5 KFOX radio.

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MEET THE BAND

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•J U L I A N A• 

[Lead guitar, vocals, song writing].

Juliana is endorsed by  Jackson Guitars, Clayton USA Guitar Picks, and Sfarzo Guitar Strings, and has played at the Sfarzo Guitar Strings booth at NAMM two years in a row. Between 2009 and 2012 she played some solo gigs opening for Michael Schenker, and the Misfits in 2011. Juliana's biggest influences are Randy Rhoads, Danny Elfman, Of Montreal, Joan Jett, Blondie, Iggy Pop, David Bowie, Flock of Seagulls, the Clash, and too many more to count.

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•T H O M A S• 

[Lead vocals, violin].

Thomas and Juliana met in a college music theory class. Thomas is a classically trained vocalist with a strong voice and ability to sing many different styles. In addition to vocals, Thomas also plays violin on several of the band's original songs. Thomas' influences are the Beatles, and anything jazz.

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•J E S S E•

[Vocals, rhythm guitar, song writing].

Singer Jesse Battles rejoined the band and has been playing rhymth guitar and singing for about 2 years. Jesse and Juliana have been friends since they were just kids and started writing music together when the band first started. Jesse was unable to sing with the band for a while, but made his way back and has brought a whole new level of energy to the band. Jesse's biggest influences are Syd Barrett, John Lennon, Joshua Homme (Queens of the Stone Age), Trent Reznor (NIN), and Velvet Underground.

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•R A M I N• 

[Drums, percussion, backing vocals].

Drummer Ramin joined the band for a show at Vallco Ice Center in Cupertino. Due to scheduling, he was unable to play with them for about a year. The next time they played the ice rink, Ramin was able to play with them again, and stuck around after that. Ramin's drumming is creative and powerful, bringing a level of class and maturity to the band's sound. Ramin's biggest influences are Iron Maiden, Judas Priest, Dio, UFO, and Led Zeppelin.

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•R Y A N• 

[Bass, backing vocals].

Ryan started playing bass for the band years ago when the lineup was changing yet again. After a few other lineup changes, Ryan is back on bass and adding some tasty grooves that are reminiscent of classic metal sounds of the 80's and 90's. Ryan's biggest influences are Metallica (Cliff Burton and James Hetfield), Faith No More, Misfits, Motorhead (Lemmy), Dimebag Darrel, and Iron Maiden.

 

Their influences may change and evolve but their roots are in rock, old school punk, 60's psychedelic, alternative, classic rock, and a dash of old school metal. The band's sound is somewhat of a hard alternative rock. Catchy powerful choruses mixed in with heavy guitar and mindful chord voicings, harmony leads between guitar are keys, shred guitar and a driving rhythm section that holds it all together. 

 

With an incredible amount of support and help from family and friends, the band has been able to continue playing for all these years.

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