Sonic Radio

Sonic Radio is a coming together of seasoned music veterans, that have been playing music professionally for a combined 65 years on stage in various local and national acts. Members have been featured on television, have toured nationally and shared the stage with artists like Linkin Park, Papa Roach, Jackyl, Lynyrd Skynyrd, RATT, Zak Wylde, Dokken, King Diamond, Six Feet Under, Tantric, Bret Michaels, The Union Underground and others…

Coming from various musical backgrounds, all members have been friends for many years and always supported each others projects. In early 2014 we decided to get together and start our own project were we would be able to play our favorite songs in a wide variety of genres, that would be versatile, high energy and fun to watch. Sonic Radio was born. Sonic Radio is not a garage band looking to jam, we are professionals who take music seriously with a passion, and we are always ready and prepared for your specific event.
Making a splash onto the South Texas Cover scene by opening for HEART at the SA Stockshow and Rodeo in February 2014 for over a thousand people, Sonic Radio is the band you want to push your event over the top. Your dancefloor will be packed, your bar will be busy and everybody will remember what a great time they had at your event. Wether it’s a private party or corporate event, adult only or family friendly, Sonic Radio offers the best in live music entertainment.

Sonic Radio is:

Christopher New (Lead Vocals)

Chris’ talent as a singer was discovered at an early age, and he spend years practicing and honing his craft. By 16 he had joined his first band and by the age of 18 his Original Band Too Far Down was a staple on the San Antonio music scene. Playing in several original bands (Too Far Down, Revolution, Obelisk) he has shared the stage with many National and International Touring acts that were popular during the 90’s and 2000’s. Playing stages like Sneakers, The White Rabbit, Rock Island and Headliners in San Antonio. Instant Karma in Houston and Roxx in Dallas.
He is a natural Classic Rock singer and a dead ringer for Jon Bon Jovi/ Bon Jovi and Ian Astbury/ The Cult.
His biggest influence and personal idol is Bruce Dickinson/ Iron Maiden.

Steph Presley (Bass, Keyboards, Vocals)

Steph was born into a family of musicians where music and instruments were a part of everyday life. He started out learning acoustic and electric guitar from his older brother, but soon realized that his true passion was the bass guitar. He formed his first band within weeks after picking up the bass and has played in multiple original bands (Psycho Plague, CHAKO, Minister Fiend, Freedom Level, Ghandi’s Gun, Archer Avenue) since.
Steph has played and toured with Grammy award winning artist Chris Perez (Selena/ Kumbia Kings/ Chris Perez Band), whom he played the Latin Grammy Awards Show in Las Vegas with, and also appeared in the music video to “Todo es diferente”.
He is currently also playing and touring with the Nancy Silva Project.

Although Steph describes his playing style as not very technical and based in classic punk and rock, his ability to play any rhythm and any genre has earned him the nickname “The Machine”.
His biggest influences are bass players like Nikki Sixx/ Motley Crue and Gene Simmons / KISS

Brance Arnold ( Lead Guitar, Vocals)

Brance Arnold began playing guitar at age 12. Throughout Arnold’s musical career, he has performed all over Texas, the Eastern U.S. as well as in Mexico. In the mid-nineties, Arnold performed in the band Too Far Dow before touring with the metal band, Deist, on the East Coast where he opened for GWAR at Norfolk, Va.’s famous NORVA Theatre as well as supporting the Dave Brockie Experience on several tour dates; the band even cut a record at GWAR’s Slave Pit studio in Richmond, Va
Arnold played in several cover and original bands and currently also plays with his singer-songwriter duo, Chacho & Brance.
In 2012, Chacho & Brance were a featured artist on the television series Troubadour TX, produced by Dallas’ 41 Entertainment. The duo released two EPs, recorded at Delta Recording Service in Como, Miss

Monte Ramirez (Drums, Percussion)

Monte's passion for drumming began at the age of 12. He joined the school band and learned to play many styles (latin, jazz, symphonic, etc.) throughout high school and college . At 14, Monte joined his first band, Amaziah, a Christian rock band, until the influence of Guns n Roses, Ratt, Quiet Riot, the Crue, and of course GIRLS took over. The group of teens re-formed into Destiny and proudly boasted to play "whenever, wherever...as long as we can plug in" throughout their high school days playing original and cover music.
After taking a couple of years off to earn his College degree, Monte picked up the sticks again and started to make his mark on the local music scene playing in bands such as 426,Ritual Groove and Brother’s Keep. Monte also played drums/percussion for Chacho and Brance..
Monte's cites John Bonham, Tommy Lee, Robert Sweet, Tommy Aldridge, Peter Criss and many others that blend power and finesse along with visual timekeeping as influences on his style, sound and setups.

Sonic Radio has a full PA system that can be used for a small to medium sized venue (max. 500 people).
We are using the following equipment:
Yamaha EMX 5000 12 Channel Power Mixer, (2) Yamaha S115V 15" Speakers, Rockville 18" Powered Subwoofer, Beringer F1320D Floor Monitors, Marshall Guitar Amps, Peavey 5150 Cab, Ashdown ABM 500 EVOIII Bass Amp and Ashdown ABM 610 Cabinet, Pearl Drums with Zildjian Cymbals, Sure and Blue Microphones.