Based out of the South Bay of San Diego, neighboring the highest crossed border in the world, the members of Stranger draw inspiration from their diverse surroundings. It is multicultural and musical diversity that grants Stranger a soulful blend of reggae roots, rock and jazz infused with conscious lyrics.
(2000)The band formed at Southwestern Community College in Chula Vista, otherwise known as “Harvard on the Hill.” Stranger started as a nameless 4 piece act consisting of guitar, hand drums, vocals(David) and Bass(Tilley). After about a month, the band was introduced to Nolan(Drums) who was still in high school. Shortly after, the guys recorded their first demo consisting of 10 original songs; this is when the name Stranger was invented. Daniel(Guitar) entered the group shortly after…
The next several months were spent building the name as Stranger promoted their own events locally and continued to play house parties regularly. In late 2001 Stranger played a house party in Chula Vista for a guy named Ian; he soon became the keyboard player. By this time, within a year of its inception, the band had a catalog of about 25 original songs and a loyal following.
In 2002 Stranger began their 1st official recording experience with the recording techniques professor from Southwestern College. This turned out to be a three year process; the album was suitably titled “Life Lessons” (now only available on iTunes).
Directly after, Stranger wrote a whole new set of music and immediately began recording their second album. During the “Shelter From The Storm” recording sessions, Stranger was introduced to Don(Trombone) and Aaron(Sax) who have now been playing in the group for over 2 years. The 2007 release of “Shelter From The Storm” gained alot of attention for the band taking them up and down the west coast and across the pond to Hawaii.
On June 5th 2009, Stranger released a 5 song EP (Produced, Written, Performed, and Mixed by the band members). The band is currently recording a new album to be followed up by live performances around the country and abroad.
In their hometown of San Diego, Stranger has helped fill venues like The House of Blues, The Belly Up and Canes. On May 10th, 2009 Stranger performed for a sold-out crowd of over 2500 at the Karl Strauss Beach To Brewery Festival for the fourth year in a row. They also opened for the sold-out 23rd Annual Bob Marley Fest at the San Diego Sports Arena. Stranger has had the pleasure to share the stage with many influential artists, some of the names include: Ozomatli, Louis the XIV, The Marleys, Toots, Dave Wakeling, Barrington Levi, Don Carlos, Eek A Mouse, Johnny Osbourne, Twinkle Brothers, Junior Reid, Katchafire, Cultura Profetica, Paula Fuga, Midnite, Groundation, Soja, Rebelution and Ooklah the Moc to name a few.
• David Ornelas: Lead Vocals
• Daniel Montgomery: Guitar
• Arthur Tilley: Bass and Vocals
• Nolan Clark: Drums
• E.N Young: Keys and Vocals
• Aaron Hudson: Saxophones and Vocals
• Don Carter: Trumpet and Trombone
