eclectic Jam fusion band based out of Seattle, Washington
Whalien was born in a rush, winning the 2018 Summer Meltdown Showdown after playing together for only a few months. The win allowed them t0 perform alongside artists like Lettuce, Greensky Bluegrass, and Big Gigantic at Washington State’s Summer Meltdown Festival.
Since that time the band has played relentlessly around the west coast. They’ve developed a reputation for high-energy live shows featuring surprise trombone solos, energetic disco breakbeats, honky-tonk shuffles and ska suites about cryptids.
Since 2018, Whalien has played more than 200 shows and released two studio albums, ‘For Realien’ in 2022 and ‘Whale Tales’ in 2023. In the Summer of 2024 the band began hosting their own festival, ‘Splish Splash’, which highlights renowned artists from around the country.
Alex + Jimmy + Shane + Zach = Whalien
Alex Danger Draper - Keyboard, Trombone and Vocals
Born in a castle on the North End of Detroit, Alex was born with a reed in mouth, and music in his soul. An ardent follower of Stevie Wonder and Count Chocula, Alex blends a combo of hip hop, neo soul, opera and funk. Like Erykah Badu meets Andre Bocelli. When not cosplaying as Thor, you can find Alex at the beach, practicing his parkour routine.
Zach Martin - Guitar and Vocals
Zach Martin was born with twelve toes in a double wide trailer in Eastern Washington. He studied the guitar and learned from the likes of Carlos Santana, Jimmy Page, and Trey Anastasio. His style has been described as tasteful shredding, deeming him the nickname Shreddy Mcshrederton.
Jimmy Goulding - Bass and Vocals
Jimalayas was born and raised by a wild pack of wolves in the harsh and rugged wilderness of Seattle, Washington. People would describe his scent as funky with some grunge and a hint of that sweet sweet rock and roll. A wayward soul Jimmy can be found at a state of zen on mountain tops or toiling in the lab with his five string bass “Yggdrasil”. In his freetime he also likes to sip wine and take long walks on the beach.
Shane Crawford - Drums, Percussion, Vocals
Shane Crawford is an enigma, seen in some circles as a blessing and in others a curse. Forged at the end the third age, Shane has walked the land since being gifted with a soul of rhythm as a child. He appears in the shadows with a whisper, and leaves with the light of the moon. If you've ever caught your foot tapping, or your hips moving in an inexplicable manner, chances are he was near.
