Biography - Downless -

Downless is the story of a band from Vétroz (Valais, Switzerland) whose members are four friends linked by their passion for punk rock : Emilien Bertholet (drums), Stéphane Roduit (bass), Stéphane Moll (guitar) and Gonçalo Bico (guitar and vocals).
Downless’s sound blends the variety of influences from the diverse members of the band. As they all come from different musical backgrounds, the result proves to be surprising. Their punk rock, sometimes edgy and furious, sometim...

Biography - Downless -

Downless is the story of a band from Vétroz (Valais, Switzerland) whose members are four friends linked by their passion for punk rock : Emilien Bertholet (drums), Stéphane Roduit (bass), Stéphane Moll (guitar) and Gonçalo Bico (guitar and vocals).
Downless’s sound blends the variety of influences from the diverse members of the band. As they all come from different musical backgrounds, the result proves to be surprising. Their punk rock, sometimes edgy and furious, sometimes festive and melodic, is spiced up by metal-influenced rhythms, while still featuring some softer, almost emo driven tracks.

The band's lyrics, filled with a good dose of fun and more intimate elements, don't forget the roots of punk. Built around melodies tainted by melancholy, revolt and injustice denunciation are part of the message the band wants to deliver. Downless doesn’t want to limit its music to the notion of entertainment but definitely sees an opportunity to make it an instrument of change.

2002 – 2003

The band is born during summer 2002 after the departure of a former drummer and plays its first gigs during the following year. After some successful experiences, Downless wins the "Bidon Prod Contest", a local contest opposing five punk rock bands. During winter 2004, the band decides to concretize its work and enters a studio to record its first 4 tracks demo "Flip Flap".

2004 - 2005

"Flip Flap" allows the band to tour Valais and neighbour regions. After about thirty gigs, some interviews and encouraging critics, Downless meets "Destroy Display". This non-lucrative association is trying to specialize in booking / coaching and chooses Downless as its new hobbyhorse. The band's name starts to cross its birth canton's borders and thanks to Destroy Display, it exports itself more easily.

2006

After a year 2005 full of events, Downless’s name is now familiar to Valais residents. This notoriety draws attention from Swiss independent label "Red Eyes Production". Following negociations, Downless signs a deal for two albums and starts his new journey alongside Red Eyes Productions. The band puts concerts on hold and the members lock themselves up in a chalet to work on their first album.

During summer 2006, the band chooses to modify its line-up and include a second guitarist, Stéphane Moll, in order to improve its future stage presence.

In november 2006, Downless enters the Bagdad Studio (www.bagdad.ch) to record his first album named "Ultimate Entertainment".

2007

With a participation to the famous "Etnies Fast Forward Tour", the release of their first album on March 9th, an enthusiast label and an extraordinary motivation, this year 2007 will be the year of Downless.

Rock'n roll.