Biography

Armed with a common concern for the state of humanity and the diminishing integrity in hip hop music, Aquifer is emerging on the indie hip-hop scene in a time when a true DIY ethic is revolutionizing the industry. Aquifer combines that DIY eithic with a genuine social and political awareness, creating a fresh and unique alternative to modern hip-hop music. With two full length albums and multiple side projects under their belt, they have developed a dedicated following throughout their home state of California.

In mid 2009 Aquifer decided to take their show out of state, playing 50+ shows and touring three times throughout the western United States by mid 2010. Along the journey they have shared the stage with artists such as Jared Paul, Sole, Josh Martinez, George Watsky, Sleep of Oldominion, Prayers for Atheists, Dahlak Brathwaite, the Chicharones, the San Francisco, Berkeley and Oakland National Poetry Slam Teams and Sister Crayon.

Now, in 2011, Aquifer is spreading their progressive message further than ever, with the free release of “Don’t Die Waiting”, their most political and polished project to date. “Don’t Die Waiting” is more than just anohter rap album, it is a stark description of the grim times that we live in, accompanied by brief glimpses of hope, acting as a call for action and unification amongst the progressive counter culture in America and beyond. Aquifer plans to take their message on the road with a relentless tour schedule in 2011-2012.

Members

Nick Bianco (lyrics, vocals)
Tommy Fox (beats, lyrics, vocals)
Brannum Goldsmith (lyrics, vocals)

Press Quotes

“Reminiscent of many West Coast backpack groups of yesteryear, Aquifer’s intelligently crafted lyrics have a distinct edge that perhaps only the tree-lined hills of Amador can produce.”
- Sacramento News & Review

“Aquifer is what you’d call experimental hip-hop, for lack of a better term. Their witty, sometimes depressing lyrics are fastened together by dusty samples that at times sound like rapping over an antique-store music box. Crackling beats encase bouncy flows, a juxtaposition that seems like what a 1920s hip-hop record should have been.”
- Sacramento News & Review

“For the last 10 years, the sliver like county of Amador in the foothills of the Sierras has been home to a fresh take on hip-hop. Far from high-rises, alleys and anything remotely inner-city, Tommy Fox, Nick Bianco and Brannum Goldsmith (collectively known as Aquifer) have been laying down conscious rhymes over chopped-up beats and now they are starting to spread their influence…”
- The Times-Standard

“These six dudes make up perhaps one of the most musically and lyrically talented group of guys I have ever seen… if someone could guarantee me that all hip hop groups put on a show half as good as Aquifer I may be willing to set my usual indie rock bands aside. As I was watching these guys bust out thought-provoking rhymes about real life issues I seriously regretted not telling each and every one of my show-going friends to be there that night, because I knew that telling the story (or writing the words) wouldn’t be enough. One needs to experience Aquifer up close and personal.”
- backbeatseattle.com

“These Amador County dudes are hip-hoppers, but they are more. They are writers who are detailed in the craft of poetry, not simply making music for the sake of making music. There seems to be a greater cause at work here. Aquifer’s music is an audio and intellectual experience that is unique and really quite exciting.”
- Sacramento News & Review

View our press page.