The Ripsies

The Ripsies are a rock and roll band from San Francisco, CA. The band consists of lead vocalist and rhythm guitarist Cesar Cortez, lead guitarist Paul Jackson, bassist Tracy Gregory, and drummer Allison Scott.

Gathering influences that range from Violent Femmes to the early Beatles, The Ripsies produce a sound that is a 1950’s twang with a 70’s crunch. The music carries an emphasis on melodic vocals, smooth solos, and good times. “I want our music to sound like love, loss, and intoxicants,” says leading frontman Cesar Cortez. Although the band formed only in the fall of 2010, they have shared their energetic sound in a variety of venues: from packed out garages to local Bay Area clubs. Their unique throwback blend of blues and punk has quickly earned them the admiration of a rapidly growing fanbase.

“The one thing I love about playing a show is the energy of the crowd. I feel like I’m truly alive when I’m playing in front of them; it’s like a high,” says lead guitarist Paul Jackson. Bassist Tracy Gregory quickly follows with, “I think of every show as a new moment. What you give to those people within the twenty to thirty minute set, you can’t change.”

The Ripsies are currently working on their first EP at Complex Recording Studio with producer and good friend George Rosenthal in San Francisco. The EP includes such singles as “Hot Damn!” a driven rock anthem that makes you want to jump out of your seat and dance, and “Soundtrack,” a slower, more nostalgic piece. All members agree that it’ll be a relief to hand people tangible discs of their music.

San Francisco State University’s own venue, The Depot, featured the band in their first-of-the-year flyer stating, “The ever soulful Ripsies return to The Depot.” The Ripsies have shared the stage with such bands as Archaeology, Grass Widow, Talk of Shamans, The Winter Formal, Rin Tin Tiger, Bonnie & The Bang Bang, and Knives.