About Us

Singer/Songwriter Percy Howard first became active on the Sacramento  music scene in late 1992 in Sadcore goth band “Language of Dreams” with  David Slack and Gitti Linder (Later of The skirts). After playing the  cafe scene for a year, LOD disbanded, and Percy became the vocalist in  SWAY, a frenetic rock band put together by drummer Greg Cain, and  featuring guitarist Ed Slack (later of Snubnose), and prolific bassist  Rob Mayer. SWAY garnered a strong local following playing at all the  regular Sacramento venues with frequency before disbanding so the  members could all pursue different sonic journeys. Cain subsequently put  together Nûs with Percy, Rich Kazanjian and Steve Sullivan, the last  three becoming the consistent core of Nûs. Percy has guested on many  other artists recordings, including spoken word projects for Bill  Laswell, and vocals for Matt Donner, Jarboe, and Eugene Robinson of  Oxbow, and Vernon Reid of Living Colour.

In between after and around Nûs, in his Meridiem project Percy has  collaborated live and on recordings with Vernon Reid, Jarboe, Trey Gunn,  Robert Rich, Buckethead, Happy Rhodes, Jill Tracy, Fred Frith, Charles  Hayward, Nûs bandmates Steve Sullivan, Rich Kazanjian, and many others

Circa  1990, at age seven, Sean Sullivan acquired his first drum set and  promptly fell in love with the music, drumming and percussion in  Sacramento, California.  Five years later he declared it his goal to  become a professional drummer and percussionist, began studying with  local drum instructors including Mike Johnston, and learned to play a  variety of styles and read music.  From 2003-2006, Sean attended college  as a music performance major, specializing in classical, jazz, and  latin music, and has since received mentorship studying under top level  professionals such as Denny Seiwell (Paul McCartney, Wings), and Brendan  Buckley (Shakira, Morrissey).

    As  a professional musician, educator and motivational speaker, Sean  Sullivan has traveled the world and performed for international  audiences, with credits including San Luis Obispo Symphony Orchestra  (Percussion), Music Director for Princess Cruises (Drums/Band Leader),  Damon Castillo, Brass Mash, Vince Cimo’s Hot Fire, Ayla Nereo, NUS, as  well as appearing live and in-studio for many artists, musical theater  productions, movie soundtracks, etc.  In 2016, following his mission to  share the benefits of music with everyone, Sean founded Drum Perks Inc,  an organization that offers speaking engagements, team-building  workshops, and performances for corporations, educational institutions,  community outreach programs, and correctional facilities.

Bassist/Barritone/Writer Richard Kazanjian (Rich Kaz) began playing in the mid 1980's performing in 1990. Early influences include: Simon Gallup, Tony Butler, Peter Hook, Dave Evans, Gordon Sumner, Roger Waters, Jermaine Jackson, Jaco Pastorius, Mark Egan, Geordie Walker, and others, Raised on Soul, Jazz, and R&B, Saturated with modern technology and pop. Steeped in New Wave, Punk, and Goth. Always with an ear toward progressive, heavy rock, metal, jazz, and world music. Rich has played in groups ranging from pure experimental improv, and R&B group playing with Tower of Power, to metal, Jazz, folk, and heavy Rock. Rich has been a contributing and recording Bassist for electronic based artists, such as ClaireVoyant and Jarboe (Swans), played with female singer songwriters, and much more. Richard has also been in bands with members such as Ches Smith (Fred Frith, Mr Bungle, John Zorn, David Torn, Marc Ribot), as well as Mike Vanderhule (Y&T). Rich Toured with the American Rock Band Tesla as a Stage Manager & Guitar Tech. Rich has also worked in almost every capacity in the industry from retail sales, operations, warehouse, manufacturers representative, trainer and business development specialist. His passion for music began at around age 10, and only increases every year.