Vegas DeMilo

Vegas DeMilo was founded in San Francisco in 1994 by brothers Foster Calhoun Johnson and Alec Johnson.  The two scored an early record deal with Starving Cowboy Records, which led to the release of their self-titled debut in 1996.  By 1998, VDM's rotating roster comprised both brothers, Dug Nichols, Bradley Wait, and Handsome Dan Catherwood.  Between 1996 and 2002, the band released three widely praised albums, received airplay at more than 60 commercial rock stations across the U.S. (including LIVE 105 in San Francisco, KROQ in Los Angeles and WXRK in New York), and toured extensively, including multiple appearances at such festivals as SXSW, NXNW and CMJ.

Their visibility prompted Billboard magazine to hail Vegas DeMilo as a band "on the verge of a national breakthrough" and Music Connection to name them one of "California's hottest unsigned acts."  VDM began the new century by adding members Scotti Fraser, Andrew Griffin, and Travis Ballstadt.  In 2001, the band celebrated the release of their third album, “Motel California,”  with a record release show at San Francisco's famed Fillmore Auditorium. Released on LA indie, Pinch Hit Records, the album included the single “Payback,” which was heard on Fox Sports and played at sports arenas across the country.

The band’s songs have been featured in dozens of films and television shows, including “Felicity,” “One Tree Hill,” “Clubhouse,” “The Osbournes,” “Skate,” “Just Deal” and “Pasadena,” and the motion picture “Scorched.” 

In 2022, eight members of Vegas DeMilo reunited in Austin, Texas, to record new material.  “Black Sheep Lodge,” the band’s fourth album, is set for release in March 2024.  

Vegas DeMilo is Foster Calhoun Johnson, Alec Johnson, Bradley Wait, Dug Nichols, Scotti Fraser, Travis Ballstadt, Andrew Griffin and Handsome Dan Catherwood.