Multi Ultra - Band Bio

Aug 1
3 min read

Multi Ultra. Nashville Indie Rock Powerhouse

Formation Year: 2021

Hometown: Nashville, Tennessee

Band Members:

Derrick Wesley – Lead Vocals, Guitar

Nolan Brown – Lead Guitar, BGVs, Synth

Chris Bevacqua – Bass, BGVs

Chrystian Kaplan – Drums, Percussion

Past Members:

Dustin McKee – Drums

Origin Story

Multi Ultra’s story begins in 2020, when Derrick Wesley and Nolan Brown were living together in a Nashville “music house” during the pandemic. Both had played in a previous band together, and lockdown gave them the space to start fresh. The duo began recording and writing songs in Nolan’s home studio, with Derrick handling vocals and guitar while Nolan produced and played multiple instruments.

The name Multi Ultra came from an everyday moment. Derrick spotted the words “ultra-strong, multi-purpose” on packaging and thought, “Multi Ultra… that’s it!” Over time, the name evolved to represent something deeper: multiplying positivity, symbolized by their signature “x+” mark.

As their homegrown project grew, roommate and fellow musician Chris Bevacqua joined on bass. Early sessions even featured drummer Dustin McKee, but his commitment to his own band kept him from staying on full-time. In 2022, Chrystian Kaplan came aboard as the permanent drummer, completing the lineup. Since then, Multi Ultra has been a relentless force in Nashville’s indie rock scene, playing over 120 shows a year and releasing more than 20 singles.

Musical Influences & Style

Multi Ultra’s sound is a high-energy fusion of modern indie rock with classic rock roots. Fans of Cage the Elephant, The Killers, Arctic Monkeys, and Blink-182 will instantly connect with their upbeat, feel-good tracks, though often with thoughtful or even dark lyrics hidden beneath sunny melodies.

Derrick draws inspiration from The Beatles, Michael Jackson, Bob Seger, and John Mayer, shaping his powerful, emotional vocal delivery and versatile guitar work.

Nolan sees music as a limitless timeline, pulling influence from classic rock icons like Queen and Bruce Springsteen, to Motown, punk, disco, 80s new wave, and even modern indie like Sam Fender.

Chris balances a love for 90s pop-punk (Blink-182, Sum 41) with the funky edge of Flea, reggae rhythms, and the driving energy of Muse’s Chris Wolstenholme.

Chrystian found his voice on drums through the power and groove of Dave Grohl, John Bonham, and Vinnie Colaiuta, combining heavy rock with impeccable feel and timing. Their music is designed to lift spirits, get crowds moving, and create unforgettable shared experiences.

The Music

Multi Ultra’s first song, “Price I Pay,” emerged during lockdown, capturing feelings of being buried under problems while pairing dark lyrics with upbeat melodies. Their first fully written song, “Tonight,” was inspired by the ups and downs of restaurant life in Nashville, a bittersweet anthem about hope and burnout.

Their breakthrough moment came with “Switch It Up,” a punk-leaning track inspired by college party memories and the raw energy of IDLES. The single received airplay on Nashville’s Lightning 100, eventually leading to the band winning Music City Mayhem 2023, a competition with over 450 entries.

Live, Multi Ultra brings their songs to life with explosive energy and audience participation. Signature moments include Derrick’s “high knees” dance, crowds creating their own moves, and the now-famous “When I say Multi, you say Ultra!” chant.

Milestones & Achievements

Over 120 live shows a year across Nashville and beyond

20+ singles released since 2021

Winners of Lightning 100’s Music City Mayhem 2023

Performed at Master Musicians Festival, sharing the bill with Grace Potter and Rayland Baxter

Looking Ahead

Multi Ultra shows no signs of slowing down. They recently released a live version of “It’s Not Summer (Without You)” recorded at 3rd and Lindsley in Nashville, along with a live music video capturing the band’s vibrant energy. A new music video is on the way, a cover song drops this July, and fall tour dates will be announced soon.

In the next five years, the band plans to tour internationally, grow their fanbase, and keep evolving as musicians and performers, all while staying true to their mission of spreading positivity through music.

Fun Facts & Stories

The band once accidentally drove The Dragon’s Tail, a winding Tennessee mountain road with 318 curves in 11 miles, while blasting Tool, equal parts terrifying and hilarious.

Dedicated fans have made custom t-shirts, figurines of their instruments, and even miniature versions of Derrick’s Nikes.

All four members grew up in different states before finding each other in Nashville.