Vocalist Steve Sulikowski and bassist Eric Houlihan first crossed paths while each was gaining attention in Amherst, CA’s local music circles. They relocated together to L.A. to work as a duo and soon connected with drummer Chad Norris and guitarist Jonathan Berry. Because his father served in the military, Norris spent his formative years playing in multiple bands while moving from one Naval base to another. Berry, meanwhile, left his hometown of Evanston, IL, for L.A. to chase a music career while finishing his schooling. Once the lineup was complete, Dropline swiftly developed a devoted audience and secured a residency in Hollywood’s club district. Within months they received invitations to appear at several label showcases in both L.A. and New York. Writer/producer David Foster, whose past credits include Neil Diamond, Celine Dion, and Whitney Houston, personally courted the group, resulting in a deal with his 143 Records imprint and a trip to Memphis to record at Ardent Studios. Guided by producer Paul Ebersold, whose résumé lists 3 Doors Down, Sister Hazel, and Spacehog, the band’s introspective and revealing lyrics were matched with striking pop/rock songwriting and production on the 2002 debut You Are Here.
