Jesse August, a native of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, began playing music at age 8. A classically trained pianist for 14 years, Jesse picked up guitar, bass, and drums along the way. He found his passion in set drumming, and has been playing in various bands since he was 14.

Now 24, Jesse is the drummer for the PA rock outfit, Shades of June. While playing predominantly in Pennsylvania, Shades of June is set to release their second full-length album, which will be Jesse’s first with the band. Jesse strives to add intensity to the group’s dynamic by focusing on a hard-hitting, funky, and creative approach to drumming. His main percussion influences are Chad Smith, Mitch Mitchell, Mike Portnoy, and Dominic Howard. He is currently endorsed by Soultone cymbals.