Justin Ancheta is the guitarist and singer for the band, Pills & Jackets (formerly 'Sinclair'). Starting his musical career with classical instruments, Ancheta started on the piano, violin, and percussion. Guitar came quickly to him at a young age due to his father always playing the Ukelele and the guitar around the house. In 1992, the string quartet of Auburn, California recruited Justin for second violinist. He became actively involved in the Auburn Youth Symphony, School Symphony, and school choir for the remainder of his youth. High School did not have a symphony but had a regular school band with wind instruments, so Justin decided to get involved on percussion in the High School band and and Baritone vocals on the Choir. Nights after school and sports, Justin would go home with friends to the 'jam room' set up in an extra bedroom at his parents house and play music for hours into the night.
The years 1999 through 2003, Ancheta continued pursuing music in Sacramento, California with the band Sinclair. In those years the band was nominated for best latin/world band for the Sacramento Music Awards (SAMMIES) three years in a row. Sinclair also won the Battle of the Bands at Sacramento State in 2003.
Justin has decided to continue his musical career in the bigger city of San Francisco. "I've always wanted to live closer to the ocean," Justin says of the move down to San Francisco with the band Pills & Jackets. The band consists of Jesse Olswang on drums, and Eric Alonzo on Bass. Since moving down to San Francisco, the band has been able to finally make a living with their music. What it has taken is "taking it to the streets." Literally, the band sets up on random street corners for impromptu performances and has taken the city by surprise with selling over 10,000 CD's in the first year. The band still plays the clubs and festivals up and down the coast in hopes to attract opening slots on national tours. For more information please visit www.pillsandjackets.com
