Funky, Soulful... Fresh
An original eight-piece rock & soul ensemble hailing from upstate New York quickly making a name for themselves in the Capital Region. With a sound built upon a strong foundation of drum and bass, classic organ, blistering vocals, and an unshakeable horn section, the band continues to thrill audiences with high energy performances and a modern interpretation of soulful music steeped in early R&B, funk and blues.
Releasing their inaugural EP, "The Tree House Sessions," in 2023, Tops of Trees hit the airwaves with WEXT, WEQX, and Unsigned 518. Their compelling songwriting resonated deeply with listeners, securing Spot #14 on the WEXT local songs of the year.
Featured on WTNE Channel 10, Tops of Trees have been showcased at some of the best locations in the Capital Region including The Cohoes Music Hall, Putnam Place, Jive Hive Live and Saratoga Springs New Year’s Eve Festival while sharing the stage with Suke Cerulo Band, The Robert Randolph Band, Sqwerv and Joan Osborne.
Climb up to the highest branch to enjoy the view.
Damian Ubriaco
Lead vocals & Guitar
Damian is the creative force behind Tops of Trees' soulful sound. As the band's songwriter and main vocalist, he draws on a wealth of musical influences to craft powerful and emotive songs that resonate with audiences. Damian's lyrics are deeply personal and introspective, exploring themes of love, loss, and self-discovery, and his soulful, raw vocals imbue each performance with a sense of authenticity and vulnerability.
Troy Helmer
Drums & Vocals
Troy is a skilled drummer with a passion for creating dynamic and rhythmic beats. He brings a high level of energy and enthusiasm to the stage, and his solid grooves serve as the foundation for Tops of Trees' Trunk Funk sound. With years of experience playing in various musical genres, Troy is a versatile musician who can adapt to any style of music. He is an essential part of Tops of Trees, and his infectious energy and musicality help to elevate the band's live performances.
Ken Juhas
Bass & Vocals
Ken is a master of the low end, bringing a unique and distinctive voice to Tops of Trees' Trunk Funk sound. Drawing inspiration from a wide range of musical styles, Ken's bass playing incorporates elements of funk, jazz, and R&B, creating a rich and textured sound that adds depth and complexity to the band's music. He is a consummate professional, with a keen ear for melody and a strong sense of groove, and his playing is always tight, precise, and in the pocket.
Aaron Profitt
Lead Guitar
Scintillating guitar leads with a passion for exploring new soundscapes and improvisation techniques. As an electrical engineer, Aaron is constantly modifying his equipment to achieve unique tones that inspires creativity and aim to push the boundaries of Trunk funk.
Tom Simek
Keys
Tom, the multifaceted keyboard wizard of Tops of Trees (Tots), has cultivated his musical journey from the vibrant landscapes of upstate New York to an enchanting global odyssey. Hailing from the 518 area code, Tom's passion for music has led him to share his skills as a music teacher while embarking on a melodious voyage that spans across various corners of the world.
Alex Miller
Horn Section Leader
The musical maestro behind the horn section of Tops of Trees. With a passion for crafting soulful melodies and a deep love for the groove, Alex has become the driving force behind our band's horn arrangements.