PuraPharm

PuraPharm was formed in 2007 by Tessa Kole and Niki Sims. Tessa was looking for a new project after 61 Cygni - her former 

project - when her drummer, Eric Jarvis, moved on to pursue his dreams becoming more involved in professional recording & production. Tessa and Niki were coworkers at the time, and Niki was one of 61 Cygni’s biggest fans. Niki was usually not old enough to get into all the gigs, but she would find a way every time; whether she had to sneak in the back by helping lug in gear, or hide out in a bathroom for an hour before the venue would start carding at the door, she was always determined to find a way into the show!

In 2005, Tessa approached Niki with an opportunity to start something new from the ground up - Tessa doing what she does best by leading the band by bringing her vocal talents and guitar playing, and Niki rocking a saxophone and clarinet - which they named PuraPharm. Soon afterwards, Paul Adams (former bass player, and founding member of 61 Cygni) joined in on bass guitar. In 2009, a second guitar player came into the mix named Anthony "Tony" Rodriguez. Tony really helped the band to discover their new and unique sound, but he left the band in October of 2012, and was quickly replaced by Davis Jumper. Like Tony, Davis has brought another new element to PuraPharm's sound, and still with us today. While the songs had been driven with programmed drum arrangements since the beginning, live drummers came along in 2013; first Josh Lastrapes for about 5 months, then John Polinski. In September of 2014 our newest drummer, Daniel Haymes, joined the band.

In 2012 PuraPharm and its members were nominated for five Houston Press Music Awards; Best Modern Rock Band, Best Vocalist, Best Bassist, Best Guitarist, and Best Other Instrument. Niki Sims won her nomination for Best Other Instrument, thanks to her saxophone and clarinet skills! 

Purapharm is currently writing, recording, and very much an active part of the Houston music scene. We play regularly at local venues and even tour around the Gulf Coast region once in a while. Our live shows are the best part of being in this band; we enjoy every opportunity we can get to bring our energy to the stage, and love to be in the company of our friends and fans!