The band ELEGANT TERN is named after the majestic bird, elegant tern (Thalasseus elegans), native to the beautiful Pacific coasts of California and Mexico. The band embodies the spirit of their avian namesake who live in tight-knit groups on the beach, dive-bomb into the ocean to feed, and appear to live life to the fullest.

ELEGANT TERN is an alt rock band born in 2023 out of San Diego's Normal Heights neighborhood. Their genre-bending sound spans high-energy rock jams and mellow acoustic ballads, with performances that keep audiences locked in and coming back for more. The band's dynamic range, in both tone and style, reflects the distinct personalities and diverse influences of its four members. Amplified or unplugged, every show delivers a fresh, authentic musical ride. ELEGANT TERN is taking flight in the San Diego music scene. Come catch them live.

Founding members are seen on occasion at the Ould Sod in Normal Heights:

Rainman (Rainer Boelzle) - Drums

In the pocket drummer with much love for funk, reggae, and rock jams. Embracing the philosophy that less is more, Rainman approaches the drum kit with the intention of creating space, often opting for lower volumes to allow other musical elements to take center stage. Rainman has deep passion for various aspects of the music world (e.g. music creation and collaboration, recording, performing live, band promotion, experiencing live music, etc.) and formerly was a founding member of MASS CONFUSION, a reggae and funk band based in Long Beach, California. When not playing music, Rainman likes to explore, eat tacos, and surf the warm waters of Mexico.

Pablo (Paul Niles) - Bass

Pablo, a native of Southern California, developed a profound love for music from a young age, as it brought immense joy to his life. Despite his professional identity as a chef, Pablo discovered a deep passion for cooking that mirrors the enthusiasm and creativity he brings to playing the bass guitar. Family, food, and music have always held significant roles in Pablo's life. Influenced by his earliest concert experiences featuring iconic bands such as The Beach Boys, Chuck Berry, and Metallica, Pablo incorporates elements of those early inspirations into his bass playing. Having grown up immersed in the sounds of bands like the Chili Peppers, Primus, and Rage Against the Machine, Pablo infuses a blend of funky tones and classic rhythms, allowing his distinctive bass sounds to shine through.

Obi-Serious - Guitar

Introducing Obi-Serious, a seasoned guitarist with over 30 years of musical prowess. Specializing in folk music, Obi-Serious’s versatile skills span across various genres, including metal, rock, and hip hop. Renowned for his classical flamenco-style acoustic guitar mastery, he weaves a melodic tapestry that captivates audiences, leaving an indelible mark on the world of music.

Half Shot (Meg Moore) - Vocals

Half Shot’s love of music began in her early childhood when she annually watched The Sound of Music and The Wizard of Oz with her family. Her father had perfect pitch and reminisced about his days in Glee Club. When she was a kid, he lent his talents to the church choir, which is also where Half Shot got her early chops in singing and reading music. Her love of music grew over the years, as she learned to play the violin and was enamored of 80s pop music. But her true love of singing solidified during the 90s when female musicians ruled the airwaves. Remember the days when you could watch MTV to see Salt-n-Peppa, Alanis Morissette, En Vogue, Jewel, and Indigo Girls all within a few hours? She infuses the likes of Ani Difranco, Sheryl Crow, Chrissie Hynde & Annie Lennox into her vocals, bringing a rocky, bluesy, singer-song-writery feel to her music.

All jam sessions are recorded at THE FUNK HAUS studios in Normal Heights.