bios

Nate Kellison has been singing since he was inside the womb. He sang with a professional children's choir (Bonae Cantores) associated with the University of Nebraska-Lincoln from age 9 to 17. He also sang with Chamber Choir, Court Choir, and Bel Canto (a capella group) in high school. And, while in high school, he performed with a 4-man contemporary a cappella group known as Uptown which was founded by fellow No Better Cause member, Ryan Chappelle. The group recorded and released an 8-song album while still in high school.

After high school, Nate formed an a cappella group known as "Voice One". After many struggles of trying to get things under way, Nate joined forces with Luke (Nate's younger brother) and four other guys. And with six men and a common goal, they created the "wall of sound" known as No Better Cause.

"This is the one," says Nate, "We feel like we now have the right combination for making something happen with this. We have the right amount of talent and commitment, along with meshing personalities. Working with Luke, Michael, Ryan, and Eric has been a blast. The addition of Michael, Ryan, and Eric to the group has been huge. They bring a lot to the table, and I'm glad that they're on my team. Big things are going to happen with this group!"

Nate is, most often, singing a powerful and controlled high tenor to fulfill his role in No Better Cause. Nate also sings the brunt of the leads, with a unique, smooth yet strong tenor range that is the distinctive trademark of more than one No Better Cause song. And when he's not singing the lead, he splits the high tenor spot with Eric. Nate also handles much of the business side of things with booking, accounting, website maintenance, and many other behind-the-scenes tasks.

Luke Kellison was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska. Luke's passion for music spans more than just the vocal variety. Lucas' skill with a bass guitar is unmatched in the area, and his work with several successful jazz, funk, hip hop and rock groups displays his versatility and drive to keep music the central focus of his life. Look for Luke on stage at your local club with his other band when he's not performing with No Better Cause.

Luke is a songwriter for the group, and is priveleged to be the pen behind the award winning song, "The Run," which is featured on the 2003 No Better Cause release, "You Asked For It" and was the recipient of the 2003 Denver Regional Harmony Sweepstakes for Best Original Song. Luke has a unique style of writing, and is often found writing about anything from girls to world social issues.

Luke is most often found filling one of the tenor lines, while singing a few leads as well.

Michael Evans was born in Chicago, and grew up in Missouri, Alabama, and finally Nebraska where he now resides.

Michael lived his early years in Missouri, which is where he got his first exposure to music. Whether it was the tune being hummed by his grandmother as she passed from room to room, or the latest Motown hit blasting on the radio, Michael always had a melody in his heart.

During his early teen years, Michael was residing in Alabama where he was exposed to “The Gospel Choir” and “a cappella” music. He had connections to Oakwood College while he was living there, though he was still in junior high. During these years, Michael was the acquaintance of members of one of the most famous vocal groups in the world, Take 6, as they attended Oakwood College. A few of the members of Take 6 called Michael out at a concert in Lincoln a few years ago. Michael was surprised that they still recognized him.

Michael attended high school at Lincoln High in Lincoln, Nebraska. And since then, he has been a part of many different music projects. He is an accomplished songwriter, arranger, singer, producer, and now he’s getting his first taste as a full-time vocal percussionist as a member of No Better Cause. Michael also plays percussion in the praise team at his home church, and is the “e” in the Christian hip-hop and R&B duo, “E.W. – Evans and Watson”.

Michael doesn’t know what the Lord has in store for him in the future. But, for now, he is happy and excited to be a member of No Better Cause.

Ryan Chappelle joins No Better Cause from Kansas City, Missouri, where he lived for the past year, managing an Abercrombie and Fitch store. Aside from his fashion expertise, he brings a wealth of experience as a bass singer in a cappella groups.

Ryan got his start with a cappella music in high school where he attended Lincoln Southeast High School with current No Better Cause members Nate and Luke, and past members, Adam McCarville and Drew Hoffman. He sang in a madrigal group called Bel Canto. From there, he founded a four-man group known as "Uptown". Ryan is the person who gave Nate Kellison his first experience in a cappella when he asked Kellison to join Uptown. Uptown went on to release one album, but the group disbanded shortly thereafter when different members left for college.

"The girls really seem to like him," says jealous bandmate, Nate Kellison.

Ryan is extremely excited to be a part of No Better Cause. He feels that the sky is the limit with this group, and that there's nothing that can't be accomplished.

Eric Kiple was born and raised in Lincoln, Nebraska, and has been involved in music from a very early age. And, he has continued in music throughout his life. Singing for choirs from 5th grade all the way through college as a high tenor, he has experienced a wide variety of styles and settings from swing choir to madrigals. In high school, Eric took the opportunity to go tour Europe with the Nebraska Ambassadors of Music, experiencing both vocal and instrumental groups in places he never dreamed he would see. With a renewed appreciation for different styles of music, Eric returned to his junior year ready to sing and hasn't looked back since.

Attending Union College for two years, he was a member of Unionairres and The Vocal Octet. He also showed off his acting skills as Luther Billis in a production of South Pacific. After transfering to Doane for his junior year, he became a member of Collegiate Chorale as well as the 8-man a cappella group, Double Wide.

As the newest member of No Better CAuse, Eric is looking forward to lending his voice to an already well-known group, and is very thankful for the opportunity to do what he loves, and get paid for it, too.