About Us
The Band
From the echo of ancient stories to the pulse of modern sound, Nordic Daughter rises as more than a band—it is a living saga. Forged in the spirit of myth, resilience, and human connection. Nordic Daughter blends genre-bending Indie Folk Rock with cinematic storytelling to create music that feels both timeless and fiercely alive. Their songs are not simply performed; they are journeys—inviting listeners into a world of courage, vulnerability, and transformation.
Rooted in themes of acceptance, love, and personal accountability, Nordic Daughter’s music reflects the universal hero’s journey we all travel. Their sound builds a powerful intimacy with audiences, weaving together folk melodies, rock energy, and immersive atmosphere into something that feels deeply genuine and unmistakably authentic.
At the center of the story stands the powerful voice of Melissa Lycan. Her vocal style is both classic and unmistakably unique—capable of soaring strength and quiet vulnerability in the same breath. Through her voice, Nordic Daughter delivers songs that feel like campfire legends carried on the wind, filled with emotion, purpose, and connection.
The band made their live debut in 2016 at the Oriental Theater in Denver, launching a creative path that continues to evolve with every chapter. Their earliest recordings were produced at KMG Studios in Boulder, Colorado, culminating in the release of their debut EP Forgotten in 2017. Momentum grew quickly with their sophomore album The Path, released in November 2018 and produced by Ahrue Luster, featuring the dynamic violin work of Mia Asano. The album further expanded the band’s cinematic sound and storytelling approach.
In 2020, Nordic Daughter released three singles centered around the trials and transformations of the hero’s journey—the struggles and victories that shape who we become. These themes continued to evolve into their third album, Perceptions, released in September 2023. The album compiled several singles produced primarily by Haven Yates, including the track Same Dreams, recorded during the pandemic with producer Van Verhoeven.
The journey reached a powerful new milestone with their fourth album, Nordic Sun, released in May 2025 through Virgin Music Group’s World Sound label. Recorded at B-Normous Studio and produced by Jason Lycan, the album represents the band’s most ambitious chapter yet—an expansive collection of songs that embody growth, strength, and the ever-burning spirit of discovery.
Along the way, Nordic Daughter has shared the stage with artists including Lita Ford, Trapt, Celtica Nova, Pictus, Hexxen, Cold, Stitched Up Heart, Jack Russell of Great White, and Crimson Pirates. Their immersive performances have also headlined festivals from Alaska to Florida, performing at the Alaska State Fair, Ohio Viking Festival, Boynton Beach Pirate Festival and many, many more.
Yet the band’s mission reaches beyond the stage. Nordic Daughter is dedicated to using music as a force for empowerment—touring the world while inspiring young people to find their voices through songwriting and creativity.
With a fully choreographed live show, a growing global following, and a vision rooted in authenticity and storytelling, Nordic Daughter continues to carve its path across stages, festivals, and hearts alike.
The saga is still unfolding, and the fire is only growing stronger. Prepare for the rise of the fiercest warriors of sound, NORDIC DAUGHTER!
Vocals
Melissa Lycan was privately instructed in piano for 6 years from the age of 7 when she began to compose her own songs and focused heavily on academics. Though she never stopped writing. She had three vocal instructors including Lance Bendiksen of Bendiksen Productions and has compiled thousands of songs/poems over the last 20 years. In addition to her Bachelor of Music Business at Full Sail University she holds a Masters Degree in Business Intelligence and is a licensed educator in High School Mathematics.
Guitar
Jason Lycan has been building unique melodies for 25 years as a self educated musician. Jason has played music in several bands playing stages with artists like TRAPT, THC, FLAW, HED PE, ONE EYED DOLL, SALIVA and more. He is endorsed by Talon Pics in Denver, CO and continues to pursue a wide range of musical endeavors including his Hard Rock band Something For Tomorrow.
Violin
Sarah Jylkka is a Detroit native living in Seattle, WA. Sarah earned her Bachelor's in Music Education from DePauw University in Indiana and currently holds a professional teacher's license in the state of Colorado. Sarah plays both violin and viola professionally and recently closed the chapter on 5 years of directing middle school orchestra in order to pursue a career in continuing education and performance.
Violin
Michael Young is a classically trained violinist who currently studies Violin Performance at Azusa Pacific University. He has played in numerous orchestras in Colorado, California, Vienna, Salzburg, Prague, and Bratislava and has performed in chamber groups across the states. Michael has won two separate concerto competitions and still enjoys learning new solo repertoire with his current teacher Alexander Russell. Michael has collaborated with artists such as Mike Flack, Micah Wiederwohl, Hillside Worship, and Nordic Daughter. Michael also has featured instrumentals on the soundtrack of the movie “Sleeper Agent (2020)” and is working with Launchpad Studios on a second movie soundtrack “Malediction: The Evil Truth”.
Violin
Ariele Macadangdang is a Filipina-American, contemporary violinist and proud introvert. She has shared the stage with touring artists such as Disturbed, Kygo, The Flobots, Kali Uchis and The Trans Siberian Orchestra. Ariele enjoys collaboration with musicians in contemporary, folk and euro-classical styles, performing both as an improvising violinist in various Colorado-based bands as well as local orchestras. Passionate about songwriting and arranging, she performs her original music frequently with folk trio Salomé Songbird.
During her undergraduate degree at Western Michigan University, she was a featured soloist in the 2012 Walmart Annual Shareholders meeting.
Drums & Percussion
Chris Lycan has been involved in the music industry in some form for 20+ years. He has played with many bands, predominantly Metal and Hard Rock in Denver, CO and is one of the live players for performances in Colorado. Favorite activities with Nordic Daughter include performance, production input, keeping time and holding down the beat.
Violin
Haiden Davis was trained at the University of Colorado at Denver in contemporary style. His diverse musical training inspired a unique sound influenced largely by classical, jazz, and hip hop. As a performer, producer, composer and educator, he tried to bridge the gap between many musical communities. A lifelong Colorado native, Haiden lived in Denver and recorded Violin on three tracks with Nordic Daughter. Though his life was cut short in early 2025 he will always be remembered for his unwavering spirit and love for the deeper connection with people. Haiden recorded on Martyr and Blind US rounding out the music with his incredible gypsy Jazz style.
Bass
Haven has been playing music for over twenty years. In 2014 Haven backed Michael Robert on a two-week tour in England packed with sixteen shows. In 2015 Haven joined hardcore band Proclaimer, where he played bass and sang clean vocals and by 2016, Haven recorded, mixed, mastered and co-produced Proclaimer's first EP. Since then, Haven has played many shows along the west coast, USA with different acts including Nordic Daughter, Westward, Silver & Gold, and Ana Lete, to name a few. He also recorded mixed and mastered the 3rd studio album Perceptions
Drums & Percussion
Evan DeGrasse has been performing percussion for 20 years. A seasoned stage and studio player, he performs with Nordic Daughter on the 3rd Album "Perceptions", and enjoys his own Prog Rock band Emerald Hour in Colorado Springs, CO. Favorite activities in Nordic Daughter performance, touring with friends, and studio recording.
Studio Drums
Johnny Reggie Romero has been playing music for over 30 years. From the punk rock of Green Jello to the heavy beats of The Dawn Chose Orion he has toured with several band before joining Nordic Daughter in 2018. For the last 3 years he has worked with the project building drum tracks for the second album "The Path".
Keys
Tracy Stokes has been involved in the music industry in some form for 60+ years. A seasoned studio and stage player, she has played with many bands, predominantly cover and a splash of original projects. Tracy has served as a key production entity in 2 major recording studios, Normandy Sound in Warren, RI and Avalanche Recording Studios, Northglenn, CO. She has recorded on 2 of the last albums. No Longer Touring.