WHO IS COTE LOUIS DE SOUZA
The Cote Louis Desouza Band is a Christian Rock band that focuses on excelling in musical craftsmanship with a wide variety of genres. The band was formed in 2016 with two rock-and-roll gents attending the Village Church of Barrington, Illinois: Gerry Cote, singer and guitarist from Rough Draft Rocks and Kevin Louis, who plays bass, rhythm guitar, and sings. At the request of Gerry and Kevin, fellow church members Ron DeSouza and his son Lucas were invited to join, and they completed their band that same year. Ron plays the keys and organ, and Lucas, nicknamed “The Kid,” plays the drums. In Late 2023, Sam Cuellar joined CLD adding his amazing bass guitar skills.
The Cote Louis DeSouza Band, otherwise known as CLD, seeks to employ their God-given musical gifts to the glory of God as they delve into such topics in their songs as the meaning of life, navigating through life, and how to obtain eternal life. Their original songs talk about how we need someone to save us from our sins; and that that Someone is the God-Man Jesus. For the eternal life which CLD have found in Jesus, they praise God with their very singing and playing.
The Band prays that as long as the Lord will give them breath, they will continue to make music that will draw people’s attention to the God Who gave them their music and creativity, and that the life-saving message that “Jesus was born to set” men free, would be boldly proclaimed to their fans through Rock-and-Roll.
Gerry Cote | Guitar
Gerry is all about late 60's to early 70's Classic Rock. He can't get enough of Les Paul guitars and Marshall amps. Playing off & on all his life, age has not slowed him down one bit! Someone recently said, "His guitar playing sounds like himself." His style is Classic Rock meets Electric Blues; you always know it's him!
Gerry serves the Lord and plays guitar once a month with the Saturday night Worship Team at the Village Church of Barrington, IL. He is a retired Real Estate Appraiser, who keeps very busy with Rough Draft Music Studios, his hobby business, and his large family that he and Mary Jean have created. Outside of family, one of his greatest joys is playing original Christian music with Kevin, Lucas, Sam, and a steady stream of amazing guest musicians.
Kevin Louis | Vocals
Kevin Louis started off playing the drums at the age of ten. At 16 years old, his brother gave him a bass guitar and asked him to learn bass for their band. He got a six string acoustic at the age of 18. He enjoys understanding what each instrument does and what it can do to help push the music forward. He started writing songs in 1984, being inspired from all genres such as Rock, Blues, Jazz, Reggae, New Wave, and some Country. His passion is to make music interesting while bringing soulful lyrics to these original songs. He is very thankful to have met such high caliber musicians as Gerry, Lucas, and Sam that enjoy writing progressive music while still keeping it listenable. With help from the vocal talents of Tina, Gina, and Carrie. He is excited about the music being done with this unique band and he is thankful that God has given them this time and the collection of talent in: Cote, Louis, DeSouza, & Cuellar.
Lucas De Souza | Drums
Lucas has enjoyed drumming ever since the age of 4, and began taking lessons when he was about 10 years old. Over the years he's been blessed to play at multiple venues, including: church worship services, retreats, fundraisers, and orchestral Christmas celebrations. His greatest joy, however, is the fact that Gerry, Kevin, and Lucas get to create their own music for the glory of God, and the enjoyment of people. If one asks him, by the way, "Who is your inspiration, or the drummer you admire the most?" he would have to say the great Jeff Porcaro, who was a technical genius for the rock band, Toto, back in the day! Lucas is grateful for where God has placed us, so we can make great music together, and pray that we continue to do what our motto has always been since day one: "Keeping it Real."
Sam Cuellar | Bass
Hailing from Palatine, IL, Sam has been laying down the low-end for more than 20 years in various bands and projects. These include SYRG, a progressive metal band that had the pleasure of opening for the world-famous Born of Osiris, and Liquid Faction, a multi-generational rock cover band. His musical journey would be non-existent if it weren't for his amazing parents, who would play various styles of music around the house growing up. Don't be surprised when you find yourself grooving to his funky and rock-esque basslines on the Cote Louis DeSouza project!