White Reaper

White Reaper was formed in Louisville, Kentucky, by Tony Esposito (guitar/vocals) and Nick Wilkerson while they were in high school in 2012. The group’s name was inspired by a white Grim Reaper prop. Initially a duo, they released two demos, ‘DEMO 2012’ and ‘WHITE AURA,’ in 2012. In 2013, a 7-inch featuring “The Cut” and “Conspirator” was released on Earthbound Records. The band expanded with the addition of Nick Wilkerson’s twin brother, Sam Wilkerson, on bass, and elementary school friend Ryan Hater on keyboard.

White Reaper signed with Polyvinyl Records in early 2014, marking their label debut with the release of the ‘White Reaper’ EP. This period saw them touring as openers for bands like Young Widows. In 2015, they released their first studio album, ‘White Reaper Does It Again,’ on Polyvinyl Records, further establishing their presence and opening for groups such as Twin Peaks and Together Pangea. Guitarist Hunter Thompson joined the band in 2016, and their second album, ‘The World’s Best American Band,’ followed in 2017. Their career progressed with performances at South by Southwest in 2018 and opening slots for established acts like Weezer and Billy Idol.

In 2019, White Reaper signed with Elektra Records, a major label, and released their third studio album, ‘You Deserve Love,’ in October of that year. Leading up to this, three singles were released, with “Might Be Right” becoming their highest-charting single, reaching number six on the US Hot Rock Songs chart and topping the US Alternative Songs chart. They performed at Riot Fest and with The Killers, and made a television appearance on ‘Jimmy Kimmel Live!’ in December 2019, performing “Might Be Right” and “Real Long Time.” Their fourth studio album, ‘Asking for a Ride,’ was released in January 2023, also on Elektra Records. A song from this album, “Getting Into Trouble w/ The Boss,” was featured in a Taco Bell commercial. In mid-2023, they supported Weezer on their Indie Rock Road Trip tour. In June 2024, Nick Wilkerson and Sam Wilkerson departed from the band. In June 2025, White Reaper signed with Blue Grape Music and announced their fifth studio album, ‘Only Slightly Empty,’ set for release in September 2025, accompanied by the single “Honestly.”