About Doctor Nader

Matthew Nader’s story is the stuff rock and roll dreams are made of — equal parts small-town myth, teenage ambition, and pure devotion to the craft of songwriting. Now recording under the name Doctor Nader, the Seattle-based musician is stepping into the spotlight with a lifetime of experience, countless miles on the road, and a songbook steeped in power-pop, alt-rock, and indie hooks that never quit.Tulsa Roots & Early BandsBorn and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma, Nader’s musical journey started with piano lessons but quickly swerved into the irresistible pull of guitars, Top 40 radio, and stacks of Beatles cassettes. By high school, he was leading local alt-rock outfits like Crazy Jane and Bug, booking DIY shows in pizza parlors and warehouses when underage bands weren’t welcome in clubs. Bug’s self-recorded 1994 album caught the ear of L.A.’s Triple X Records — a rarity in those pre-internet days when labels actually signed bands off unsolicited demos.Epperley: Record Deals & National ExposureBug soon morphed into Epperley, with a sharper, more melodic sound inspired by Pixies, Weezer, Sloan, and Fountains of Wayne. In 1996, Triple X Records released the band’s self-titled debut, powered by the crunchy single “Shy”, which landed on the cult-hit TV series Buffy the Vampire Slayer. Epperley’s follow-up, 1999’s Sophomore Slump, delivered another gem: “You’re So 1988,” which was featured in the indie film The Tao of Steve. Their music also popped up in American Pie 2 and HBO’s Normal, earning the band a reputation as Tulsa’s premier alt-pop export.Epperley toured extensively across the Midwest and West Coast, sharing bills with Imperial Teen, The Goo Goo Dolls, Spoon, and even snagged an opening slot for Matthew Sweet at the legendary Cain’s Ballroom. Despite industry turbulence, Epperley left behind two cult-classic albums, an original Christmas album, and a legacy as one of Oklahoma’s most beloved alternative rock bands.Secret Agent Teenager & Side ProjectsDuring Epperley’s heyday, Nader co-founded Secret Agent Teenager (0017) — a tongue-in-cheek but razor-sharp power-pop side project that packed Tulsa clubs with its blend of Ramones energy and Weezer sincerity. Their unreleased material (including the fan favorite “Kelly Kapowski”) has since become a time capsule of late-’90s teenage pop genius. Nader also performed with Oklahoma expanding his footprint in Tulsa’s bustling alt-rock scene.Aqueduct: The Sideman YearsRelocating to Seattle, Nader joined Aqueduct, the Barsuk Records indie-pop outfit led by David Terry. As Aqueduct’s longtime guitarist and sideman, he toured nationally, played Lollapalooza, and appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Last Call with Carson Daly. The gig cemented his reputation as a rock-solid player and added another chapter of national exposure to his resume.Doctor Nader: The Solo EraAfter years supporting others, Nader is now striking out under his own banner: Doctor Nader (a nod to his father’s profession and a sly wink at rock ’n’ roll’s healing power). On his upcoming releases, he plays every instrument himself, marrying punchy guitars, soaring melodies, and a deep love of classic songwriting. His music is equal parts 90s alt-radio nostalgia and timeless power-pop devotion — think Weezer, Sloan, Superchunk, Tom Petty, and Fountains of Wayne, all filtered through Nader’s sharp wit and melodic instincts.Philosophy & SoundDoctor Nader is more than a project — it’s a mission. Nader is an advocate for guitars in an electronic age, a believer in the enduring power of a three-minute pop song, and a lifelong student of melody and hooks. His songs are built for mixtapes, movie soundtracks, and late-night drives — the kind of music that makes you fall in love with rock ’n’ roll all over again.✨ If you land on this page looking for a press angle, a pull-quote, or the quick version:Signed a record deal before he could legally drink.Songs placed in Buffy the Vampire Slayer, The Tao of Steve, American Pie 2, HBO’s Normal.Shared the stage with Modest Mouse, Death Cab for Cutie, Brendan Benson, Apples in Stereo, and more.Appeared on Late Night with Conan O’Brien and Lollapalooza with Aqueduct.Now releasing solo music as Doctor Nader — all instruments, all vision.