Medicine Jar is a Northern California alternative rock band rooted in the grit and melody of the early 2000s. Formed in 2012 by bassist and primary songwriter Axel Flores, the band has spent over a decade refining a sound that blends nostalgia with a distinct modern edge.

Fronted by Carl Svensson on vocals and guitar, alongside Jim Macdonald on lead guitar and Ramiro Brown on drums, Medicine Jar channels its influences into high-energy, hook-driven songs defined by driving guitars and tight rhythms.

The band has performed across Northern California at venues including The Bistro, Winter’s Tavern, RetroJunkie, The Quarter Note, and the San Mateo County Fair, earning a reputation for dynamic, unfiltered live shows. Their debut album Human By Design features standout tracks such as “Why Ain’t I Bleeding,” “Each Passing Night,” and “Coming Around.”

After recording new material throughout 2024 and 2025, Medicine Jar is set to release new music in 2026, beginning with their upcoming single “A Different Shade of Gray.” The band is currently booking shows for 2026 and beyond.

Axel Flores - Bass guitar

Growing up in Georgia, Axel took to music at an early age, initially inspired by the “Sweet Child O’Mine” music video by Guns ‘N Roses (Black jackets are cool!). Axel picked up a Washburn acoustic guitar and immediately started learning to play covers and write original music, paving the way to his songwriting for Medicine Jar. Axel also enjoys martial arts, sports, and traveling. 

Carl Svensson - Lead Vocals,  Guitar

Carl was raised by a musical family in Illinois, growing up taking piano lessons and singing in choirs all the way through school. He is also the band’s resident astronomy expert, regularly wowing them with awesome photos of all the constellations. Ever the entertainer, Carl even once hosted his own gaming podcast! 

Jim macdonald - Lead Guitar

Jim first picked up a guitar at 8 years old, and hasn’t put it down since. While growing up in Santa Cruz, CA, Jim ventured through his parents’ music collection and became a big fan of The Beach Boys, The Beatles, Rick Nelson, Elton John, Billy Joel, among others. Outside of writing/recording/producing music, Jim tries to spend time watching baseball and playing video games. 

Ramiro brown - Drums

Ramiro's obsession with music started at a young age, beginning with Michael Jackson and gradually getting heavier with bands like Metallica and Dimmu Borgir. He is primarily a self taught musician and when he's not writing, practicing, learning or listening to music, he enjoys watching Minecraft videos, making art, reading, and skateboarding.