Feature: Where Are They Now – Lester and Brandon Estelle
Where Are They Now: Lester and Brandon Estelle
Brothers who shaped Christian rock, pop, and worship music
Early Roots
Raised in Kansas City, Missouri, Lester and Brandon Estelle grew up surrounded by church music. Both were drumming before they were teenagers, and both would go on to anchor two of the biggest Christian acts of the 2000s.
Lester Estelle II
From Pillar to Kelly Clarkson
Lester joined Pillar in 2002, bringing power and precision to Where Do We Go From Here, The Reckoning, and For the Love of the Game. He later co-founded Stars Go Dim, and in 2013 landed the role of touring drummer for Kelly Clarkson, now serving as part of her house band “My Band Y’all” on The Kelly Clarkson Show.
Sessions and Collaborations
Lester has worked with a wide variety of artists including Big and Rich, Disciple, Starset, Kutless, Love and Death, Seventh Day Slumber, Neal McCoy, Donnie McClurkin, Kim Burrell, Agnieszka Chylińska, Julian Vaughn, Group 1 Crew, Kensington Moore, and Casey Donahew.
Notable recordings include
• “Dear X, You Don’t Own Me” by Disciple
• “Did It for the Party” by Big and Rich
• “Nostalgic” with Kelly Clarkson
• “Twelve” with Neal McCoy
• Featured songs with Donnie McClurkin and Kim Burrell
• A collaboration with Agnieszka Chylińska
• Studio work with Casey Donahew
Today Lester continues balancing Nashville sessions, Clarkson’s TV tapings, and international touring.
Brandon Estelle
From Superchick to Solo
Brandon made his mark with Superchick, joining during the Beauty from Pain era and continuing through the Grammy-nominated Rock What You Got. After the band wrapped, he launched into solo artistry, worship leadership, and collaborative songwriting. His solo album Star (2015) and ongoing singles showcase his multi-instrumental talent.
Recent Singles and Collaborations
Brandon’s catalog features “Children of the Living God,” “Truth Works,” “Testify,” “All The Time,” and “My Soul Delights In You” featuring Tricia Brock. He has also collaborated with TobyMac on RIAA Gold-certified work. Through platforms such as AirGigs, Brandon records for film, television, and indie artists, while remaining active in Kansas City worship networks including The Sending Project.
Shared Threads
Both brothers began in church and rose to national prominence through Christian rock before taking unique directions. Lester thrives in high-profile session and television work, while Brandon focuses on songwriting, worship, and remote collaborations. Together they continue to build legacies that inspire across multiple genres.
Connect with the Estelles
Lester Estelle II
Website: https://www.lesterdrums.com
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/lesterestelle/
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/user/MrTugadrums
Brandon Estelle
AirGigs Profile: https://www.airgigs.com/user/brandonestelle
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/brandoestelle/
Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/artist/1mpH60Cx85fuINNepxxeVq
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