Two months ago we started this blog with our first Indie List Makers, Smallpools. We loved their energy and their 4 song discography so much, we decide to buy tickets to go see their headlining show at The Troubadour last Friday. Though we were super stoked to see the guys perform in such an intimate, legendary venue, we were actually more excited to see the very anthemic and infectiously awesome support act that night. Our high expectations were exceeded, so we couldn't think of a better way to finish the first volume of Indie List Makers than to induct the amazing Parade of Lights. Their name lights up marquees, but their music lights up our lives.
Combing the elements of shoegaze alternative rock, 80's drive electronic indie-pop, and nostalgic creativity, the Los Angeles group is composed of lead singer and guitarist Ryan Patrick Daly, drummer Anthony Improgo, bassist/backing vocalist Randy Schulte, and keyboardist/backing vocalist Michelle Ashley. They draw inspiration from Madonna, Depeche Mode, U2, M83, and John Hughes' collection of 80's soundtrack movies.
If you think that's a star-studded list, check out their list of groups they have toured with: The Colourist, Imagine Dragons, Thirty Seconds to Mars, The Neighbourhood, Fitz & the Tantrums, and one of my all times favorite bands, Rooney.
The band's formation is also an interesting one. Forming in 2006 as Polus, the guys released an successful EP, Wishes. The band was forced into hiatus due to both Ryan's and Anthony's careers as touring musicians. Their credentials are very impressive: Anthony was the drummer for Metro Station, and Ryan has been a touring member of both Hello Goodbye and 30 Seconds to Mars. In 2010 the guys reunited to form the current group, which added Michelle and Randy as permanent members. They got their name from one of Ryan's genius lyrics in one of their first songs, Cityscape.
Parade of Lights at Glasshouse - Cityscape from melissa salas on Vimeo.
The band self-released their amazing 2012 debut-EP, Born to Live, Born To Love after signing a publishing deal with Imagem Music in 2011. Earlier this year, Parade of Lights released a new single, We're The Kids, which led them to be signed onto Astralwerks Records in August.
"We're The Kids is a song about being young, and the carefree feeling that comes along with it. Even if you aren't a kid anymore, you can still feel like you did when you were 15. You just have to let yourself."-Ryan Patrick Daly via All Access
Here are some impressive statistics on the single:
It has spent 4 weeks on Sirius XM's Alt Nation Alt 18 Countdown, reaching its highest spot at #14 on August 17th, beating out The Naked and Famous, Muse, The Mowgli's, and Dale Earnhart Jr. Jr..
It has gotten more than 5000 downloads
it has been streamed on Spotify more than 50,000 times.
It currently holds more than 186,000 plays on Soundcloud, with 20,000 of those in the first week alone.
My favorite song from the group is the alt-pop ballad Flash of Light:
Ryan's subtle voice against an electronic atmospheric vibe is perfect. The breakdown is unexpected, yet perfect. The saxophone riff draws you in further and engulfs you with so much emotion. Just as all their other songs, this is an stellar anthem with amazing lyrics:
'Cause I can bring you back to life, you are the queen for tonight. And I, I don't want to kiss you goodnight. Close your eyes, feel the love. Baby come on, get lost with us. Summer nights, we collide. Baby come on yeah, we can be gone with a flash of light
There's something very intriguing about how straightforward the words are, yet they leave a very strong, thoughtful impact on the lyrics. Ryan Daly just has a way with words that gets everyone emotional and self-reflective, yet at the same time makes the listener want to sing every word with a smile on their face.
Like I have said many times before, this is the band to watch out for. They are the kindest group of people, both on social media and in person, who make amazing music and know how to put on a show. I expect their forthcoming EP (set out in January 2014) to be just as great as the rest of their discography, if not better. Mark my words, this band will explode in 2014 just as the many bands they have toured with have this year. Hear them now and experience this personal connection for yourselves. I am so glad I got the chance the hear them live in such an intimate venue. My hope is to one day interview these stellar musician and have their take on their success and creativity process, because I want to know what goes on in the minds of rising musical geniuses.
