Avalon Landing

Artist Information

Biography

Avalon Landing formed “over some silverware and a tablecloth” at Alice’s Kitchen Restaurant in Buffalo, New York. Ten months later-- and 2,000 miles away-- the band played it's first show at The Bunkhouse Saloon in Las Vegas, Nevada.

The original three-piece line-up consisted of longtime friends Josh Rabenold (piano/vocalist) Mike Vargovich (guitar/vocalist) and Clayton Cobb (guitar/vocalist). The final pieces came into place when Buffalo based drummer Ryan Martin signed on to the cross country move, and Las Vegas native and bassist Danny Jacobellis found a niche in the pop/rock group. With that line-up solidified, Avalon Landing promptly recorded a self-produced demo of four original songs in their hometown of Buffalo, NY.

Since its inception, Avalon Landing was intent on being based in Las Vegas. “I had been visiting Las Vegas for years and when Josh and I were finally starting a band we decided it would be the right city,” said Mike Vargovich, guitarist/vocalist. “The music scene here is very diverse and there are several great venues that really support the local scene it just felt like the right place to make this happen.”

After releasing the four-song demo, Avalon Landing played more one-off shows in Las Vegas, appearing twice on the Neon Reverb Music Festival in March, and the 18b Music Festival in May.

Frequently described as piano based rock, Avalon Landing takes full-advantage of having four vocalists in the band utilizing incredible three-part harmonies that give them a unique vibe. Their musical inspiration draws upon influences ranging from Jimmy Eat World, Death Cab for Cutie,Tegan and Sara, and a vast range of artists that strongly exercise their melodic muscles.

Since their debut on the Las Vegas scene, Avalon Landing has wasted no time making a name for themselves in the “Entertainment Capital of the World.” Their demo was picked up by local radio stations and has been played on many weekly shows. Frequent performances in various casinos, showrooms, and lounges (The Palms, House of Blues, Mandalay Bay, M Resort, Palace Station, Green Valley Ranch, The Hard Rock Hotel) as well as in downtown Las Vegas venues has lead to the development of a loyal following as well as accolades from members of the local media and other Vegas musicians. Recent shows at Hard Rock Cafe on Las Vegas Blvd and House of Blues inside Mandalay Bay have seen the band really hitting a stride. They've become a staple opening for budding Vegas bands such as Imagine Dragons (Interscope), whose most recent show sold out The Hard Rock Cafe's 1000 cap room with Avalon Landing as direct support

In late 2011, Avalon Landing released a digital album titled "Demos, Dead Ends & Do Overs," while also starting the demoing process for a new full-length album to be released in 2013. The record will be produced by Brooklyn, New York based producer/engineer Bryan Russell (Coldplay, Starylight Run, The Academy Is, Destry, The Narrative, Envy On the Coast). During the process of writing and recording new material, the band will be seen continuing to perform in support of "Demos, Dead Ends & Do Overs," which can be found on iTunes and is streaming in full on the bands Purevolume page (www.purevolume.com/avalonlanding). You can also find the album available on Itunes and Spotify.

While continuing to push forward, Avalon Landing are anticipating a big year in 2013 with the release of their full length debut.

Instrumentation

Clayton Cobb - Guitar, Backing Vocals
Danny Jacobellis - Bass
Ryan Martin - Drums, Backing Vocals
Josh Rabenold - Piano, voice
Mike Vargovich - Guitar, voice

Discography

"Avalon Landing Demo EP" 2011
"Demos, Dead Ends & Do Overs" 2011

Official Website

http://www.avalonlandingmusic.com

Links

• Facebook
• Twitter
• Purevolume.com

Audio

• Old Phonebooks MASTER
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• Cold Front Habits
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• Erie County Welcomes You Back
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• Sound Of You And I
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• Save Me A Seat
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• No Need For Second Chances
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Lyrics

• Erie County Welcomes You Back

Video

Avalon Landing - Erie County Welcomes You Back

Avalon Landing: Performance at The Palms

Photo Gallery

Press

• Sonicbids Artist of the Week: Avalon Landing [+ Show ]
  

  Avalon Landing formed “over some silverware and a tablecloth” at Alice’s Kitchen Restaurant in Buffa...Avalon Landing formed “over some silverware and a tablecloth” at Alice’s Kitchen Restaurant in Buffalo, New York. Ten months later– and 2,000 miles away– the band played its first show at The Bunkhouse Saloon in Las Vegas, Nevada. Since then, the band has been gaining notoriety for their unique harmonies and onstage presence. We recently caught up with vocalist/guitarist Mike Vargovich to see what he hopes listeners get from their music, his favorite gig, and where you can see Avalon Landing next.

• On the Verge: Avalon Landing [+ Show ]
  

  I was sitting at The Beat Coffeehouse downtown recently, working on my laptop and trying to drown ou...I was sitting at The Beat Coffeehouse downtown recently, working on my laptop and trying to drown out the sounds of the bustling evening. And then this band started playing in the corner. They pulled me right out of my little world. I closed the laptop. I just had to listen, and find out who they were.
  
  The Las Vegas based band is Avalon Landing, and their music is genuine, compelling and catchy, with the type of commercial appeal found throughout the Billboard charts. On their latest release, Demos, Dead Ends & Do Overs, the boys meshed thoughtful lyrics and harmonious music similar to the way OneRepublic's "Apologize" induces a state of reflection and contemplation. Songs like "Erie County Welcomes You Back" and "Old Phonebooks" are perfect examples of this. You could describe it as piano rock, but with an edge.
  
  "When it comes down to it, we write pop songs," says Mike Vargovich, who plays the guitar and is one of the groups four vocalists, "but it's not cheesy pop. There's a piano, distorted guitars, and the harmonies make it radio friendly."
  
  The Buffalo, NY natives came together a year ago and soon moved to Vegas in search of steady live work and a fresh place to write. The former goal seems to be going well, as there have been plenty of gigs: "No matter what you do, there's a spot for that," Vargovich says. "Every week we're playing for people who want to be entertained. It's a huge advantage that I don't think a lot of other cities benefit from."
  
  However, that gig success (find their latest dates at avalonlandingmusic.com) has cut into Goal No. 2. "Every time we say we're going to buckle down and write some songs, we end up getting a couple shows that we can't say no to," Vargovich says.
  
  Nonetheless, Avalon Landing plans to finish their second album by Fall and score some radio time this year. To paraphrase Yoda, they seem to be living by the mantra that there is no try, there is only do. I have no doubt that they will join the ranks of the Plain White T's and Augustana in making rooms full of women swoon and lots of young men want to learn how to sing in harmony.

• Why they play: 5 local bands on what keeps them going [+ Show ]
  

  How’s this for dedication: In 2011, three-fifths of this melodic pop-rock band relocated from Buffal...How’s this for dedication: In 2011, three-fifths of this melodic pop-rock band relocated from Buffalo, New York, to Las Vegas to be with guitarist and vocalist Mike Vargovich, who’d moved here with his family a year earlier. “We said, ‘We’re not 15-year-old kids anymore,’” Vargovich says. “The window to be able to take chances is closing. Let’s take a shot at making this happen.”
  
  That foursome—Vargovich, singer/pianist Josh Rabenold, guitarist Clayton Cobb and drummer Ryan Martin—hooked up with Las Vegas-based bassist Danny Jacobellis, and Avalon Landing was off and running. The group has landed gigs at venues like the Palms Lounge, Ovation at Green Valley Ranch and the Hard Rock Cafe on the Strip, while earning a reputation as one of the scene’s hardest-hustling bands. “We try to take every single opportunity we can,” Vargovich says. “We go down and busk on the Strip, and we’ll play anywhere and hand out demos to everyone.”
  
  Avalon Landing’s debut song collection, Demos, Dead Ends & Do Overs, is available now on iTunes, with a proper follow-up album tentatively planned for the fall.

• Avalon Landing Featured on Purevolume [+ Show ]
  

  Avalon Landing was featured on the Purvolume.com homepage for the release of Demos, Dead Ends & Do O...Avalon Landing was featured on the Purvolume.com homepage for the release of Demos, Dead Ends & Do Overs on 11/16/11.

• Discovering New Music: Avalon Landing “Erie County Welcomes You Back” [+ Show ]
  

  I have some new music here for ya, that you are going to want to hear! Avalon Landing is a pop/rock... I have some new music here for ya, that you are going to want to hear! Avalon Landing is a pop/rock “local” band, originally from Buffalo, New York but they now kick it in Las Vegas. Formed only a little over a year ago, Avalon Landing had their very first show at the Bunkhouse Saloon here in their new hometown. I really like their single “Erie County Welcomes You Back,” mainly for its strong use of the piano. The song is quite calming and dramatic at the same time. Curious? Listen to it here and make sure to tell us what you think!

• Someone Sent Us These [+ Show ]
  

  "Piano pop/rock" is the self-imposed genre of newly Las Vegan band Avalon Landing, but we think a be..."Piano pop/rock" is the self-imposed genre of newly Las Vegan band Avalon Landing, but we think a better choice would've been "music for kissing heartbroken girls." Its self-produced, four-track demo is all wistful, "aw, shucks, you're leaving" lyrics ("I don't wanna tell you what you should do/this is where I stand/I don't wanna be caught up on you/but tonight I am," from "Have Fun in London"), dead-on sad-chord harmonization and the heavy use of the piano's suss pedal. The closest comparison we can make for the New York transplants is a more melodically complex Something Corporate, with no heavy drums, punk rock princesses or having to admit you're an adult listening to Something Corporate.

• Mix Lab: Local Band Contest (Avalon Landing Vs Offset Season) [+ Show ]
  

  Alright local bands want to be heard on Mix 94.1 and score a Mix Underground Lounge with Heather Co...Alright local bands want to be heard on Mix 94.1 and score a Mix Underground Lounge with Heather Collins! Well Submit your songs and contact info to heather@mix941.fm. Each week I will pick two local bands to go head to head for a week while your fans vote, bands with the most votes by the end of the week wins….its simple! If you are a winner you be add to a list to be contacted by me to come in to the Mix studios and score a Underground Lounge too! Great way to get your band some publicity right?! So go now and submit your bands to my email!
  
  This Weeks Battle is Winners From Band Battle For Bite: Avalon Landing Vs. Offset Season click below to vote!

• Holiday Rush [+ Show ]
  

  Several local acts release recorded projects before year's end, in this edition of Someone Sent Us T...Several local acts release recorded projects before year's end, in this edition of Someone Sent Us These
  
  Avalon Landing
  
  Demos, Dead Ends and Do Overs
  
  The guys from Avalon Landing have said on multiple occasions, "Wait until you hear the plugged-in stuff." So we waited, and waded through the expectedly soggy-sweet tracks of Demos, Dead Ends and Do Overs (some of which were part of their early demo). But the payoff came with new, electrically charged, guitar-distorted teeth. If you're into the Jimmy Eats Something Corporate thing they had going on, they aren't shunning that completely (and they shouldn't, because they do it pretty damn well). The fuller, heavier new tracks, "No Need for Second Chances" in particular, find balance between their bleeding-heart comfort zone and acoustic 'roid-raging (nesting them in Motion City Soundtrack territory). Their harmonization is still top notch, but this time they let amplification -- and strings! -- play a stronger role. The end goal is a surprisingly flowy, Imogen Heap-like track called "Old Phonebooks," and a stack of songs for the stage, not the coffee shop. (www.reverbnation.com/avalonlanding) MAX PLENKE

Setlist

Erie County Welcomes You Back
Big Casino (Jimmy Eat World Cover)
Who You Really Are
Clark County Welcomes You
Bucyrus Heights
Have Fun In London
Old Phone Books
Save Me a Seat
Firework (Katy Perry Cover)
Two Bracelets

Basic Requirements

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