GoodNight City

Nestled in the foothills of Kennesaw Mountain lies Jesse James Dupree's recording studio. It seems fitting that within those studio walls a mountain of guitar sound was captured and subsequently pressed to form You Are Almost There. Not since the troops marched across the battlefield at Kennesaw has there been such thunderous activity in this suburb of Atlanta. From the opening drum flam in Come Down, to the closing unplugged version of Famous production quality is second to none. With Jeff Tomei on the faders (Smashing Pumpkins, Jackyl, Jerry Cantrell), Good Night City has been afforded the opportunity to utilize world class production equipment and expertise to highlight their crafty songwriting and catchy hooks.

In an era when it is becoming an epidemic that bands can't reproduce their cute recordings live, I can personally attest to this bands musical capability after catching their Atlantis set at The Cotton Club recently. They are one of the few acts that I have seen who can actually recreate their CD offerings live.

While the highlights of this disc are too numerous for this review, let me go over one track as an example. Come Down, opens up the project with a perfect arrangement and a kick drum that grabs the listener's ear and won't let go. Back ground vocals echo the chorus line to ensure that one has to spend the rest of the day with that damn hook in their head (this is how it is supposed to be folks). The mandatory octave strums of today's punk/pop bands are sprinkled for good measure by Mr. Tomei as are the little harmonies in behind the bridge. The build up out of the breakdown should please major label executives.

This disc can be summed up in a few short words: dynamic, professional, hooky and confident. If you enjoy any one of the following, Sum 41, Blink 182, Lit, or Green Day, buy this disc. Sheer ear candy. This band has raised the bar for independent recording artists. Be sure to catch this act live when they are in your City. Good Night, City
- Southeast Performer Magazine

Once in a great while an album comes along that is so addictive you wonder how you ever lived without it. You Are Almost There, the sophomore release from the Atlanta-based band GoodNight City, is one of those albums.

I first heard this band at last summer’s Atlantis Music Conference. It seemed everyone was buzzing about the young quartet of rockers.

Curious and skeptical that a group could be worthy of so much hype, I decided to check out their showcase set at the Cotton Club. Four minutes into their energy-packed show, I was hooked.

You Are Almost There, a collection of thirteen skillfully crafted tracks, can stand its ground against any rock album on the market. Veteran producer Jeff Tomei (Smashing Pumpkins, Matchbox Twenty) brilliantly captures the explosive sound of GoodNight City’s catchy hooks and driving melodies.

The upbeat opener “Come Down” is addictive enough to pull in even the most idle listener. The energy continues to pulsate from the speakers in “Move On,” a smart but comical pop tune that poses questions to would-be rock stars.

“Famous,” the first of two dynamic and thoughtful ballads, will instantly become a favorite of every listener. Its beautifully crafted guitar line lingers hauntingly throughout the duration of the song.

The second ballad, “Hollywood,” also showcases the songwriting talent and musical diversity of this young group. Dax McCall’s smooth voice floats purposefully above an enchanting backdrop before exploding into a powerful ending reminiscent of the power ballads of the eighties. The song provokes an image of lighters swaying back and forth in a sold out arena.

Another track, “Move On,” a catchy pop tune that is currently charting at college and Triple A radio stations across the Southeast, has definite stay-in-your head potential. It is rapidly becoming a favorite of XM Satellite Radio listeners and has helped propel album sales to over 2,500 units.

This album is truly praiseworthy from beginning to end. No two songs sound alike, yet all exhibit a unique style and wit that is becoming this group’s trademark. An acoustic version of “Famous” concludes the CD with a feeling of stripped-down vulnerability.

If their killer album and first-rate stage show are any indication, this band is on the fast track to superstardom. You Are Almost There blends pop and punk elements effortlessly to produce a sound that is polished, dynamic and refreshing — everything a great rock album should be.

It is an essential album for anyone who appreciates well-crafted songs and feel-good rock. If you dig Blink 182, Third Eye Blind, Cheap Trick, Sum 41 or anything in between, buy this CD — you will not be disappointed.

GoodNight City’s lineup includes Dax McCall (vocals), Blair Gilley (guitar), Chuck Pollitzer (bass) and Josh Lee (drums). The band was formed in 1999 and released its first album, Way I See The World, in 2001. - The Echo (University of Central Arkansas Newspaper)

July 16, 2004 – Atlanta-based band GoodNight City has been chosen by Playboy.com as one of the top 3 contenders in the magazine’s first ever “Search for America’s Best Unsigned Band.” The quartet beat out more than 2,000 other hopefuls to earn one of the coveted top spots.

GoodNight City and two other finalists, Orlando-based Studdogs and Gotham City natives Doxy, are currently battling it out for the number one slot. Biographies of all three bands are featured at www.Playboy.com, where fans can download tracks and vote for their favorite group. Voting will continue online until Aug. 1, and the band receiving the most nods will be crowned winner on Aug. 2.

Along with the title of “Best Unsigned Band,” the winning group will receive a spot opening for the pop-grunge band The Suicide Girls and a feature in Playboy magazine, plus other music-related prizes.

“We are so honored to have been chosen as a finalist in this contest,” GoodNight City guitarist Blair Gilley said. “To be associated with Playboy is every guy’s dream. Now we’re just waiting to see if this helps us any with the Playmates!”

The group, formed early last year, consists of Dax McCall (lead vocals/guitar), Blair Gilley (lead guitar/vocals), Chuck Pollitzer (bass), and Josh Lee (drums).

GoodNight City released its debut album You Are Almost There on Sept. 23, 2003. Music industry Website www.KingsofAR.com describes the CD as “addictive and charismatic, feel-good power pop with hints of punk and rock.” It has sold more than 2,500 copies to date.
- Press Release

September 23, 2003 – Atlanta-based rock band GoodNight City released its debut album today to rave reviews. Performer Magazine called the disc, entitled You Are Almost There, “dynamic, professional, hooky and confident,” adding that “its highlights are too numerous to review.”

Over 200 copies were preordered on the band’s Website, www.gncmusic.com.

“We’re excited that the early response has been this positive,” bassist Chuck Pollitzer said. “We’re stoked that the advance copies received positive feedback from critics, but we’re even happier about the positive reviews we’re getting from fans.”

In addition to the CD, the overwhelming positive feedback can be credited to the band’s relentless touring schedule. An average week for the group can include shows in six different states, spanning Florida to New York and back again. And while the band feels at home on the road, lead singer Dax McCall explains that nothing compares to hometown gigs.

“Touring is such an incredible thing,” McCall said. “We make friends in cities all across the country, and then we get to go back and visit them again. Every stop is great, but nowhere beats Atlanta. Atlanta is where it all began for us.”

You Are Almost There was recorded between stints on the road with the help of veteran producer Jeff Tomei (Smashing Pumpkins, Matchbox Twenty), in Kennesaw, Georgia. “Move On,” the album’s catchy first single, is being remixed by Rick Beato (Shinedown, Flickerstick).

“Move On is officially going to radio next month,” guitarist Blair Gilley said, “but some stations are already spinning the album version. Our CD includes the ‘Move On’ video as a bonus. It has footage of the band performing, goofing off and hanging out with our friends. It’s a pretty cool video and a great song.”

A reviewer from CD Baby, a popular online music store, called the single “endlessly catchy.” Industry resource Kings of A&R described the album as “addictive and charismatic, feel-good power-pop with hints of punk and rock.” Performer Magazine raved that GoodNight City has “raised the bar for independent recording artists.”

Although their CD has been in stores for less than twenty-four hours, the band is already focused on the future.

“We’re working on songs for the next album right now,” said drummer Josh Lee. “We have three ready to go and four more in the works. We want to get back into the studio as soon as we have a little break from the road.”

Until that “little break” comes, You Are Almost There is more than enough to keep fans satisfied. It can be purchased online at the band’s Website and a variety of popular Web-based music retailers. It can also be found at Tower Records, Warehouse Music and Criminal Records locations in and around Atlanta. The band will hold a CD release party this Saturday, Sept. 27, immediately following a hometown performance at the 10 High.
- Press Release

Atlanta power-pop rockers GoodNight City pack more punch in the 13 tracks of You Are Almost There than a vodka-infused cocktail on prom night. The high-energy presentation of thier infectious melodies is sure to hook fans of Green Day, Blink-182, Sum 41 and Simple Plan.

Songwriters Dax McCall and Blair Gilley offer positive messages and helpful advice. With a direct approach, GoodNight City investigates internal conflicts of self-esteem, success and over-confidence. This album is a great therapeutic tool for those who are in need of a little direction.

Nasty ex-girlfriends, broken hearts and wounded egos find their way into the foursome's sophomore album. The true gem is power ballad "Famous," which listeners get a double dose of, thanks to a bonus acoustic version. --KW - Performing Songwriter

Atlanta-based band GoodNight City will travel to Los Angeles next week to record five songs for an upcoming album. The tracks will be produced by Rick Parker (Tyler Hilton, Joe Firstman).

“We are really excited to be back in the studio again,” GoodNight City vocalist Dax McCall said. “The songs we’re working on are a notch above anything we’ve ever written, and we know Rick Parker can help take them to the next level.”

The songs, which will include crowd favorites “Rock star” and “If it’s okay,” will be released as part of a 5-song E.P. in late spring. Two additional tracks produced by Parker, a bonus song and a music video will also appear on the E.P., which will be released in conjunction with a limited-edition book.

“We decided to release our E.P. with a book because we’ve never heard of an unsigned band doing it that way,” said guitarist Blair Gilley. “The book is really cool and gives our fans an inside look at what goes on with the band.” He added that the book and E.P. will be available together online and at live shows.

A showcase for record labels and media members is in the planning stages. The show will take place in Atlanta and coincide with the release of the book and E.P. A full-length album will follow later this year.

GoodNight City consists of Dax McCall (lead vocals/guitar), Blair Gilley (lead guitar/vocals), Chuck Pollitzer (bass), and Josh Lee (drums). The band released its debut album You Are Almost There on Sept. 23, 2003. It has sold more than 3,200 copies to date.
- Press Release

ATLANTA – The eighth annual Atlantis Music Conference will draw music lovers from across the country, but on August 13, the spotlight will shine on a hometown group from the heart of Atlanta.

GoodNight City has been selected to perform at the celebrated conference for the third year in a row, event representatives announced yesterday. The group was named a “Featured Band” based on the strength of its successful album You Are Almost There and a growing reputation as one of the best unsigned bands in the region.

Hundreds of bands submitted entries to Atlantis, but only a few dozen were chosen to perform. Fewer than twenty groups were denoted as featured bands. As such, GoodNight City will receive extra attention from music scouts and a prime showcasing slot. In addition, the band will be featured on the conference’s Rock Sampler CD, which is distributed to all attendees.

Successful professionals from all facets of the entertainment industry come together each summer to scout new talent at Atlantis. Many present panel discussions to aspiring performers, offering tips and insight into the ever-changing music business.

“Atlantis is a great conference for networking,” GoodNight City singer Dax McCall said. “The panels are always awesome and we get to see a lot of our friends from other bands. It is definitely the best conference around.”

The Atlantis Music Conference begins August 10 and continues through August 13 at various Atlanta venues. GoodNight City will perform at Masquerade (Heaven) on Friday, August 12, at 10 PM.

GoodNight City was formed in 2003. The group is comprised of Dax McCall (vocals), Blair Gilley (guitar), Chuck Pollitzer (bass), and Josh Lee (drums).
- Press Release

by Michael Roffman
July 04, 2005


Bringing in the sounds of post-pop-punk with simple hook filled rock the Atlanta based, GoodNight City, headline Floyd's this Friday. While not mainstream yet, GoodNight City certainly isn't without a success story, which is reaching chapters four or five. Already the band's music circulates rock radio across the country and just last year GoodNight City was voted one of Playboy.com's top three best-unsigned bands in the nation. Skip ahead and the band is on the brink of reaching something big, perhaps that climactic battle that ends in, "happily ever after."

But of course, first GoodNight City must write those missing chapters and more importantly, someone has to read them. "Move On", the band's first single and featured on it's debut album, You Are Almost There, boasts some self-reviewing and catchy lyrics.

"Are you gonna watch the flowers bloom? / Are you going to write the next White Album? / Or maybe it's time to just move on," GoodNight City asks in its single.

GoodNight City clearly is telling a story -- and whether it's an agenda too, listeners will have to wait and see.

- FSU News

The Atlanta-based band GoodNight City rocked the University of Arkansas - Fort Smith campus April 18, bringing their special brand of music up close and personal for a group of students, staff and community members.
Concert attendees clapped and waved — and even hoisted some audience members into the air — during the two-hour event on the Campus Green. The band, known for its CD “You Are Almost There,” has played more than 500 dates at clubs and colleges in 15 states in the past four years.
Jill McCormick, director of student programs at UA Fort Smith, said the crowd was enthusiastic and that the students really enjoyed the performance, a fact echoed by Adam Shaw of Fort Smith:
“The concert really ROCKED!” said Shaw. “GoodNight City and the crowd both had a great time. I can’t wait until the next concert comes to campus.”
Chanthavy Chanhnouvong of Van Buren was also enthused about the concert:
“It was a GREAT concert and a great turnout,” Chanhnouvong said. “This shows that the school is all about having a great time while we build a wonderful future for ourselves. I enjoyed everything that went on that night — made new friends and had a great time.”
GoodNight City has been a featured performer at the Atlantis Music Conference in Atlanta, the National Association of Campus Activities (NACA) Conference in Arlington, Texas, and for industry executives at the world famous C.B.G.B. in New York City. In addition, the band was named one of the top three best unsigned bands in the country in August 2004.
GoodNight City is made up of guitarist Blair Gilley, vocalist Dax McCall, drummer Josh Lee and bassist Chuck Pollitzer. Gilley and McCall began playing shows together in Louisiana. They later moved to Atlanta. There they formed and toured briefly in a band called Field Day, where they met Pollitzer. They soon enlisted the help of Lee, regrouped, found their sound, and became the pop/punk outfit they are now.
The Arkansas Department of Health’s Stamp Out Smoking campaign hosted the smoke free rally in celebration of the UA Fort Smith campus going tobacco free on Jan. 1. On-campus sponsor of the event was the UA Fort Smith Smoke Free Activities Committee.
- UA Fort Smith News

ATLANTA – GoodNight City, one of the south’s most popular rock groups, has one more credit to add to its already impressive résumé: repeated airplay in MTV’s lineup of hit shows.

Seven songs from the band’s debut album entitled You Are Almost There, released in 2003, have been featured on the network. The group’s tracks have also been used in shows on E! and VH1.

“We are stoked to have so many of our songs on the shows,” guitar player Blair Gilley said. “We have fans letting us know they heard our music on their favorite shows all the time. It’s a great feeling!”

The band’s radio singles “Move On” and “Famous” are among the songs that have been used by the network. In addition to MTV staples like The Real World, MTV News and Room Raiders, GoodNight City’s music appeared in the Dukes of Hazard MTV Special and in the True Life series’ episode “Home from Iraq.”

“GoodNight City’s music is an easy fit at MTV,” a network staffer wrote. “They have good, solid, catchy songs that fit our shows perfectly. This band is definitely going places.”

To date, GoodNight City’s music has been included in episodes of twelve MTV shows and several others from its sister networks. The channel has voiced an interest in featuring more of the band’s music in the future, including several songs from a forthcoming album scheduled for release later this year.

GoodNight City is made up of Dax McCall (lead vocals/guitar), Blair Gilley (lead guitar/vocals), Chuck Pollitzer (bass), and Josh Lee (drums). The band’s debut album has sold more than 8,500 copies to date.
- Press Release